It started really simply. When DS7 (7 today!) was born, I had already determined that being pregnant was not for me. But I love being a mom and wanted more than one. We originally fostered with the intent of adopting a sibling for our son. That was 5 1/2 years ago. Since then, ever so slowly, the numbers have crept up seemingly without notice. I think part of the reason that it happened is that we live in a monsterous house that has 6 bedrooms and the other is that we have been blessed with really good kids.
People have thoughts of horrible, axe wielding children coming into their home but it just isn't true. We've had a total of 48 placements, some long term, some short. There is only one time that we had to call and request that a child be moved due to behavior. That child has since been diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder.
I've been told by many that they could never foster as they would never be able to let the child go. That's just hasn't proven true for us. When a new child comes in, they either fit instantly or they don't. You fall in love with all of them but it's more like the love a teacher has for her students. Except for those few. And as you can see by the numbers, those few have stayed! It's harder to let go of the little ones because you are the only one they've ever known. My DS3 and DS4 both came to me as newborns and they aren't going anywhere.
We don't foster newborns anymore. We decided that DS3 is the last baby. At some point my kids need to grow up so I can have a vacation! That's not to say that we won't ever adopt again. That door is always open. But the authorities have a really hard time placing older kids and teens, so we've determined to do what we can. The two teens I have right now are kids that anyone would be proud to call their own. They are both straight A students, they are respectful and loving. Most importantly they both have their eye firmly on their futures. All of my kids, the ones that stay and the ones that go know that my door will always be open.
