First Contact

We attended our first STARS class last Tuesday, the first of nine we are required to take to become foster parents. All people who have helped raise us in some way over the past 25 years will be glad to know that at the completion of this class we will be considered 'Professional Parents,' as we are employed by the state and have been trained to parent. Expect this title to follow the signing of our names in any emails, notes or Christmas cards we may (my wife) or may not (me) send your way.

All joking aside, the class was as interesting as the first class could be. Awkward introductions, quirky instructors who asked you to write your name and something you were proud of on our name cards (gag). "Hi, I'm Jeff and I'm proud of my piano playing abilities." Who says that? When coming up with a list of qualities necessary to form a good discussion group (respect, etc.) our instructor mentioned spelling was not her strong suit as she wrote the first item on the board (commitment). For the second item I suggested spelling. I thought this was clever and also hilarious. I think Laura was thinking other things.

There is a wide variety of people in the class of about 11 looking to foster or adopt. All have different reasons. Some already have children and want to adopt more. Some have children and are unable to have more. Others are looking to start a family through adoption. Some are single, and some are couples, both same and opposite sex. Some are young and some are older. Towards the end of the 3-hour session, people were opening up a little bit more. It was encouraging because I think everyone felt a little unsure of what to expect. And everyone realized that we were all in this together. All learning and asking questions and trying to figure this thing out.

Disney Movies

There are a couple of kids that were kicked out school hanging out at the office today.  They are watching the Lion King on VHS.  I am feeling so old right now. That was the movie we watched when we were home sick.  I wonder if our little munchkin will love Disney movies as much as I did as a kid? I wonder if I will embarass them when I sign all the lyrics to every song in every movie?  I wonder if they will want to be Aladdin or Buzz Lightyear for halloween?  I wonder if they will cry in Beauty and the Beast when Beast gets hurt? Maybe they will love Fox and The Hound and that movie will shape their view on friendship and loyalty? 

Wow, how did disney have such a strong hold on my childhood?  Anyway kid, I can't wait to watch movies with you when your sick, or when we have a snow day, or when it's family night or pretty much whenever we want to snuggle up under a homemade quilt.  I have a list started of movies I want to watch you watch. I want to see your face light up in the Lion King when the animals are all meeting Simba for the first time. I want to laugh with you while we watch about other kids being adopted in Dispecible Me. I want to hold your hand when we watch Finding Nemo and you realize that other kids have lost parents too.  I want to watch while you and Daddio re-inact your favor fight scene from Star Wars. I want to watch Transformers with you and tell you about your Grandpa who was in that movie (I promise to tell you tons of stories about Grandpa Joe)  I want to listen while you tell Grandma and Grandpa the stories of how the Muppets took Manhattan or about that one Muppet from Space.

Then when you get older we can watch Life is Beautiful and Jurrassic Park and Lord of the Rings and The Simpsons Movie and the list goes on and on and on.  Dad will make you watch Open Range and Thin Red Line but only when your older and you can actually sit through it. He will talk to you about what you hear and what you see.  He will teach you how to not only watch movies but to listen to them too.

Love you- L

Parenting Class

Part of the process is to take a nine week class. Three hours a week for a total of 27 hours of pre-parenting classes. This is not the "How to" of parenting. We won't go over how to change a diaper or when to go to the doctors but we will be covering more topics that will deal with the emotional well being of the child. Things like Positive reinforcement, building bonded relationships, and dealing with grief and loss will be some of the topics and discussions we will have with other soon to be foster parents. This will be an experience that can help us know where our kiddos are coming from and how to make this transition easier for them and for us. These classes will show us how to utilize our supports and how to survive this thing called parenthood. That starts next week. Some people that I have talked to agree that this class would be helpful for young parents or any parent for that matter. Even though I hated school while I was in it, I am such a learner and I am excited to take this next step. Don't worry I will post any helpful hints that we come across in this class.

Anyway, I feel so blessed by the support and encouragement we have had and continue to get from those around us. People are excited for us and are asking a ton of questions. Keep the questions coming. I want to figure this out too. Much Love!