At almost 18 months in, where we are now

Time seems to be flying by these days. Our house is undergoing major renovations, the kids are already half way through the school year and CD is going to be turning 3 in February.

Our foster care license is due to expire at the and of January so we are in the process of a renewing it. I can't believe that we have been licensed for three years already. I was really nervous that the System would have concerns over the construction but they told me not to worry, that they can inspect and get the paperwork in on time and come out again later. It was such a relief. I thought we may have to move out for a while because of the open electrical stuff.

We have yet to hear from a new case manager. An adoption case manager was supposed to be assigned to us within 5 days of December 20th, our last court date. Nothing surprises me anymore. I think I will reach out to my old case manager though, I don't want anything else getting delayed due to System inefficiencies.

While CD gets easier to parent as she gets older, between the construction and CD's love of dumping things out of anything and everything, my house is in such a constant state of disarray! CD makes up for it in spades though. She'll tells each of us, at different random moments, "you are my favorite friend." I get more kisses, hugs, snuggles and "I love you mom" than I could possibly count. Last night she hugged me and said, "you are my cutie mom." What a kid. Knowing that she probably won't be this loving as a tween or teen (as most have to lash out at their moms at that time), I am appreciating all the affection I am getting now so I can reflect on it later when I get an, "I hate you mom" or "but all the other girls are allowed to wear them!"