Foster Mama Drama: What I Have Learned, so far.

I know that I am skipping my Saturday and Sunday post. 

I'll get to them, sometime, maybe?

I have decided to live on the wild side and post our of order.

We are all adjusting to our new family of 7.  Wow, that sounds weird!  

There is progress every single day. 

I have taken them all to church without the hubby (who was absent for very good reasons) twice now, and have learned how we all can make it home alive. 

I have learned how to line up 5 plates on the new kitchen island, and feed them all in what seems

like cafeteria style.  

I have found a way to get all 5 kids bathed in a short period of time without running out of hot water...honestly, there may have been a little bit of yelling involved. 

I have learned that my husband needs to take the lead with CM sometimes because she responds so well to him, and I have to be okay with that. 

I have learned that when 3 little ones (ages 22 months, almost 3yrs., and 4yrs.) are thrust into a transition requiring shared parents and siblings, time, space, toys, and attention...there will be frequent bickering, behavioral backlash at times (this includes my own behavior), and a lot of time and attention

spent monitoring, correcting, and modeling.  

I have learned (once again) that consistency when handling behaviors is soooooo important. 

I have also learned that maintaining consistent consequences and reacting calmly  is absolutely exhausting!

I have learned that these children are filled with love and patience for me and their new sibling(s).

J said the other day (despite their bickering that day), "Mom, I am so glad that I don't have to miss CM anymore."  

And just today, CM became really sad as we took J to the bus for preschool.  She said, "Mommy, I am going to miss J." and she ran to hug her.  J's response was, "Do you need me to give you a kissing hand?" (If you don't know the book, you kiss the palm of the person's hand so that they can take their "kissing hand" wherever they go and know how much they are loved.)  J kissed CM's little hand and placed it on her cheek and they hugged...I melted. 

I have learned that I have to rely on and trust, God.

I have learned, over and over, we are so blessed to have family and friends to love all of our children no matter how they came to be in our lives.  

I have learned that my husband is a saint.

Mostly, I have learned that I still have a lot to learn.

What have you learned from your kids lately?