Lawrence's Shadow

The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity as we are adjusting to having an 11 (almost 12) year old boy in our family, helping Coralyn get used to being a little sister, keeping both of the kids busy (and trying to find things they both enjoy doing, at the same time), figuring how to enroll a kid in MIDDLE SCHOOL, and learning more about how the foster system works.

Wednesday was our first full day as a family of four. We made it a full day, indeed. To start, we walked to the park. Of course Coralyn wanted to swing while Lawrence and Shadow (the nickname I have given our foster kiddo) threw a football around. Next, we went to the library to get Shadow a library card and check out a few books for everyone. Then we were off to Wal-Mart to pick up a few items. And that was all before lunch! While Coralyn took a nap, a service worker came over to meet Shadow and get a feel for how things are going with everyone. After Coralyn woke up from her nap (the one day this week that she has actually slept in her big girl bed), we headed to the community center to swim. That evening we played the Wii and watched "So You Think You Can Dance." Before Shadow went to bed we read a chapter together from the book he picked at the library and then a few verses from Mark. By the time we hit the pillow that night, we were exhausted!

Yesterday was our second full day, and it was another busy one. Lawrence and Shadow went to school to do some testing to see what grade Shadow will be in this year, and got some work done in Lawrence's classroom. Once the test was complete, Lawrence was able to get all the paperwork we will need to fill out to enroll Shadow in Middle School! Augh, how can that be? We are going to have a kid in MIDDLE SCHOOL?!!! Later that afternoon I spent a couple hours tutoring a former student, so Lawrence and Shadow were off again to run some errands. Almost right after they got back, Lawrence had to head out to switch some mixed up luggage from camp, and of course, Shadow wanted to tag along. (Have you figured out where I got the nickname yet? :) As soon as they got back, Lawrence and I had to leave for our first class on becoming foster-to-adopt parents. Kaylee Sue was amazing and watching both kiddos for us. I am pretty sure they kept her busy! And she must have worn Coralyn out, because the girl just woke up this morning, at 9:30! That's a new record for her!

We have tried to establish routine already and get Shadow ready for school, so bedtime has supposed to been around 9. But last night we didn't end up leaving his room until after 10 since we were having such a good conversation. We read our chapter from his book, a few more verses from Mark, and then talked about our character trait of the day (since we didn't get to do it at supper). Honestly, we were going to hold off on the character trait until today, but Shadow reminded us and asked if we could, so of course we said SURE! That led to some discussions about school and church and what life will look like for him in our home since he's in the foster care system. It's hard because next week is his birthday, so he wants his family to come and some friends too, but that just isn't possible with his particular situation. And from what he's said, this will be his first birthday party ever. He's going to be 12! And he's never had a birthday party?! Ah, my heart breaks!

Well, we finally got to bed. Before he did though, we mentioned the plans for today, and when Lawrence said he was going to work out this morning, Shadow asked if he could go along. At 7 a.m.! So this morning Lawrence got Shadow up and off they went to the community center. They lifted weights and swam and had a great work out together. I'm not sure what Shadow is going to do come Monday when Lawrence has to go back to work, and Shadow will be "stuck" at home with me (and my daycare kiddos).

Okay, I gotta run. We have another full day ahead of us. Thank you so much for your prayers as we continue to adjust to having an almost 2 year old and a pre-teen. Life is always the adventure, isn't it!