Month 13
Firstly many apologies for the delay in writing this entry. Let us explain.
THE CHILDREN ARE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!! They are both so adorable and so lovely and we are so lucky as they have settled in so well.
The Judge granted the Freeing Order and it was agreed Sunday 20th March was the date when we would first meet the children and spend a week near their home town getting to know them.
The day arrived and actually we were both quite calm. We met Sarah at our accommodation and she talked through how the introduction would go at the Foster Home. We had made up photo albums and a video of us both that the children had seen and we had bought them a toy each that was evident in the album and video. We took these toys with us and also wore the same clothes that we were wearing in the last photo.
We arrived at the Foster Home and Jean their Foster Mum answered the door, then two little children came rushing to us shouting - 'Our new Family'. That was truly amazing!!! We spent only an hour with them as the introductions have to happen gradually.
We were so happy that night and went out for a lovely meal to celebrate.
The next day we met Chris and then went to the placement meeting. This was a long meeting and involved all details of the children and the various support we would both receive. We spent an hour that afternoon with the children and played games with them.
The rest of the week was spent seeing the children for longer periods each day. We took them to the park and an indoor play area and we had really good fun.
We were staying in a chalet whilst we were being introduced to Rachel and Simon and this was such a great idea and one that we would recommend to anyone. The week was hard, and because of the distance involved it would not have been possible to drive there and back each day. At the end of each day we were absolutely exhausted - more emotionally than anything and having a 'home' to stay in was so much better than a hotel room. We needed our own space plus it was an ideal place to bring the children to and we could cook for them like in a family unit.
I did find it really hard at the Foster Home. Jean was great and has done a fantastic job with the children but it is her home and I found it very difficult. The children were quite manic and having to tell them off and to be calm was hard in front of someone - I felt like I was being judged even though I wasn't.
Throughout the whole week, we had regular contact with Chris and Sarah and this was vital. We both needed someone to talk to at different times and it had to be with people that knew what we were going through. Michelle and Tom, Julie and Darren were also amazing and listened to us cry, moan and just talk!!!
We came home on the Friday evening and the children and Jean came to ours for the day on the Saturday. We baked cakes, played with some toys and watched a film before they had to leave.
Sunday was our day of rest!!! The next week the children were hopefully moving in.
We drove to where they were living on the Monday morning where again we met Chris for an update and then had a review meeting. This was a really good meeting and everyone involved was positive about the introductions and decided that yes, Rachel and Simon could move in on Wednesday. We then had a meeting with the Birth Mum. This was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. It was very emotional and only lasted a short while but I am so pleased we both managed to do it.
On the Tuesday we took the children to school and nursery and they said their goodbyes to their teachers and friends - another emotional day for everyone.
Wednesday morning arrived and we went to pick them up from Jeans. Sarah was there with Jane. We had already been told that the 'hand-over' would be quick so as not to disrupt the children too much. They were so excited and eager to get in the car. We had both said our 'thank yous' to Jean the night before but thanked her again and promised to be in touch.
The drive home was surreal but they played happily with their sticker books without a care in the world. We came home unpacked and spent the rest of the day playing and we all went for a long walk. Michelle and Tom came that night with tea (THANK YOU!!!) and we had a great day.
Our lives have changed completely and even though it can be very hard work the rewards are amazing. We have had to get into a routine very early on as the children need this and we have had to be very disciplined in all that we do. They have settled in so well and the change in them has been remarkable.
Again we have had constant contact with Chris and Sarah and they have also visited to make sure all is going well.
Unfortunately I have been really poorly with a chest infection and have had two lots of antibiotics and steroids. Apparently this is quite normal to be ill but it totally knocked me for six. Thank goodness for my Mum and Dad who were able to help when we needed.
Rachel has started her new school and absolutely loves it and Simon loves his new nursery.
They are very happy children and a real joy to know.
I have to sign off know as Simon is awake from his afternoon nap and we need to get ready for the school run.
Clare and Jeremy
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