Been awhile...

The past few weeks have been quite busy around here. I am fostering again, this time a younger child, and taking classes for my Masters program.

Lil M has started gymnastics and seems to really like it. I'm trying to get her into piano or violin lessons, too, but not sure when that will start. She's my shining star. She's still a very happy girl, and I can't believe she'll start Kindergarten this fall. She likes to play dress-up, and has for about the last full year. She likes to color, paint, and read books together. She knows how to spell her name and Mommy, dog and stop. I haven't been pushing too much, since she does learn some at pre-school. She's ready to go to Kindergarten, IMO, and talks about it even now. She is a compassionate child who likes being a big sister to our foster, though, she does push the limits on what is allowed and likes to try to get the baby in trouble sometimes... mostly, I think it is because she is still feeling her way in being a role model and not just an only child.

That being said, I don't think there is much chance that this foster will turn into more. As I've always looked at having a second child, I'm not 100% convinced either of us need that long-term, nor do I think that God's made that path ultimately clearly available. I am open to whatever happens, and as usual am extremely happy to be Lil M's Mama for sure. :) She is my joy.

I will say that fostering has taught me to be a better parent, both when I had a teen and now that I have a little one. It teaches me to try to be sensitive and open to Lil M's needs and not just get bogged down with the day-to-day life stuff (other than her that stress me out, causing me to not always be pleasant). No one is pleasant all the time, but I know that I want to show her that Mommy won't take out a bad day on her. That's a continual process for me, as my parents were a bit standoffish in some ways.... and I find that I can have that tendency when I get home from a long day.

Actually, overall we're doing very well. Having a child does teach you where some of your flaw are, doesn't it? And since I want to be the very best parent to her as I can, I'd rather try to work on those thereby, hopefully, making her better for it, too. :)

Oh, and last weekend we went to a book signing at a local bookstore. I was recognized from this blog, and I just want to give a shout out to Laura (please tell me that I'm rembering correctly, I was a bit frazzled that day!!) ... I was shocked and honored that you stopped by and said hello. :D It was awesome! I have been addicted to following peoples' blogs for years, and to know that there are people out there who still follow our journey is amazing to me. :) Congrats to you and your little one, who was just adorable!! We enjoyed the book signing and Lil M did great. The littlest one didn't do as well, and cried when she saw the helper guy with a beard. Of course, later we found out that she was a bit fussy because she was on the verge of getting sick... but that's a story for another time. lol

Peace.