Granny

Rachel and Dave received two foster daughters last month.  Here are a couple of their facebook posts:

 Dave:   Last Thursday two darling sisters, ages 8 and 2, came to stay with us. It has been a whirlwind - diapers, laundry, toys, homework, and everything in between! We've absolutely loved playing hide and seek, telling bedtime stories, playing in the bath, walking with a stroller, cuddling, making dinner together, helping with reading, girls' movie nights, waking up in the middle of the night (multiple times), decorating bedrooms, Halloween costume preparations, hairstyling, playing dress up, peek-a-boo, play doh, coloring books, and constantly telling the dog to stop eating toys. We don't know how long they'll be with us, but we're cherishing every minute.

Rachel:   Let me just tell you that the girls in our home are not the kids in foster care you typically hear about. They are polite and respectful. They help out around the house. They try whatever food is put in front of them. They get along well with each other. They are outgoing and make friends easily. They are very affectionate. They are kind to our dog. They behave just like other 8- and 2-year-olds. They just need a place to stay and a lot of love. We're happy to give it to them!

 The support (fb comments) they have received from friends and family is heart-warming:
    Tears!!! I am sooooo happy for you!!!! 
   As a social worker, I would die to place all of the kids I work with in your home. I would have no concerns and would know that they would be so well taken care of and most importantly, I would know they were receiving unconditional love from two God fearing people. Thanks for being the poster child for foster parenting, you two!! 
   I can't even express how happy I am for you! I love how you put the things most people don't even think about, like carrying a diaper bag and having toys all over the house. It just makes it seem that much more real. It's crazy how someone so little can help heal all those years of pain. You are going to be amazing!

As the comment about "years of pain" stated, this new adventure is a joyful development in R&D's dream of being parents. As Rand and I drove away from our first visit with them, my heart was filled by seeing lights on in the two previously unoccupied bedrooms at R&D's house. It amazes me how four people can appear to fit together so quickly. And how parenting skills can be honed overnight with love and faith. They're incredible!
 
So we can't post pictures of them online for confidential reasons but here's a sweet photo that's allowed. 

A side bonus is that I felt like a real grandma on my 60th birthday. (Thanks for the tshirt, Tom and Shirl). The 8-year-old calls us Granny and Gramps.

Which we officially will be in February!

Ted and Elise's little boy