dimple
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Post by dimple on Jan 2, 2014 18:35:08 GMT
Dear Intros Diary,
So our first diary entry!! How exciting.
Well we have met out little boy and he is just gorgeous.
We both woke up about 7am after a fairly restless night. All three children were still asleep, thats unheard of, so a quiet start to the day. We all got ready to leave the house about 9.30am. Intros were due to start at 12noon so that gave us plenty of time to drop the children off with DH parents, have a chat and go over the the foster carers. We got a phone call about 10am from our SW to say that LO's SW has been called into court for and emergency and so another SW would be meeting us there. LO's SW seems to missing most meetings!!
We got to the FC for about 11.40am and expected to wait outside as we were told to wait outside until we met with SW. Anyway FC spotted us and came to door with LO and invited us in. Our first sight of him. He is so cute, smaller that we expected, but thats possibly because our children are 5,6 and 9 so you loose track of sizes. We went in and chatted and put his toy of the floor for him he came and got it fairly soon and took it back to FC. We has brought some bubbles with us and these he loved. Very quickly he was coming over to us and wanting the bubbles. He did so well. By the end of the hour he had cuddled us both, brought us our big pictures we had had done for him and we had looked at his intros book. He then snuggled up with DH who read him an In thethe night garden story. LO did amazingly well, but also I think FC is very good. She gave him cuddles and support but encouraged him to bring the bubbles and other toys to us.
We have gone though the bridging plan again and the times sorted out so they are much better and take account of LO nap times. We are at the FC all day tomorrow and will be going out with LO, all be it with the FC initially.
After our hour there, which ended up nearer an hour and half, we left and went for some lunch. We then went back to DH's parents. We had taken some photos and videos which they all loved. Our children watched the video loads of times. They had lots of questions for us and were really interested in LO and what is was like. They meet him on Saturday.
So now making tea for three kids and stealing ten mins to type this.
My mum arrives tonight, collecting her from airport at 8pm. She is part way here, she phoned from the airport she changed planes at. I haven't seen my mum since May due to the distances involved so really looking forward to collecting her to tonight.
LO was absolutely lovely, just as he has been described. He seems to be a content and confident little boy. No doubt we will see other sides to him over the next week or so but we are off to fantastic start.
He is such a lovely little boy and we are so happy.
Not sure if I will be able to write to you tomorrow,Dear Intros Diary, due it being a full day but will if I can.
Dimple
P.S We need a name for LO.
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Post by oogleschnook on Jan 2, 2014 19:25:32 GMT
Congratulations, that sounds lovely! The start of your life as a family of 6....! So very exciting
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2014 21:10:15 GMT
Ooooh Dimple he sounds gorgeous! Looking forward to hearing more about him and your intro's whenever you get a chance, although it sounds like you will have your hands full. Four kids - I take my hat off to you.
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Post by knight on Jan 2, 2014 21:41:41 GMT
Ahh, he sounds wonderful and good positive moves towards you both and, as you say, very good FCs who are so crucial to successful intros: I am so hoping my future child's are like that and prepare her well. Keep us updated is you can (not easy especially with 3 other children). Enjoy the next few days x
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goat
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Post by goat on Jan 3, 2014 0:59:42 GMT
Lovely start for you and your family, congratulations.
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Post by moo on Jan 3, 2014 7:24:13 GMT
WoW dimple such a joy to read.... Thanx so much for finding the time to write.... I love intro diary's hope you can find five mins to update fabbo....
So glad all was so brill on first meeting... Long may it last.....
Can't wait for day 2 xxxx ( great to have your mum on hand at this amazingly exciting time x)
Xx. moo. Xx
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Post by moo on Jan 3, 2014 7:42:21 GMT
Oh & as for a name you will be surprised he will tell you one over the next week I am sure... dimple = smile= smiler maybe??? But I would wait for him to help you!! Happy Times.....
XX. moo. Xx
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Post by chotimonkey on Jan 3, 2014 13:34:24 GMT
He sounds soon gorgeous!! Congratulations on meeting your little man... Love hearing about your intros, hope all is going well today
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dimple
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Post by dimple on Jan 3, 2014 22:53:38 GMT
Dear Intro's Diary,
We are knackered!!
Its been a lovely lovely day, but very tiring.
So we got up this morning about 7am, all three children still asleep so again a fairly quiet start to the day. We got ready and sorted out packed lunch to take with us before anyone stirred. My mum was looking after the children today so that made it easy for us as we could leave her to sort out breakfasts, dressing and bathing.
We arrived at FC about 9am and we have had a lovely day with Smiler (thanks moo, its the perfect name for our smiling LO). He has a nap about 10am so FC was trying to keep him awake. So we were able to take him for a little walk up the road to the playpark, on our own, we were away only about 20 mins but it was enough time to get him to nap time. He did really well just with us. He is definitely identifying with DH which is lovely. While he was napping we have a chat with FC who knows a lot about birth mum so that was useful and interesting for Smiler's future.
Smiler woke about 11.30ish, FC brought him down from his room and after he had had time to come round he was happy to come to us. I fed him lunch, DH couldn't as it was a wheat based meal and he cannot taste it to check temperature as he has coeliac's desease (gluten intolerance). This meant I gave Smiler both lunch and tea, which was nice as he is gravitating to DH.
This afternoon we took Smiler out to another park to feed the ducks, this meant a trip in the car, we then went to a cafe for a coffee and a little snack for Smiler. About 2 hours on our own with him which was lovely. The FC couldn't be more welcoming, but is nice to be on our own. We were both really surprised we could take him out ourselves today but what a nice surprise.
When we got back we played for a bit, then helped bath Smiler and get him into PJ's. Then it was tea and snuggle up to watch In the Night garden and then bed for Smiler.
A very full day but a really good day. We have played and played. We feel we have seen a lot of our new son and he of us. Still very early days but going in the right direction. He is a content boy and a lot of credit is due to the FC for this.
A few problems today but these revolve around the lack of input from smiler's SW, for example, she has not contacted the FC at all since mid dec. It is only because the FC and our SW are so experienced that problems have been averted. If they weren't so experienced there would be the potential for problems.
We left after Smiler went to bed and headed home. The three children had had a lovely day with Granny and Granny had tea ready for us when we got home. What a treat. Chatted to the children a lot and showed them photos and videos. Our youngest (just turned 5) is nervous about meeting Smiler, but not sure if she is also excited and cannot tell the feelings apart. We chatted for a while and she settled to sleep.
As it happens I am nervous about tomorrow. Its a big step for all 4 to meet. Our 3 BC will stay about 2 hours and then be collected by DH's parents. Hopefully that will be about the right amount of time for them to meet each other but not too much for 4 children to be in one room together. If it is dry we may be able to go to the local playpark.
So another big day tomorrow. Off for some well earned sleep and fortunately, latish starts for Saturday and Sunday.
Hope this all made sence, determined to get as much written down as possible while it is fresh in my mind as I hope this will be a record for the future.
Thanks for all the lovely comments.
Dimple
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Post by moo on Jan 4, 2014 6:32:05 GMT
Wow dimple such a joy to read you all sound so very happy... Wonderful to be pushing a pram / buggy again eh mummy!!
Such a brill idea to have mum around to help out for the daytime & tea ready bliss
as you say big & very exciting day tomorrow... Bet your dd is nervy coz she has never been a big sis before!!
Lovin' reading your intros you sound so happy & I am envious your f/c sounds absolutely wonderful... Smiler ( great name!!) sounds really very chilled... Long may it last... Such a little boy lovely coz it makes funnelling all the easier... Just you wait he'll be scooting around before you know it... ( bottom scoots are just my fave!!)
Keep it coming.... Thanx just lovin' it......
Xx. moo. Xx
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2014 6:44:16 GMT
Wow - What a fab FC!! Getting to take Smiler (love the name) out on your own on the second day of intro's is amazing! She obviously has a lot of confidence in you and DH. I suppose because you are experienced parents helps as she knows you know what you are doing, but how great that you can spend time with him on your own. Think you are right to be a bit apprehensive about your other children meeting and think it is great that you have set a time limit on it as it could be overwhelming for all of them. Your BC will naturally feel a bit odd seeing their mum with another baby, but I'm sure they will love being big sisters/brothers? once you all get to know each other. Be warned though, I remember my EDD (came home when 2) and she hated seeing me holding any other babies when at toddler groups or with friends. She really didn't like it at all, so you may get some jealousy, although your youngest is 5 so may be more understanding. Looking forward to hearing more when you can.
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Post by nomoretears on Jan 4, 2014 12:15:16 GMT
Wow, sounds lovely! (My last LO was Smiler though so it's strange reading that name here!!) It's good that your BC are being spoilt by Granny, the next few weeks are going to be strange for them and they deserve a bit of me time while they can get it. Day 2 sounds incredibly full on, no wonder you're knackered! I was going to say it'll get easier when Smiler comes home but with 4 children it probably won't!!
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Post by leo on Jan 4, 2014 20:33:51 GMT
It sounds lovely Dimple, I hope today with all 4 children together has also gone well.
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Post by ceci on Jan 4, 2014 21:44:14 GMT
Hope today went well with all the children together. Looking forward to reading your next entry….
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dimple
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Post by dimple on Jan 5, 2014 22:58:35 GMT
Dear Intros Diary,
Such a busy time trying to balance the needs of all, but all seems to be going well.
Saturday and Sunday have following the same pattern, go to FC for 1 pm with the children and they have been collected at 3.30pm by their grandparents. We have stayed until Smiler's has gone to bed giving us time to get home before bedtime for Happy, Jolly and giggler (hope you like the names!).
Saturday was the first time all four met, so Happy, Jolly and giggler were super excited. They did so well to contain theirselves and not overwhelm smiler. We play at the FC for about an hour then went to the play park for about half an hour. We got back at 2.30pm in time for smiler's snack. We sat all four down together at the table and they all had a snack together and that was lovely. They then all played until Happy, Jolly and Giggler were collected by DH's parents. Jolly was upset about going as he loves Smiler and was going to miss him. We promised we would take more pictures for him and he was ok with this. We then had a little quiet time with Smiler before bathing him, PJ's on and feeding him tea. We put Smiler to bed and then set off home. So all in all a very good day and it seems to be a bit of a turning point with Smiler and he is definitely identifying with us both.
Today has been a really good day. We spent time this morning doing things with Happy, Jolly and Giggler. DH played with lego with Happy and Jolly and I made soap (from a kit I hasten to add) with giggler. Then a quick lunch and off to FC. Our SW said to get there a bit earlier today so we got there about 20 mins early, played for about half an hour and then went to the park so all four in the car. That went well. Stay at parking for an hour and then to same cafe as other day for coffee and snacks for all. The children were so good (I think we may have got the wrong kids from the park!!), a woman came over to us and said you have your hands full there but you are like the queen, 3 boys and a girl!! She said they were all lovely. The was such a happy moment. Then back to FC to play and then Happy, Jolly and Giggler were collected again. Jolly was ok today as he had brought his tablet to photograph and video Smiler.
Again some quiet time, then bath, tea, some more quiet time and bed. Then off home to see Happy, Jolly and Giggler.
It couldn't have gone better this weekend and such a relief too as it was so important to us all as a family.
Few niggles, FC wants intros to stay as long intros as they haven't had a farewell party yet and they want to tie it in with a family occasion, also we suspected but it was confirmed to today that they call themselves Mummy and Daddy to LO.
We have spend just about every waking hour of LO with LO since Friday and have done everything for him. He is really responding to us, I was bouncing him on my hip as I do Giggler yesterday and saying "wheres my kiss?" as I do to her, wasn't really thinking about what I was saying and LO gave me a great big kiss! It was lovely. He is really cuddly to us today.
We have a long day again tomorrow, 8am til bedtime. Been busy tonight as Happy, Jolly and Giggler back at school in the morning so been trying to make sure everything is ready for them and confirming arrangements for lifts to Cubs, beavers and rainbows. We have some very good friends who are helping us greatly, a few bottle of wine as thankyous are in order I think!
All in all it couldnt be going better, although I am not looking forward to the review meeting as there as going to be discussions over placement day and I feel we are kind of in the middle. We feel LO will cope with a move on Friday, however CC wants him to stay for this family occasion which I understand is very important to her. But this does cloud what is in the best interest of Smiler. If he does need more intro days we are happy to do that, but for the right reasons. I feel uncomfortable as I really like the FC and her and her husband are excellent to the children they look after. It will be a relief when intros are over. It seems mad saying this when they are going so well, I am so glad we have got good FC, my heart goes out to parents who have to cope with the long hours and the emotional journey without FC support.
Sorry a bit of a ramble but trying to clear my mind and get my thoughts in have order.
We are looking forward to tomorrow, we will be out on our own with LO virtually all day so the should be lovely.
Not going to spell or grammer check this - sorry!!!! My bed is calling....
Dimple
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Post by moo on Jan 6, 2014 6:01:52 GMT
Hey dimple things are sounding absolutely brilliant!!! Wonderful account of your last two days.... Amazing... love the lady who said you were just like the queen 3 & 1!!! Fab eh!!
Sad about the f/c she sounds so amazing I am surprised therefore that she is pushing to hang onto smiler too long ( IMHO as you say if it's not really in his best interests ) fear not that is what the review is for....wait for your glowing reports about how well it is going.... Your comments & opinions will be listened to too & recorded... How well happy, jolly & giggler ( Great Names) are adjusting & how keen they are for smiler to be home.... Maybe once you start having days at home things will fast forward... Your s/w needs to be in the picture about progress & weather f/c has thought thro what is best for smiler.... If she agrees with you then I am sure she will put her foot down.....
Good Luck with the school run... You are coping amazingly with so many things going on at once....
Loving your intros can't wait for the next installments.....
Xx. moo. Xx
P.s. my boys f/c was the complete opposite to yours ( very sad coz the experience has scarred us all for different reasons...) BUT she had a 'mad' plan to delay move in & crowed to me that she always got her way & xxx just wasn't happening.... At the review all reports in s/w very pleased with baa skweek & my progress & disregarded everything f/c said & **brought forward ** move in day!!! My point just don't worry carry on being you report honestly at the review & s/w experience will do the rest.... Xxx
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Post by oysterbabe on Jan 6, 2014 9:01:52 GMT
Coming to this slightly later than I hoped but read right through and it all reads wonderfully! Seems like you got to do loads of care and going out from the off, how lovely! Even Friday seems too long to me just reading it as an observer ....going so well and lovely that the other three children are so happy and joining in taking pictures etc.
congratulations!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2014 10:41:26 GMT
Wow you sound remarkably together considering all that you are juggling. As an experienced parent you should be allowed to use your own judgement as to when Smiler seems ready to come home. I can totally understand FC wanting to hang on to him for the family occasion, but really will that help Smiler, I don't think so. Too much activity and he will probably be passed from person to person, being hugged and kissed and generally getting too much attention as everyone says their goodbyes. I am no child pyschologist, but how can that possibly help his attachment to you and DH and it is a lot to contend with for a 13 month old. I would have a quiet word with your SW to voice your concerns before the meeting. If she agrees with you, then she should be the one to suggest that Smiler should come home BEFORE the family party/event. Also if you are on good terms with FC then this isn't goodbye, you will be staying in touch with them. Also FC has had plenty of time to arrange goodbye visits for her family and friends and anyone she feels needs this and this should all have been done before intro's started. Intro's are all about his NEW family and maybe she needs a gentle reminder from your SW about this. Love your children's new user names by the way, and especially love that the lady in the cafe thought Smiler was part of your family already. You must have a big car to fit all 4 in! How about re-naming DH - Beamer?
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Post by flowerywellies on Jan 6, 2014 11:48:22 GMT
Hi Dimple
It sounds like your intro's are going so well. I hope you manage to get placement date sorted without causing too much upset. It has to be right for smiler! I start intro's tomorrow and feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. It was interesting to read that you were able to take smiler out on your own so early. My intro's are planned to last 7 days but not taking LO out till day 5 which I thought was quite late. I will discuss it at the placement planning meeting! Hope all continues to go well as you are now a family of six! Best Wishes Flowery Wellies
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Post by kizim on Jan 6, 2014 12:31:39 GMT
Congratulations Dimples...your diary took me back some years. İ remember that crazy time of travelling between work home Fc's. When intros where with my youngest dd, bigsis got fed in the back of the car more than once. İ too was lucky in having two good FC's who were really helpful....however beware the family party! My eldest dd's foster family had a party on the day İ was taking her home. They had been accused of hitting a Fchild (later charges dropped) so my dd may have been the last fchild - all the others had already göne. İ was a single adopter - the SW's all left after the signing as they were not allowed to be with an accused Fc...and İ carried my 2yr old rigid and screaming to the car with half of the kids from her estate calling...she doesn't want to go. Horrible experience.
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Post by gilreth on Jan 6, 2014 14:48:51 GMT
Sqk's FC very sensibly arranged party in middle weekend of Intros (started on a Monday for us so easier) but he is older so had a longer set of Intros planned from start.
Sounds like it is all going great at the moment - brings back memories - it's 3 months tomorrow since we started ours. Hope it all continues to go well for you.
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Post by nomoretears on Jan 6, 2014 17:36:09 GMT
Sorry don't have much time to write now but wanted to put something from FC point of view. We don't always get lots of notice about children moving (yes we have vague dates but nothing definite often until the week before). Our friends and families do well to attend goodbye parties at the last minute, bearing in mind they have lives too and due to confidentiality might not even be aware our foster children are moving until the child themself has been told. I cannot stress enough how important it is for the children around us to say goodbye to each child who leaves, and for the child to be able to see that their friends are happy for them to move on - remember a lot of them have already been removed from one set of friends with no chance to say goodbye at all.
I understand that from an adopters point of view an extra day or two seems like forever when you're waiting to begin your new lives. But if I had a big family do coming up I'd be pushing for that to be a goodbye party too, probably. I know my family simply wouldn't have time to attend two parties so close together, and I'd hate a child to move without a goodbye.
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Post by imp on Jan 6, 2014 18:20:49 GMT
As FCs we always have a small gathering (for my children and Grandchildren) either before Intros start, of while Intros are still based at our house---but that is just the way we do it---all families are different. I would however agree with nmt that you are only talking about a couple of days, hardly a blink of an eye in the life you will have with your new LO. Actually, Intros are about the child, leaving one family environment and joining another--that is all they know. Please don't anyone underestimate the impact on the child of leaving their FCs, whatever you may think of their parenting of that child (that is a generalised statement, not in any way addressing anyone who has posted)
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dimple
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Post by dimple on Jan 6, 2014 22:31:59 GMT
Dear Intros Diary,
Been another full day but a really lovely day. We were at FC for 8am and left when we had put Smiler to bed. Then it was off home to see Happy, Jolly and Giggler and put them to bed.
We have been out a lot today with Smiler and that was lovely. He is definitely relaxing with us. Really felt for FC today, she was very upset when explaining what she was packing for Smiler. She was as professional as she could be but it was heart breaking. We had a little cry together. I have to say, although we have a couple of niggles, these really are niggles and nothing more, she has been a fabulous parent to Smiler and the way he is coping is due to his foster family.
In response to NMT and LOBS, I do understand that foster families need to say good bye and in some cases there is little notice. In this case the start date has been known for a month and it was agreed that the farewell party would be before the intros began, also, the FC does not want to review the placement date as this is how she does it and it doesn't take into account how Smiler is coping so this is a niggle but not a big problem. I do agree it has to be right for Smiler and I also agree a couple of days is not a problem. Our SW feels he is ready to move Friday and the FC is getting no support, neither her SW or Smilers SW have contacted her. TBH we do feel in the middle with all this. We understand the FC wanting to do things her way (and she is good at it) and what she feels is best for Smiler. Also, I understand our SW wanting to move Smiler when the time is right. If he has to stay the weekend in order to allow a farewell party at the family occaision we are actually ok with that. We will still have him all day at our house both Saturday and sunday and it will maintain the really good relationship we have with the FC which is essential for Smiler. Sorry this is a bit of a ramble, but its all a little frustrating is this and kind of irrelevant to Smiler. He is doing well, we are doing well, FC is doing well, Social service support for FC and LO are sadly lacking. FC has not been contacted at all. All in all I am dreading the review meeting which is sad as we couldn't ask for better intros. As much as we, and in particular, Happy, Jolly and Giggler want Smiler to be placed as soon as as possible, I do just want to say that we are happy with Monday. We are meeting our SW before the review meeting so we are decidibg overnight whether to just say that to her or to be guided by her. Its so difficult as we respect both and both have many years experience.
Anyway, happier (or less confusing) things!! Lovely day, basically has Smiler the whole waking day. Did everything for him, and he is really responding to us, lots of giggles, playing, splashing in the bath, happy times. We are so lucky that we have been able to spend such a lot of time with him and so much in our own. Again, we have the FC to thank for this.
When we were putting Giggler to bed tonight she asked "Is Smiler really coming forever?" We cuddled her and said yes. She gave us huge cuddles and kisses and was so happy.
Am off to bed now, please excuse the rambling bits....
Dimple
P.s Beamer is perfect name for DH!! Off to tell him now!!!
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dimple
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Post by dimple on Jan 6, 2014 22:35:39 GMT
Sorry should have said in response to IMP and NMT not LOBs.
Night night!!
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Post by imp on Jan 7, 2014 1:07:01 GMT
So pleased that all is going well, and sincerely hope that the review meeting goes well Please don't think that my post was in any way a criticism of you, more a general thought for everyone re Intros. It really does sound as though you are going to have a lovely family of four delightful LOs
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Post by moo on Jan 7, 2014 6:38:19 GMT
Yay dimple.... As ever a joy to read.... You all ( Beamer, happy, jolly & giggler,smiler & YOU ) all sound wonderfully prepared & ready.... So glad you got a full day to-day lovin' that smiler sounds so relaxed & coming so readily to you.... Fantastic f/c.... I think you are amazing you are taking on so much & all in your stride.... By so much i mean you are really thinking about your wonderful f/c & are clearly in tune with how she might be feeling.... It is so tuff or you what with all the other powerfully amazing emotions that happen during intros.... You have prepared your whole family equally well for this it shines off the page... So sad the poor f/c hasn't had any support.... She sounds truly amazing & clearly loves your smiler to bits So so sad for her.... I bet in her heart she 'knows' he is ready on move on & I bet she will change her mind about him staying. ( at the review ) but it will be so tuff for her & will prolly even ruin her family function.... How sad is that..... I mean no offence this is so about smiler & you all, his new family but f/c seems so professional & unsupported in this it must be sooo hard or you to stand your ground for smilers sake knowing she is in bits.... So don't envy you
Anyhoo just try & leave the decision now to your s/w & enjoy your wonderful little boy..... Thanx so much for your diary it is shiny & happy & you sound a superb match.....
Xx. moo. Xx
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Post by nomoretears on Jan 7, 2014 9:23:52 GMT
Firstly a little apology to Dimples - I didn't mean to take your diary post off on a tandem, I just really sympathise with your FC as I know every bit of the pain she'll be feeling. Sadly (or maybe not) the better the FC the harder they will find it to let go. Generally speaking at least!
It's wonderful to read how well your family are gelling together, and great that Smiler is bonding so well.
Hope you have another happy day today x
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Post by knight on Jan 7, 2014 19:49:08 GMT
Ahh, Dimple, I'm so pleased that intros are going so well for all of you; you sound very level headed and practical (which cannot be easy at all in the unnatural environment of intros); look forward to hearing the rest of your diaries
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dimple
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Post by dimple on Jan 7, 2014 21:53:17 GMT
Dear Intros Diary,
What a day!!!
We had our review meeting at lunch time today, Smiler's SW couldn't come! FC's SW couldn't come! So us, the chair (who also stood in for Smiler's SW), our SW and FC.
As you know I was dreading it, Beamer was a bit more pragmatic, but at one point it did feel a bit like a tennis match. Couple of things we were not happy with and one was that FC said that Smiler was clingy to her when we went out. This was completely untrue and it really upset me. Have to say the chair was excellent, she came back to that later in the meeting and it was apparent this was not the case. The chair had a very good knack of drilling into the route of a problem or concern and getting the information she needed to deal with it fairly and I have the best interest of Smiler. It was felt by the FC that Smiler should spend more time with Happy, Jolly and Giggler before placement however they are at school. FC said that this meant Smiler could not move until next week. Chair asked if our children would be allowed some time off school and asked me to call the head teacher there and then. I did and the head said to take whatever time is required as this has already been discussed and she is aware of what is happening. The chair then addressed the issue of the family event friday evening. She suggest that as the children are all spending extra time together Thursday and Friday that Smiler attend the family event but be placed saturday. This immediately resolved all the issues for the FC, this event is very important to her and she would forever remember Smiler moving on that day. She said yes she agreed and so placement day is Saturday. I felt like crying during that meeting, it went on for an hour and it was awful, other than answering direct questions we were not really involved. It was also so wrong, FC was unsupported, LO's SW would probably not recognise him, the only saving grace was an excellent chair.
We then went back to FC house and me and FC had a long chat. Then me and Beamer took Smiler out for a couple of hours before feeding, bathing and putting him to bed. At no point was he clingy, I am still upset FC said this, it really isn't true and I am honest, I do tell things warts and all. Beamer said in car that she was trying to slow things down because of the family event and not necessarily being difficult. But even so, Smiler has gone to FC for reassurance but have never ever been upset or clingy about going anywhere with us, we went out alone with him on the first full day on intros about 20 minutes after arriving. He waved to FC and came to the park with us. This was FC suggestion to go out. Sorry I am going on, but it has upset me when we have tried so hard to be fair, open, honest and considerate of feeling.
But no matter what, FC loves Smiler dearly and has given Smiler such a happy loving start in life that it is not worth worrying about silly things. Intros as such an odd situation, you are thrown into close contact with someone you dont know during a stressful, emotional and tiring time.
Intros switch to our house tomorrow which will be lovely. All smiler's toys are here now, in his bedroom and our family room. His bedding is in his cot and we have got his favourite food for tomorrow. It feels like we are on the home straight now.
Thanks for reading yet another rambling diary entry. Its helping me hugely to sort out my thoughts when poor Beamer can't take anymore!! Had a quick cup of tea with my two best friends this morning before setting off to review meeting, that was so nice just to stop for a little while.
Thanks for all the comments, and don't worry about taking the thread off at a tangent or anything else like that, its really interesting to read other views. It is really helping us form our views and put into prospective what is and what isn't important.
So thats enough rambling for tonight. Happy has now settled for bed so my bed is calling me!!
Night night, sleep tight, mind the bed bugs don't bite...
Dimple
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