So finally the update has arrived. Babygirl moved in on Monday and has been living with us for almost a week now! In my last post I had just come to the end of day 4 of the introductions. Day 5 was much better - we left our home at 630am to drive to collect Babygirl who came back to our house to spend the day. During the day, Babygirl's SW visited to see how she was settling in and then we went to a review meeting in the afternoon. In that meeting it was agreed that we would continue as planned with Babygirl moving in on Monday. Days 6 & 7 were lovely but emotional. On day 6 we collected Babygirl again and she spent the day with us in London. We drove back out of London to return Babygirl home and then stayed overnight. It was becoming apparent that the FC was becoming increasingly distressed at the prospect of giving up Babygirl. Day 7 we visited briefly in the morning to see Babygirl and drop off some bags for her belongings. We spent the day in the shopping centre buying the final pieces and getting a picture of Babygirl framed for the FC along with a thank you card.
Monday morning I woke up nervous and anxious. My nerves were not about becoming a mum so much, but more about taking away Babygirl from her "home" and the FC. We arrived a few minutes early and drove around the block to kill time. 930am on the dot we rang the doorbell and waited. The FC opened the door and started to hand us Babygirl's bags while she put on Babygirl's coat. It was very emotional - FC got to the point where she couldn't stay in the room and had to leave. We could hear her crying in the next room. By this point, DH was also in tears! I had told FC that we would make it as easy as possible for her so we left quickly. The start of the journey was a quiet one as DH and I silently reflected on what had taken place. Soon, Babygirl's babbles and shouts for attention broke the mood and we were soon focussing on being attentive parents to our new baby girl.
This experience has caused us to appreciate the role of FCs even more! We all say that we admire FCs and their willingness to open up their homes for little ones, like Babygirl, but we forget that they have also opened themselves to falling love with these adorable bundles of joy and then watching them leave over and over again! It is not an easy role at all but such an important one!
As I write this Babygirl is having a nap, we are so delighted to having her home and are enjoying adjusting to the new role of being parents. Many people have said that being a parent changes your life forever - and it's so true. I'm already seeing so many changes in me. Aside from the physical demands of always being available for this little powerhouse of energy, I am astounded at how being a mum has caused me to look at how I live life! It's too much to explain in this post and really belongs on my other blog, so I won't go into detail here.
Anyway, I am so grateful that God has seen us through this process and I am completely blown away by the fact that as I have reached what I thought was the final destination - I've realised that it is only the beginning!
Until next time,
Cece
