Becoming A Family Chapter 10

Read the first nine chapters of our story here.

So many events were happening during this busy, crazy time. We traded in our sedan for a minivan, met with our attorney, began the task of filling out another mountain of paperwork, and continued spending more and more time with the girls.

They began refer to Matt as "Daddy." That was such a sweet word to hear uttered from their lips. And I loved watching Matt take on the role of "Daddy." He was such a natural. But they weren't calling me "Mommy" yet, and I have to admit, that was hard for me.

Also, we needed to find a new home for one of our dogs, Lulu. She was cute and lots of fun, but a bit unpredictable around children. She would growl and snap, and we were afraid she might bite. So, off she went, to live on a farm in Fresno. We were sad to see her go, but knew this was a necessary part of transitioning into our new family.

Next a county social worker visited our home. She questioned us and the girls and checked out our space. She was vague and a bit aloof. Not exactly unfriendly, but not exactly warm either. We wondered what she was thinking and what she would report to the court.

And then the girls came to live with us full time! Even though the guardianship wasn't finalized, our attorney thought it would be fine if they officially moved in. We gradually brought items over from their room at Grandma's and Grandpa's house. They began sleeping over at the grandparents' house once or twice a week. We allowed them to take items back and forth between the two homes whenever they wanted, so they would feel a sense of continuity. We continued to learn how to be together 24 hours a day.

It was wonderful, amazing, and very difficult. I remember one day I stopped to get a sandwich for lunch before work and preschool. I had the girls with me. In the middle of the sandwich shop both girls broke into tears, screaming and writhing on the floor. I was stunned. I had no idea what was going on or what I should do. I hadn't learned to read their moods, to know if they were hungry or tired or sick or angry. I was so bewildered. It was such an emotional time for all of us. I smiled at the cashier, grabbed my sandwich and hustled out to the car. I don't think I've been back to that sandwich shop since.

The court date was set. I took the day off work. Matt took the day off work. I was anxious and unsure of what it would be like to sit in a courtroom and talk to a judge. I wrote Christmas thank you notes to my students to keep busy while we waited for our turn. I had a headache and felt exhausted.

When the judge called us up, he was kind and affirming. But he said our court date would have to be continued for another day because of an unresolved issue. Our new court date was set for two months later. We left the courthouse disappointed, but hopeful.