The Cowgirl Cats

It only took our Little Lady half a year for her to learn how to play, but today I watched and listened to her do this very thing for hours.

If you've been following our journey for a while, you know that LL came to us not knowing how a 7-year-old should behave. Because of the situation she was in, she wasn't surrounded by other kids her age. She didn't know how 7-year-olds talked, dressed, coped, expressed sadness or happiness, or even how they played. 

She came to us talking, singing, and crying like a 3-year-old, but taking care of herself the way someone in their twenties would do. 

After a few weeks, she flipped a switch and decided she suddenly didn't know how to do anything for herself. We knew it would just take time for her to learn how to find a balance and take care of the things she was able to do. 

I can absolutely say that she gets it now. She knows she can count on us, and other safe, healthy adults, to take care of the things we should do for her, and she's willing to do what she needs to do for herself. 

It was such a blessing to hear the giggles, songs, and yes, even the happy screams pour out of her bedroom today. While this may annoy some parents or cause them to pop some headache pills, I could hardly contain the tears as I listened to these sweet sounds, knowing that I may never hear them in our house again. 

LL's quotes:

- (Heard from upstairs) LL's BFF: "I thought foster parents were supposed to be mean." LL: "Yeah I guess some are, but they're not!"

- "We only ask once in this house. They won't change their answer." (Said to her BFF. Yeah! Our consistency is working!!)

Today was all about our Little Lady's last day with her BFF. Prepare yourself for several wardrobe changes. Including cowgirl cats. Yuuuup.

The day started at the Alamo Drafthouse for the cereal and cartoon party!

They could be twins!

At Central Market to buy meat for dinner.

The pork shoulder butt is ready to go! Yes, that's what it's called. I know, weird.

First of many wardrobe changes. 

There is so much truth here. I know this isn't your home, little one, but it was for a time. You'll always have a place here.

Playing all afternoon.

The cowgirl cats. Told you it was a thing.

Having fun while Bry was making dinner.

So carefree and happy. And seven. Just as it should be. No expectations to live up to. In these moments, she isn't a foster kid. She isn't worrying about her future, her parents' future, or what tomorrow holds. She's just a little girl. Running through the backyard in dress up clothes and cowgirl boots pretending to be a professional soccer player.

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About Us: 

We began our foster journey in mid-August 2013. We finished our classes in October, had our home study in early January, and we were licensed on February 7, 2014. After seven calls from CPS, we received our first placement, a 7-year-old girl (our Little Lady, or LL for short) on April 3, 2014. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about our journey through the craziness that is foster care. Most importantly, thanks for your prayers, love, and support. We hope to encourage fellow foster/adoptive parents as we document our ups and downs each day. 

Key Posts:

We are Facebook-Official!

Saying goodbye to someone I've never met

Will you get a white one?

Yup, it's gonna hurt.

Day 1 with our Little Lady

Oasis (post from Brian)

What we tried to build

Why I don't usually write (post from Brian)

Another night in the closet

LL...if you just stumbled upon this blog and you're freaking out because you see pictures of yourself, please START HERE.