Build It And They Will Come....Right?

What a week so far!!!! 

Hailey's appointment went, surprisingly, really well.  I was nervous when we first walked into the building.  We sat in the waiting room, waiting for our turn.  I noticed that a few of the kids looked really zoned out, a few were super hyper, ripping and tearing through the waiting room toys.  I noticed that all of the parents looked the same; worried.

They called us back and did a few quick physical assessments.  We were led to an office, with a desk, chairs and a some toys.  The doctor asked Hailey a lot of questions, and she did very well answering them, even though I could tell she was nervous at times.  (She has a cute little nervous chuckle she does, and she starts crossing and uncrossing her legs.)  Then it was our turn.  Hailey built beautiful towers of wooden blocks while we answered question after question about her personality, her quirks and her anxieties. 

After about an hour of talking, the doctor told us that while Hails does display some symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome, there were not enough at play for there to be a concern.  She did diagnose Hailey with ADHD and anxiety disorder, with a mild case of OCD.  At first I was very surprised.  I was under the impression that kids with ADHD were hyperactive and always running and climbing, but she explained that just as our bodies can be hyperactive, so can our minds.  Hailey's mind is constantly on the go, making it very hard for her to concentrate or retain info.  On top of it, her anxiety and obsessive thought patterns present another challenge in being able to focus.  We came up with a care plan that involves teaching Hails relaxation techniques, attending cognitive behavioral therapy, a small does of anti-anxiety meds and putting together an accommodating plan with the school, to make it easier on her emotionally. 

I left the appointment feeling so very proud of my girl.  All this time, she's been battling these feelings and yet still maintains meaningful friendships, awesome grades and one of the bubbliest personalities of anyone I know.  I have a new level of appreciation for her, and now that I understand what's going on in her big beautiful brain, I can help.  I too was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at her age.  It was very confusing and scary for me, and I'm glad I will be able to relate to her.  We'll do this together!

Zach survived his first solo slumber party with flying colors!  (I snuggled his pillow pet and cried, but still!) 

About the boys...  So, we've been waiting all week to hear what the AG's office would recommend for the boys.  Would they be coming to live with us one day this week?  Would foster mom try and interfere again?  We found out yesterday that foster mom was kind enough to file yet another motion on Monday, in an attempt to once again stall the adoption process.  Today we learned that there will be a hearing next Friday, the 11th, to determine what will happen.  It is likely the boys will be removed from her care and placed with us soon.  While I do feel for her, my patience is running thin.  It didn't have to be this way at all.  I would have gladly shared our lives with her and welcomed her into our family.  Who knows what will happen in the future though, God may move all of our hearts to that one day.

For now, I am ready.  We are ready.  Our home is clean, baby proofed, stocked up and ready to go.  Build it and they will come, right? :)