Abnormal Way of Life

Currently, our lives are spent living the "new" normal way of life... asking permission for many things with regard to Nick. About three weeks ago now we took Nick to the ENT after he got his fourth ear infection in 3 months. They recommended tubes for both ears. As a normal parent it would be easy to simply sign the consent form for the surgery and schedule a date. Not so easy for the foster parent... we have to take the consent form, get it to the foster care worker, who has to meet with the birth mother, who then states she doesn't believe Nick has problems with his ears, so she has to call the ENT to speak with the doctor, then goes back to the foster care worker and reluctantly signs the consent form. The foster care worker calls me, I call the doctor's office and we schedule the surgery. Then I call the foster care worker back to inform her of the date so she can attend the surgery as well as the birth mother. ALL this for a 15 minute procedure. And because it took so long the hospital didn't have a date available until mid-September. Then yesterday I notice Nick pulling on his ear again... looks like ANOTHER ear infection all because we get to do things differently. Poor little guy.

On a happier note, Nick will be 16 months old in three days.... how did 6 months pass SO fast?! He's such a smart little boy who really embraces life. He runs everywhere, throws balls, talks up a storm (in some language we can't understand), gives us and the dog multiple kisses each day, LOVES to read books and point out every ball in every book he has, is feeding himself with a spoon/fork, likes to dance to music, is asserting his independence and is learning to color... sending his grandparents works of art. He's meeting developmental milestones for an 18 month old. He is loved and treasured by our families.