Modern Art

One thing I LOVE about being a Foster-Mom is when the kids bring home their art projects. They are always so proud of them.

FC2's painting (he's 2yrs old):
FC1's project (he told me the circles were suns and the rest of the shapes are roofs on top of the house.):

Let the Chores Begin!

When we got FC1, I was pretty good about having him do chores. FC2 arrived 3 hours after we got the phone call saying he needed a home, and it took me a while to adjust and I kind of gave up on chore enforcement for a while.

I decided it was time to begin the chore chart again and can I just say, WHY DIDN'T I DO IT SOONER!! It has been wonderful this week!!!!! I'm in that early phase where they are still excited about the chores and happy to do them. Yes, I know this won't last, but I'm certainly enjoying it while it does.

This time we got little baby food jars and every time they do a chore they get to put a penny in. Then when the jar is full we'll go to the candy store and let them spend their money. They're super excited about it.

I have FC1, who is 4yrs old, wash the dishes after dinner, and I know it's silly but I'm so glad he's old enough to do it!! When we first got married, one day it hit me...You will have to do the dishes FOREVER. No more roommates or siblings, it's all me....it was depressing. Then I realized, one day I'll have kids to do the dishes, HOORAY! I'm just so glad that day came sooner rather than later. FC1 does a great job too! Obviously he can't handle the larger dishes, but it's only a matter of time :)

FC2 gets to set the table and sort and put away the silverware from the dishwasher. They both have to make their beds and clean up toys. I honestly think they are happier, because they feel like they're contributing. Hooray for chores!!

I'm an Auntie again!!

My darling little nephew was born last night! I only have this picture from a text and don't even know his name yet, but I can't wait to meet the little guy. I know I'm jumping the gun a little posting this pic, but I love to share happy news and I LOVE being an Aunt!!!!

Selective Hearing?

We've been concerned about FC1's hearing for a while. He had some speech delays from the time that we got him. He also has sensitivity to loud noises and we've noticed that when we talk to both boys, frequently FC2 will hear us just fine, but FC1 will keep asking, "What?"

We took him just two weeks ago to get his hearing checked and according to the tests his hearing was fine, so we chalked it up to a strong case of selective hearing.

Then this weekend his hearing seems to have become drastically worse. You can literally be a few feet away talking to him and he will not hear us. He has to look at you and you have to talk loudly and very clearly or he cannot understand. He has had a cold this week, so I wanted to put the question out there, is there a cold that would make his hearing go? We've asked him several times and he says his ears don't hurt, but he says he has trouble hearing us. We're really hoping it's just temporary, or maybe the worst case of selective hearing ever. Has anyone out there experienced or heard of anything like this?