Where did the time go?

I can't believe that two months have passed since my last post.  In the scheme of things I doesn't seem like a long time but when you think about it lots has happened.  Let me try to recap...

We had our three month review and as expected it went really well.  Everyone involved was more than happy with Little One's progress and with the placement in general so the decision was made (although Daddy and I had long since come to the conclusion without the need of a panel) that we should go ahead and send off our adoption application.  We did so in the first week of May and felt relieved once it had gone off.  However, 3 and a half weeks letter we had a call from the courts saying that information was missing and no payment was included.  This was due to a 'miss-communication' and as we were away at the time we were unable to do anything to fix the situation.  I rectified the issues on our return but what on earth took 3 weeks???  If it takes that long to open an envelope I hate to think how long it will take to get a court date!!

Little one also had her first meeting with her foster carers and their family.  I must say that I went into it filled with fear, resentment and anxiety and probably a few more emotions thrown in.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and as testament to the bonding and attachment that has happened between us and Little One.  I thought that she would be really upset when they left but after causally waving them off we continued to play as a family.  Later on that evening Little One was flicking through a book of photos her foster family had left for her.  She enjoyed the photos and talking us through what she say in each one but she never cried, never got upset and remained her happy little self.  I can't tell you how relieved we both were.  We haven't had any contact since but I'm sure we will at some point.

We also took a trip to Ireland to introduce Little One to her new Irish family.  She is such a sociable child and didn't have any problems interacting with anyone in the family.  She definitely left her mark!!  

She is making some firm friendships both at pre-school and where we live.  We even had an 'at home play-date' recently with one of the girls from pre-school.  For her it was fine, just the chance to play more, for me though it was quite a random experience.  I even baked cupcakes.  I think I becoming one of the pre-school mums!

Little One also had her first theatre experience and amazingly it was to see me on stage.  I was a little unsure that she'd managed to sit through the show but every time I went out on stage I could see her in the distance and every now and then heard "That's my Dad!".  She still talks about it.  I'm currently in rehearsals for another show and whenever I leave to go to rehearsal she says "I wanna come 'hearsals with you".  ALways makes me smile.

We have another visit from our social worker this afternoon and are going to our first 'adopters picnic' tomorrow ahead of our first Father's Day.  Onwards and upwards!

We're not really that different after all

So the bonding and learning process continues in all it's glory and in all honest I really don't think we are in a position to complain.  Little One is doing a great job and has met so many people and seems to be taking it all in and in her stride.  In fact, yesterday, quite randomly and out of nowhere she began to reel off a list on names of people she'd met.  It was bizarre to see great to know that she equates these people with her new life.

One of the main concerns when Little One came to stay was about how we'd cope.  Would this be a 'normal' existence for a child?  Would she have problems settling because the balance was wrong? In her previous placement she had a foster mother and father, how would she cope with two dads?
Since she arrived things have always seemed to be going well and we have received great support and compliments from friend but , I suppose, as a new parent you will have that element of doubt until your great epiphany appears.  I don't think my doubt is ready to depart just yet but we did have an epiphany whilst out at lunch today.

A couple with a young girl, probably only slightly younger than Little One, sat at the table next to us.  Their conversation was almost identical to the conversations we have with Little One most days.  The battle to go to the toilet, the sitting correctly in your seat, the 'please don't scream', the excitement when deciding what we're going to eat and the generally funny things they say.  It made us realise that everything is normal.  Ok, we may not be the '2.4 kids' type of family but Little One is loved and happy and growing and developing just like any other 'normal' (I use the word very lightly) child.  What can be better than that. Lots of kids grow up with lots of different circumstance but what is important is that their parents, in whatever form or combination they come in, love, protect and cherish them.  That's what Little One is getting.

In two weeks time we have our 3 month review and will complete our application to legally become Little One's parents.  Onwards and upwards to that happy day.

Frustration and love

I think we were definitely lulled into a false sense of security.  The first few weeks of Little One's placement made us feel like we finally made it, become and family and missed out all of the crap that we were promised.  Doh! Reality check!!!

We're having more strops and tantrums of late.  The current bone of contention is the scooter a friend of ours gave to her.  I always thought those scooters were meant to be a godsend to parents but this one seems to be channeling the devil!  Yesterday I was planning a trip to the park with Little One and the dog but there was a battle of wills when I attempted to put the scooter into the boot of the car.  This led to the biggest screaming match I've ever experienced.  Of course I won, but it was a long noisy battle and one I don't fancy fighting again although I'm sure I will have to.  I had the obligatory "I don't like you" and "I want my other daddy" thrown at me but you have to be the bigger person in those moments.  It's weird, I always though I'd be the fun dad, not the bossy one!

This morning was not a morning of good behaviour either.  I have to confess, I did end up shouting.  Although I didn't like doing it (and neither did she), it had the desired effect and we managed to get ready with minimum fuss and in record time.  Later, while I was doing her hair I felt compelled to apologise to her for shouting, something that my father would never have done to me, and she in return said "I'm sorry Dad".  But then, not more than 10 minutes later as we were about to leave for pre-school we had another tantrum about that blasted scooter.  Full on screaming and full on tears!

This is in no way as 'easy' as I thought it was going to be.  After the initial 'honeymoon' period the roller coaster really picks up pace.  The highs can be high and the lows can be low and you can get between them really quickly.   It's not always as Disney-like as I thought it would be, maybe a little more Simpsons, but that doesn't mean that I'm not enjoying being a father.  It's just really hard work, but any parent will tell you that.  I'm hoping this can all be put down to the fact that she is still settling in and is actually finding her place and testing her boundaries.  We'll get through it and come out the other side stronger.  We do have frustrating  moments but they are all surrounded with love and hugs and laughter.....not to mention a glass of wine once Little One is in bed!!

So many questions??????

From the moment we meet Little One it was obvious that she was a very inquisitive child.  She'd grab hold of anything that was within her reach and everything belonged to her.  Now we have entered that really annoying stage where every conversation is littered with the word Why? Even things that don't warrant a Why? response have a Why? thrown in.  As much as I love her it is totally annoying.  If she wasn't such an adorable, lovable rouge she would be like that annoying guy at the office that everyone ignores at the Christmas party.

I guess it's just one of the many stages that we will now be privy to first hand but in the meantime, how long does this last!!!!

How things have changed.

Half term week came and went, not without it's hiccups, and we're still here loving, learning and growing together as a family.

While daddy was at work, Little One and I had a very packed social calender.  On Monday we had a play-date with my cousin and her children and Tuesday saw us take a trip into my office.  Little One was the center of attention and seemed to love it. Everyone was amazed at how relaxed she was considering she had all these grown ups looming over her.  And she was noisy but I kind of expected that.  She also feed chocolate cake, how could I say no!!!

On Wednesday afternoon we looked after a friends child.  We played, made cupcakes, took the dog for a walk in the park and all was going well until an incident on the swivel chair in our front room led to lots on crying and a couple of bruises.  I felt so bad.  I think for the first time I thought about how I'd feel, as a parent, if my child had been hurt.  I felt physically sick.  And then a couple of days later when I heard he had a black eye I wanted the earth to swallow me hole!

The rest of the week so saw friends and their babies.  How life has changed!! LOL!!

This week we went to go an see daddy at work, yet again Little One was the center of attention.  That girl seems to get presents everywhere she goes.  On the tube journey home a lady started to talk to Little One, the conversation went something like this:
(Lady) Hello!
(Little One, pointing at daddy) This is my dad!
(Lady) Ooh!
(Little One, pointing at me) And this is my other dad!
(Lady) Oooh! (slightly more prolonged than the first) You're very lucky to have TWO dads!
(Little One) Yes I am!

We had a right laugh but it was funny seeing how the other passengers around us were reacting, some smiling and some looking puzzled.

I was going to wait until the adoption is finally legalised and the court papers were in our hands but I couldn't and yesterday I had a new tattoo inspired by my beautiful daughter.  It is actually a Celtic motherhood knot but I had it slightly adapted, as obviously I am not a mother!! I showed it to her and now when she looks at it she says "That is you and that is me".  Now she's in my heart and on my arm.

Big week ahead!

In the lead up to my adoption leave I could think of nothing better than being home all day, all week, and being the best father I could to Little One.  For the last six weeks Daddy has been off work too, making caring for our new arrival an easier and enjoyable task  The fact that she's been a pre-school three mornings a week has also added to the illusion but tomorrow is Daddy's first day back at work and it is also half term so school is closed!! Eeeek!! That means that I'm left holding the baby!! My dream come true? I thought so, so why do I feel nervous to my core?  How the heck am I supposed to keep an active 3 year old constantly occupied?  Whilst being a very confident little girl Little One does like to have you around all the time and constantly wants to be engaged with you (unless of course she is watching Mr Tumble or the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!).

When I realised it was half term week I called everyone I could that I thought would be free and very quickly filled up my diary with lunches and play dates.  My social calendar has never been so active but hopefully Little One will enjoy all the activities and meets, I know I'll find it a lot easier.

I know it will be fine, I know we'll both have lots of fun.  Maybe it's just the fact that Little One is such an active little soul and (quite frankly) I'm still finding it hard to keep up with her that I enter the half term week with trepidation.  But this will be the first half term of many and I'm pretty sure I won't be feeling this way next half term.  Will I?

Come round here and say that!!!

My blog doesn't normally (well, never really) take a political stance but every now and then something happens or you hear something that just won't leave you alone.

Yesterday David Jones, the Conservative MP for Clwyd West went on ITV Wales defending his decision to vote against the Government's plans to introduce gay marriage.  Fine, if you don't agree with it, that's up to you.  I don't see why anyone should or would give a damn about two people they don't know getting married but fill your boots if it makes you happy.  What really stuck in my head (and throat) was his comment that same-sex couples can't provide a 'warm and safe environment'.  I'm not going to paraphrase, that wouldn't be fair.  If I did I'd probably make him sound more ignorant than he is.  What he actually said was......

"I was one of two cabinet ministers who did vote against it and it was for various reasons. Certainly in constituency terms, I felt that overwhelmingly the constituents of Clwyd West were opposed to the change. But also I regard marriage as an institution that has developed over many centuries, essentially for the provision of a warm and safe environment for the upbringing of children, which is clearly something that two same-sex partners can’t do. Which is not to say that I'm in any sense opposed to stable and committed same-sex partnerships."

Well thanks for not being opposed to my relationship as well!

Funnily enough Andrew White, the director of Stonewalls, has commented that opinion polls show that 62% of people in Wales support the UK Government's proposals for same-sex marriage so either Mr Jones is lying or a large number of the 38% who were 'opposed to the change' must live in Clwyd West! (I'm not having a dig at residence of Clwyd West)

Following the backlash Mr Jones issued a statement saying the following....

"I did not say in the interview that same sex partners should not adopt children and that is not my view.
I simply sought to point out that, since same sex partners could not biologically procreate children, the institution of marriage was one that, in my opinion, should be reserved to opposite sex partners."

Sounds like a bit of back-peddling to me, but also a stupid thing to say  So, we should adopted but we can't provide a warm and safe environment?  Just because we can't biologically 'procreate' does that mean we shouldn't get married.  And what about 'opposite sex partners' that can't 'procreate'? Should they not be able to get married either or is it ok just because they are opposite sexes?

My message to Mr Jones is this.  Come round to my house and meet our family, speak to any of our friends, social workers and health visitors that have experienced our warm and safe environment and then tell me that we don't have the essentials to bring up our child!

I dare you!!!

One month in....

Four weeks ago today we collected Little One from her foster careers for the last time and brought her home.  Four weeks doesn't sound like a long time but in some ways it feels like Little One has been with us forever.  Of those that have already met her, most can't believe she has only been with us for such a short time.
We still have to pinch ourselves to believe how lucky we have been with our process.  Little has settled better than ever expected and is already a pre-school.  We had originally thought that we would have to be in quarantine until the dust settled but that seems to have happened almost over night.

Here are some of the occurrences that have made us feel like a family:
1) the first time someone looked at Little One and said "Is this your daddy".
2) the first set of freshly washed toddler clothing on the washing line.
3) the first day Little One woke up and said "Good morning daddy" with her beautiful smile.
4) the first tears that were wiped away and big dad hug given.
5) the first drop off at pre-school.  She cried, I cried.
6) our first trip to the swimming pool.
7) the first time we had to wake up in the middle of the night and try to soothe her back to sleep.
8) the first time we had guests over to witness our little family unit.
9) the first time I saw her sleeping after a very tiring day.
10) the first time Little One said 'I love you'

We had our first review with the social workers last week.  Thankfully everyone was in agreement that everything is going well and no-one has any concerns about the placement.  Phew!  We recently met the Health Visitor from the doctors surgery who also came to the meeting.  We'd only met her twice before the review so were unsure what/how much she'd have to input to the meeting.  Her comments about her observations almost made us cry, they were so unexpected but very welcomed.

I'm not going to lie, I'm tired half the time and any downtime is greatly received but Little One is a total joy and such a great personality.  She loves to sing and the other day we taught her a song which she now sings all the time.  It's our take on a disco classic. It goes like this....
"We are family, I got my two daddies with me!"

Fingers crossed, things are going well!

We are five days in as a forever family and things are looking pretty good.  During this process you are prepared for the worst and our experiences couldn't be any further from that. I sometimes feel like the gloating dad, and maybe I am, but we both feel so lucky that our journey is going the way it is.

Yesterday Little One met some of her cousins, well actually they are mine cousins and their kids but you know what I mean.  They were all so excited to meet Little One and thank fully they weren't disappointed.  It was a little slow at first, after all there were a lot of them, but before too long Little One was charming the grown ups and playing with the young ones.  It seems that new family links have been made, just as I was hoping.
We also had a visit from some of the young boys from the Mews that we live in.  Little One was instantly taken with the boys and much more so than any of the other young kids she'd met.

Today we had a snow day with more kids from the Mews.  It started with sledging in the park (Little One didn't really take to it) and then along with the boys we built a small (and slightly pathetic) snowman.  Little One loved gathering the snow.  The boys then spent some time with us whilst their mother was out.  Little One loved taking charge and bossing the boys around.

After her action packed day Little One kicked up the usual fuss come bed time.  But tonight, as last night, it was minimal tears before bed.  The major difference was that in the lead up, and as the tears began, she called out for her foster father.  We both knew it was going happen.  In truth we had expected it much sooner but it still takes the wind out of you when you hear her utter those words.  Hopefully it's just part of her process and tomorrow our bonding journey will continue.

Is this the calm before the storm?

Little one has now spent two nights with us.  Both nights were fraught with tears come bedtime.  Last night was worse than the night before, 40 minutes of throat-scratching, ear-shattering, choking-inducing screaming.  But, finally, she drifted off.  Despite the drama getting to bed, Little One slept through the night both nights and we actually had to go in a wake her up at 8.30am each morning otherwise she would have slept longer.  That has got to be a good sign, hasn't it??

Little One and daddy are now registered at the same doctor as me.  We had the usual, people looking at the three of us and wondering who's who and what's what.

We've been meeting more friends and neighbours (with loads more waiting their turn) and Little One seems to be coping really well.  We haven't had any tantrums, other than bedtime, and no crying for her foster family.  When you go through the adoption process you hear so many horror stories about what to expect, thankfully we have not experienced any of this, not yet anyway.  If it does come our way we are prepared but if not, happy days.

It's very cold and snowing outside so we're limited to some of the activities we can get up to, although we have sampled the local library and softplay centre.  At the moment we are having fun, learning more about Little One's little quirks and bad habits. We've had some right belly laughs watching her.  I can't wait for us to all grow together.

Little One is home!

At long long last our little one is home.  I can't tell you how happy and relieved we both are although this morning the emotions were very different.

Poor Little One's foster carers were so upset and despite their best efforts to hide it it was plan to see.  Daddy and I were both totally choked up.  It was impossible to revel in the fact that Little One was coming home when it is evident how much it hurts someone else but the reality of it is that everyone know this was coming.  We will always be grateful for what they have done and Little One will never forget them.

On the way home we stopped off at the Sainsbury's and had a hilarious moment.  Little One, who by the way is very vocal, was to be heard calling both of us Daddy.  The woman on the till looked at both of us and then at Little One before giving us that confused looked that I am assuming we will be getting a lot in the future.  It made us both giggle.

We had another good day today.  No real issues but we are going to have to work on the old potty training. A couple of wet pull-ups were had today but then again it is only to be expected that we might take a few steps backwards.

Bedtime on the other hand was another story!!  Poor Little One tried all the tricks to avoid going to bed but Dad power was the champion in that war.  The battle consisted of 15 minutes of screaming and bawling but in the end she drifted off.  Let's just hope she sleeps through the night.  Tomorrow could be a totally different kind of day.  We're expecting her to ask when she is going home or where her foster carers are but we are ready to face whatever the day brings.

First official job tomorrow, registering at the doctor's surgery!!!!

Introductions - Day 9

At long last we are at the end of introductions!!! Hoorah!!!

There was nothing spectacular that happened today, it was just a normal family day.  Or at least it felt very normal.  We had the odd tantrum and even a few tears when we said that Little One had to take off her prized Hello Kitty wellington boots.  But that is all normal, isn't it!

The drive back to the foster careers home seemed such a long drive with Little One in the back of the car insisting that she wanted to 'stay at daddies house'.

It was a bit emotional at the foster careers home as they had been packing all Little One's belongings.  Having already taken all her toys yesterday, we took all her clothes this evening.  Her room looks so bizarre with all her bits in there.  So bizarre, but so cool.

So tomorrow is the big day.  Little One is coming home....FOR GOOD!

Introductions - Day 8

So we were hoping that Little One would be able to come home tomorrow but alas it is not to be and we will have proceed with tomorrow as the last day of introductions.  It's a bit of a pain in the butt but it's only on more day and we're still both super excited!

Another good day was had today.  After the disappointment of being told we had an extra day to wait we decided to make the most of it and after a hearty lunch we headed to the local soft play area.  Little One made a new friend and they played together in the plastic balls and up and down the ladders and slides.  Daddy and I and her friend's mother all joined in.  Her friend's mother seemed totally unfazed that Little One was calling us both daddy.  It all seemed so natural and fun.  I'm sure we'll come up against some ignorance at some point in the future but it's so nice to think that there are people you don't know who don't care if you aren't the same as them, just as long as you they can see how much you love your child.

Little One meet another neighbour today and got more presents.  Lucky little princess!

When we finally took Little One home she was quite tired (as were we!!!).  We got her ready for bed and tucked her in.  Unfortunately this was not as dreamy an experience as our last bedtime routine.  Little One cried and cried and cried and her foster dad had to let her stay up a little longer.  I sure it didn't help that she would have seen all of her toys boxed up and ready to come home with me and Daddy.  I'm pretty sure the next couple of days are going to be so hard for her but we will be here supporting her, and loving her every step of the way.

Introductions - Day 7

Today has left us both feeling so empty.  I don't think either one of us would have imagined that a day away from Little One would have been so hard.

We had planned so spend our 'last free day' doing lots of stuff and enjoying the silence, but somehow the silence just doesn't seem the same anymore.  All our thoughts are on what Little One is up to today and wondering if she is missing us.  Just two more days of introductions and then, on Wednesday, Little One will be home for good.

Introductions - Day 6

Little One arrived at 10 this morning along with her foster parents and their children.  The kids were so keen to see our dog and they weren't disappointed.  Apparently that was all they spoke about all the way home.  The foster family stayed for about 45 minutes and all was well until they left.  When the door closed Little One burst into tears, the first real tears we have ever seen from Little One.  Luckily Little One is a tough cookie and within a few minutes cuddles from Dad had pacified her.  From them on it was business as usual.

After lunch we headed off to the park.  This was the first time that Little One had been out walking with the dog.  For all the worries we had they are getting on fine.  A little bit more bonding needed but that will come with time.

Little One met lost for our neighbours today and got a few presents.  They all loved her.  And why wouldn't they?  She is gorgeous specimen, we are so proud to be her parents.

We spent the remainder of the day just being a family.  It was all so normal and natural that we almost forget we had to bring her back to her foster parents.  We finally got her back and (although she should have been knackered and ready for bed) she was in her element having Dad and Daddy and her foster mum and dad fussing over her.  Her foster family are having a farewell party for her tomorrow.  The emotions are so raw.  Although they are happy for her it is so clear to see how much they are going to miss her.  It's totes emotsh (Little One, I'll explain that to you in a few years time!)

It must be so confusing for Little One.  The people she has know and loved and the people she is learning to loved keep popping in and out of her life.  As we were leaving she said 'Daddies stay here!' with a sad look on her face.  We waved goodbye and said see you soon.  As the front door closed we heard her start crying.  Whilst it was horrible to hear her cry it is a good sign to know that she misses us.  Is that wrong???

We won't be seeing Little One tomorrow, it's quite a sad thought as we miss her so much already.

The good news is.......we might have her home a day earlier that originally thought!! God please!!!!

Introductions - Day 5

We had our Little One all to ourselves today.  Her foster carers dropped her of this morning and headed off for the day.  We all anticipated that there might be an issue as they left but fortunately for all concerned there was no such problems.

Within minutes Little One was tipping her room upside down again until she found the paint set.  The three of us sat down to paint, it was a very messy affair, but fun.  At times Little One was more interest in squeezing the paint out of the pot rather than using it.  When I finally wrestled it from her grasp we had a mini tantrum but lucky, so far at least, her tantrums last about 30 seconds! Get in!!!!

We then headed off to the pre-school Little One will be going to.  It didn't take her long to be happily playing along with the other children.  The only tricky moment we had was when the kiddies sat down for a story.  Little One would sit by herself so I sat with her.  Half way through though she got bored so headed off to find Daddy.  In the process she found a plate of cucumber which she loves and managed to munch her way through at least half a cucumber.

So we headed back home for lunch.  Little One didn't want to go back into her buggy.  We managed to strapped in despite a mini tantrum.  As soon as the belt was clipped and we were on our way the tantrum was over.  Daddy made lunch, Little One eat every last little bit.  Seriously, this all sounds too good to be true.

Little One's foster carers came back to collect and we discussed the day.  It's clear how much they are going to miss Little One when she comes to stay.  They love her so much.

Daddy and I headed off to Sainsbury's.  We would normally do our food shop on a Saturday but the prospect of shopping with Little One tomorrow was a little daunting so we decided to do it this evening instead.  It was a very different shop.  It was the first time we had to do a shop for three rather than two and was a totally different experience.  Next time we do it Little One will be in the trolley making her demands!!! What joy!!!

Introductions - Day 4

This morning the nerves were at fever pitch once again.  What was Little One going to think of her new home.

Daddy and I woke up far earlier than we needed to and after a trip to Sainsbury's for last minute essentials and a collection from the post office we had a quick tidy up and then waited nervously for our little arrival.

We live in a gated secure community (not sure whether it's the keep the riff raff out or keep us in!) and visitors need to be let in through the gate so when we the phone rang we knew they were outside.  We went to go a meet them and as Little One jump out of 'Baba's car' so was grinning widely and greeted us with a hug.

Once we were inside everyone's nerves (except Little One who didn't seem to have any) began to settle.  Little One was introduced to her new room and immediately began to rummage through all her new things.  The tidy room pulled apart in a matter of minutes.  At least she liked it!  'Come to my room' she'd say as she grabbed our hands and dragged us behind her.  We then had a trip to the museum which Little One decided acoustically was the perfect place to see how loud her voice was.

Then it was back home for lunch.  We had a few testing moments but that is to be expected and something we'll have learn to deal with.  All too soon it was time for Little One to go home.  We had a couple of tears as she was loaded into the car but we soothed them with a 'See you tomorrow' which she repeated with a smile.

Tomorrow she'll be here with us alone!!  Let's see what the day will be bring.

Introductions - Day 3

This morning was emotional! Daddy and I met Little One's paternal grandfather, we had no idea what to expect.  I supposed on the inside we didn't want to like or have any sympathy for him but when it came down to it this man was still grieving for the loss of his much loved granddaughter and still upset and hurt that his own flesh and blood wasn't strong enough to keep hold of her.  He spoke with love and passion and pain.  My heart was in my throat.  He loves Little One very much and we will make sure that she will always know that.

We arrived at Little One's foster home just before noon and found her watching her favourite, Mickey Mouse.  She was happy to see us and straight away involved us in her viewing pleasure.  She seems so comfortable with us now that it almost feels like we've known her a lot longer than we have.  Even her foster parents say that they are comforted by seeing how at ease she is with us.  Happy days!

The highlight of today has to be the bath and bed routine.  Little One couldn't wait to get into the bath.  She couldn't get her clothes of quick enough.  We had fun splashing about in the bath (obviously Daddy and I weren't in the bath).  I washed her hair as she played and grinned all the way through it.  She didn't even want to get out.  Daddy and I dried her off, got her into her jim-jams, oiled her lovely little ringlets and watched her run off giggling!  She is such a happy child.

That was until it came to dinner time.  Little One was quite tired by this point and refused to eat any of her food.  Daddy and I took the softly softly approach which clearly was never going to work.  It took foster dad to get her eating.  Lesson learned!

Bedtime was amazing.  We thought she'd never settle as she'd be to excited with us there.
At 7.30 on the dot we took her up for a wee, brushed her teeth and took her to her room.  We peeled back the covers and I placed her in her bed.  She didn't move.  I put the covers over her and tucked her in.  She still didn't move.  I kissed her goodnight and then Daddy kissed her goodnight.  She still didn't move.  We turned out the light and closed the bedroom door and that was it.  No tantrums, no calling out, no getting out of bed, no nothing!  If this is what the future holds we are going to be the luckiest parents in the world.

Tomorrow - Little One comes home for the first time (and meets the dog!)

Introductions - Day 2

We had an earlier start today and despite being held up in traffic we still managed to get there before Little One woke up.  My heart melted as we walked into her room and there she was, fast asleep.  We woke her and after a moments grump and then realising it was us, she gave us a smile.  Her first of the day.

We took her to the bathroom and assisted by her foster mother did the morning routine including dressing her for a day out with Dad and Daddy.  And then it was breakfast.  She like the same breakfast as her Dad.  Result!

Then we packed Little One into the car again and off we went to the soft play centre.  Little one had a blast playing in the balls and driving around in one of the three peddle cars that were available.  We almost had a situation when a young chap tried to wrestle her out of the car.  She wants having it and neither was Dad.  My first intervention when a boy is trying to take advantage of my daughter.  Watch out fellas!

We then went of for lunch, our first family restaurant lunch.  Little One was brilliant.  She coloured until her food came and then picked the bits she wanted and left the bits she didn't.  No fuss.  No drama.  Just a regular family lunch.

Once again it was time to head back to Little One's foster home, the end of day two and one step closer to having her home forever.  She seems so comfortable calling for her Daddy or for her Dad, sometimes I forget that she is calling me.

So roll on tomorrow, let's see what little gems Little One comes up with.

Introductions - Day 1

So it wasn't technically day one as we met Little one a couple of times in December and Skyped on Christmas Day but today was formally the first day of the introduction period.

We were up early this morning filled with anticipation and excitement.  When we arrived at her foster home Little One as a little shy at first but soon warmed up thanks to Mickey Mouse and Peppa Pig!

Our first parental task was getting Little one to use the loo as we were planning to head out on our first trip, just the three of us.  The first attempt proved fruitless, as did the second and the third.  Finally on the fourth attempt we had success.

After lunch, and with a fully packed backpack, we loaded Little One into her new car seat and headed off to the Discovery Play Centre.  After parking the car and strolling through the shopping centre on-route, I felt like the proudest man alive.  She was such a good girl.  And then when we finally arrived at the play centre, Little One exploded with excited as she played on all of the activities.  Her favourite was the slide, she like that a lot and squealed with delight as she came down it.  Even after the umpteenth time.

All too soon (for her that is) it was time to head home.  Her parting joy was wanting to ride all the escalators, the things that kids enjoy.  We finally arrived back at her foster home and Little One relayed the excitement of her day much to everyone's glee.

And then it was time to leave but Little One didn't want that.  If it was up to her we would have stayed longer and I must say, we were very tempted.

The best part of the day was being called Dad and Daddy.  Out of nowhere her little voice would shout out 'Come over here Dad'.  I couldn't help but grin.  I've always wanted to hear those words aimed at me.

So tomorrow is another day and one day closer to Little One being home for good.

New year, new journey!

So here we are in 2013 and our journey continues albeit on a slightly different road.

I've been off work this week, I decided to take a bit of holiday before my adoption leave starts.  In these few days I have turned into somewhat of a domestic god!  I have been cleaning and de-cluttering cupboards (I didn't think there was any clutter left, but I was wrong), finishing off the last few bits of DIY in Little One's room, doing loads of washing and generally trying to imagine my life as a stay at home dad.  I've got to the point where the slightest speck of anything on the kitchen surfaces has to be wiped away immediately.  I reckon that may soon change!

This coming weekend will be our final weekend as a couple, after that we'll be a family!!!

The formal beginning of the introduction period is on Monday at her current residence, we'll also go there on Tuesday and Wednesday but from Thursday onward she'll be coming here, to our home, to spend time with us.  I can't wait until Thursday and the first time that Little One will see her bedroom.  I really hope she likes it.   All being well she will be home for good a week on Tuesday and we will be a forever family!  I have a feeling there may be a few entries to this blog in the coming weeks.

So, not long to go till we get to the end of our current journey and begin our lifelong adventure.