This blog is my place to vent and share resources with other parents of children of trauma. I try to be open and honest about my feelings in order to help others know they are not alone. Therapeutic parenting of adopted teenagers with RAD and other severe mental illnesses and issues (plus "neurotypical" teens) , is not easy, and there are time when I say what I feel... at the moment. We're all human!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Our 2nd Anniversary

It's been a tough few days, and I plan to blog about it in chronological order.

Tuesday - November 4th, 2008.

Our 2 year anniversary with the kids. It's hard to believe how far we've come!


From the first day I saw them on the internet (Bear (12!) and Kitty (11)



To our first meeting with them.



Them coming to live with us November 4th, 2006 and our first Christmas together.



Dealing with Bear's aggression and intimidation, running away, suicide threats, getting suspended from school, juvenile court, drug abuse, Hubby being accused of child abuse (unfounded of course!), and Bear's eventual trip to residential treatment.



Years of attachment therapy with Kitty. Leading up to the point where I can actually touch her, and even give her a little criticism (she still can't handle it from anyone else though).



Kitty's adoption day!! March 2008



Bear's adoption day!! July 2008



It's been a long two years. I can't believe we made it! I sent an e-mail to the kids' Nebraska caseworker (letting her know we STILL haven't received Bear's birth certificate!). I got a little positive feedback that made me feel good. She was impressed that we stuck with this through thick and thin and kept the kids when a lot of parents would have sent them back.



Even when the kids drive me crazy I'm glad they are in our lives. God really knew what he was doing when he chose these children for us. I have to admit I had big doubts!! *grin*

3 comments:

Alyssa's Mom said...

Congratulations!

Charlotte said...

Congratulations! This is really awesome. I was adopted much younger at age 7, and I can still remember our 5th anniversary. My parents told us that it was the fifth anniversary, and I started crying tears of joy! We recently celebrated 20 years together. Here's hoping for many years for you too :)

Lisa said...

Isn't it amazing to look back and see progress?! Congratulations from me too!
Hugs!
Squeaker II