We got the call

I am finishing up 9 days of the flu and live in a construction zone with no kitchen and a contractor who abandoned the job, so we are at the pinnacle of stress and exhaustion. Perfect time for a call from the agency, right? We joked about it and of course it came true.

Case worker called me today about a 2 month old baby boy in need of  a placement. Born opiate exposed, mom cannot be found. He is one of several of his mom's children, and mom has none of them. A father was named at the hospital but DNA has ruled that man out, so father is unknown. I'll call the baby "Jay".

He was in hospital for 3 weeks with withdrawal but did not require methadone and has no other medical issues. He went to a foster (not pre-adopt) home and they have requested to have him removed because he is an extreme “fussy baby”. They want him moved ASAP.  As much as I am not thrilled to have another fussy baby, as Mae was the ultimate incurable fussy baby, for years, I also feel we have the knowledge and experience already so it’s old hat, that screaming 24/7.

He is low legal risk as mom has not fought for her other children, but services will still be offered to her if they can find her. He was born in Jan and he was full term and a good size.

As soon as CW called and started talking, I started crying and felt like “this is it”.  We have not actually accepted the placement, as she told me to call her in the morning with questions and to discuss. Peet wants to request to meet Jay first, mainly for Mae, as a better transition and preparation.  CW assured me that we don’t need a kitchen for him, as long as we have running water in the bathroom to wash dishes.  Yikes!! Newborn baby and no kitchen, let the fun begin!! We are not even unpacked yet from our move!

That’s my update, I am so glad I have other foster parent friends to share this adventure with. I found myself contemplating which of my friends to contact first, and I feel like none of them really understand the gravity of the situation, or would advise against a drug exposed fussy baby. They don’t understand.  So I am glad to have foster moms, who are in the trenches with us, and who know that the circumstances of this placement are completely typical and expected and something to celebrate over!!