Natty did indeed move to her new home last Wednesday night. (Sorry for the silence on the blog.) We've heard nothing from her new foster mom, but hope and assume all is well.
Tuesday night we let the kids have a slumber party. A last bit of togetherness before the next day's goodbye. The girls shared the bottom bunk (Natty's bed... though it looks like Jake thought he was invited, too), and Sam took the top (Hallie's bed.) After Hallie making Natty scream one (twelve) too many times, Hallie had to move to Sam's room for the rest of the night... but it was fun while it lasted.
Wednesday morning, we got the kids up and loaded up the van for a trip to the Children's Museum, as planned. Natty was fussy that morning, particularly as we were packing up the last of her things, and as we were heading out to the van. It's hard to know what a 2 year old is comprehending, but once we were IN the van and talking about the museum, she returned to her fun and friendly disposition. Instinct says she thought getting in the van was the final goodbye, but once she realized it wasn't, she was fine.
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The kids had a great time playing, as they always do at this museum. They splashed in the water of the little river, played dressup, made art creations, made music, and explored every inch of the space as if they'd never been there before. There were (to be expected) Tyler and Hailey flashbacks, as it's the same museum where we first met our "hopeful children", but it didn't seem to put any extra damper on the morning.
(Natty as "Lella", her adorably cute word for Cinderella.)
(I've got a side story to insert here, but since this post is about Natty, I'll save it for tomorrow.)
We picked up McDonald's for lunch, and headed home to get Brian to work. Natty took her nap, and not long after waking up, Lolo called to say she'd gotten off work early and was coming to get her new daughter. The big kids cried. Lolo was compassionate and gave them both hugs. Natty was stoic, as she gets when she is unsure of things. After she drove away, we had dinner, read some of our current read-aloud, and the kids went to bed before my Grump Therapy friends came over (with apple pie).
We're ok. Though as Sam is sitting next to me now, seeing the photos I'm putting up, he's begun weeping again. I can't stop getting out 5 plates for each meal, adn whenever we go somewhere, it feels like someone is missing. But we are looking forward to vacation, and hopeful for what God has for us when we return.
And after being so careful, since she's not our foster child anymore... I can get away with just one unaltered photo, right?
Shedding tears with Sam... May God richly bless Natty as she grows up!
Posted by: Steph :o) | 02/23/2010 at 01:03 PM
She is sooo adorable! No wonder you miss her!
Posted by: Aaron Mosesbro | 02/23/2010 at 02:28 PM
I miss her too, it was so weird to see you last night without her on your hip. I am so glad that you have something to look forward too, even if Brian isn't =)
Posted by: Carolynn Slocum | 02/23/2010 at 07:23 PM
Thinking of you and your sweet family as you go through this challenging transition. What a blessing that she was able to be part of your family and to feel such love and joy you shared with her!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 02/23/2010 at 09:35 PM
She's a little cutie. I'm sorry she had to leave your home.
Posted by: Rebecca | 02/24/2010 at 03:30 AM
She's so adorable, Hilary. I'll bet you're all missing seeing her sweet face!
Posted by: Stacy | 02/24/2010 at 08:19 AM
I've been reading your blog for a while now. But reading this post made me cry. I used to do respite care for 2 of the most beautiful foster kids. Your pictures of Natty made me bawl. She is so precious and she totally reminds me of the girls I used to care for. I am always in awe of families who can foster. Bless you for the love you give these kids.
Posted by: Emily | 02/24/2010 at 06:46 PM
Poor little Natty. I pray that she continues to have stable, loving, caring families in her life, and that those families will be as few as possible. I'm so glad that you were able to provide a loving home for her for so long, and I'm heartbroken by this turn of events. Thank you for being willing to care, and I really hope that those in power will always try to do what's best for NATALIE...and no one else.
Posted by: Colleen | 02/27/2010 at 09:26 PM