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Be a CASA!

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There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children . - Nelson Mandela  When I was a kid, probably in middle school, I remember my mom helping a boy in foster care as a CASA volunteer. He even spent Christmas day with our family that year. Earlier in my life, I saw her mentor teen girls in our neighborhood. My mom always showed us that we could still help others with our limited resources.  I want to help children in foster care even though my adoption experience didn't turn out the way I hoped. When I saw an ad for Dallas CASA a few months ago, I decided to submit an application. CASA is a national organization with local representatives. They are always looking for volunteers to serve the children in foster care. Last month, I was sworn-in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and I've already been assigned to a young person who is preparing for adulthood. (Of course, I requested to be matched with an older kid.) I...
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Moving and Grooving

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Several people told me, "The days are long and the years are short" when it comes to raising children. I understood that in theory, and now I know it in practice. I am exhausted when I get into bed at night because I'm so busy all day. Thankfully, Ayomi sleeps through the night now. He is changing day by day, exploring more and more.  He rolls, scoots, reaches, babbles, and he even tried to swim in the bathtub last night. I'm grateful to see how he's learning and growing in so many ways. I am thrilled by his curiosity. He's experiencing the world for the first time, which makes me slow down and experience things that I took for granted previously.  Being apart during the day makes our time together feel richer and more precious. Sometimes I look at him in wonder and amazement that he's my baby. My gift. My joy. I really struggled physically, mentally, and emotionally in the beginning. It's not easy, but we're finding what works best for us. As he g...
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Separation anxiety

Today was Ayomi's first day at a childcare center. On the way there, I told him what to expect, and I tried to be cheerful. The pep talk was really for me to calm my own nerves. I left him smiling in the arms of strangers, and he didn't seem to be bothered when I walked out. I cried in my car. He was still smiling when I returned a few hours later. He had a good day, and that made me feel better.   
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I'm not your superwoman

4:19am Hi. I feel like I'm crashing, and I need to breathe. Are you able to come over today for 1-2 hours? 4:58am  Hey there. Great awareness and proactiveness. Thursday is my long day...but i will see where I can make a hole.   Even though it seems like we're finding our rhythm more and more, this week felt harder. Ayomi woke up around 2:30am yesterday, and I couldn't go back to sleep after feeding him because I was so stressed.  I sing, talk, read, and play with him all day everyday, because I want to be engaged and let him know that he is important to me. He is thriving and showing great curiosity, which makes me feel good. However, I am an introvert. I have learned to adapt and exhibit extroverted behaviors when needed, but it is draining to be "on" all the time without alone  time for me to recover and get re-energized. I desperately reached out to my friend for help, and she responded without judgment. She watched him and I was able to recharge for a few hou...
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The Vowels

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It's been more than 3 months since our family of 3 was formed. Ayomi is growing and changing daily. He's more active and attentive to the world around him. He's "talkative" and doesn't seem to care that I don't understand his language yet. His laughter and gummy smile brighten each day. He mostly sleeps through the night now. He's enjoying baths more, and we have a good bedtime routine in place. Isis sometimes sits outside the nursery door so she can see us getting ready for bed. (She's not allowed in bedrooms.) She generally ignores Ayomi and stays focused on me. I think they will be great friends once Ayomi is mobile and they can play together. Enjoying the beautiful weather together Isis sitting outside the nursery
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Good Morning

Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. - Psalm 30:5   My first month of motherhood was pretty rough; I'm grateful for the lessons learned during that time. It's been 2 months, and I finally feel like we're getting into a groove. I've had some help. I'm able to sleep a little more, and I feel more relaxed, which makes me a better mother. I'm also less emotional and no longer cry daily. Winning! We're getting to know each other day by day. Ayomi Likes: Snuggling with mama Riding in the car Hearing music and mama's songs Eating  Exploring the world  Ayomi Dislikes: Bathing (except with mama) Being hungry  The carseat
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Striving valiantly

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    I am in the arena alone. If you want to help me, please deliver food using my meal train . I appreciate not having to think about what I'm going to eat on top of everything else. I am grateful for everyone who has delivered a meal.    
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