Happy Birthday F!

Dear F,

You’re three years old! Happy Birthday! I am glad we got to celebrate with you on your birthday and am excited about celebrating you with family and friends this weekend.

You’ve been with our family for seven months. You’ve grown and changed so much since we met you. You’ve been working hard to learn new words and how to use them. You’ve been learning more about how to have and play with toys. You’re getting used to having some things that are just yours and some things we share. You love getting dressed every day and still exclaim “SOCKS!!!” with the biggest grin every morning when we put them on. You still have a little trouble sleeping all night without waking up upset – but we’re trying lots of things to figure out what you need to be able to rest. We’re also working on speech at special appointments each week and soon you’re going to be able to go on a big school bus to a special class at a big kids school. There you’re going to get more help with communication and catch up on some other skills  and make new friends – but I have a feeling you’re going to be most excited about riding on the bus!

We see your big sisters pretty regularly. They’re doing well in their foster home and are learning and growing too. We’ve had a couple of visits with your older brothers. They’re happy where they are with your great-grandmother. When you’re with them they want to carry you around and make sure you have enough to eat. They love you and care about you. We’ve seen your mom two times since July. She loves you and cares about you too.

We’re not sure how much longer you’ll be with us. We still would like for you and R to be able to permanently be with more of your siblings. You all have lots going on so we’re working to get some of those things settled before we make big changes.

We’re happy you’re a part of our family, F. You’ve taught us so much about resilience and love. You’ve challenged us to in many ways, but you’ve also loved us in many ways. We hope the year that's ahead of you is your best year yet!

Happy Birthday, buddy!

Love,
Mama