tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77170040653968037232024-03-05T09:47:22.277-05:00#TheMoreTheSharierNaomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-1359008116106189012020-02-11T22:48:00.000-05:002020-02-11T22:48:53.330-05:00There ain't no elf on my shelf!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">No, we don't celebrate santa.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Yes, we do celebrate Christmas.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Do we care if you celebrate Santa? Nope.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Do you care if we choose not to? Yes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">- Anonymous</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Before you gracefully ::eye roll::, allow me to explain. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I grew up in a Santa believing home. I was around 7 years old when my parents confirmed his fictitious status. I was extremely devastated and disappointed. So much so, that I ruined it several years later for my little sister. Something she has never let me forget to this day. My husband grew up in a home that was Santa-less and he doesn't have any regrets. We decided that when we had children, we would forgo Santa. It wasn't until a year ago, that I now see why that decision was the best one for our family. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Why are we lying to our children? </b></span></div>
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A little over a year ago a new foster child joined our home. Prior to us, his most pivotal years were spent in complete uncertainty. He blocked out his past so much that he truly believed he was living in a fantasy world. He lived each day in total confusion and needed reassurance over what we know to be the simplest things. We have spent the last year on alert to what he watches, hears and is influenced by; it is physically and emotionally exhausting. Helping him relearn these things was a process that was not fixed overnight and is still a battle. This is a child who can't afford to believe in something that doesn't exist. His overstimulated imagination has caused him more harm than good. Before you get all Judge(y), we absolutely encourage using your imagination in our home. We just make sure there is a healthy balance between reality and fiction. </div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We spend the better part of a childs adolescence instilling values of trust in our children, but why is Santa the exception to the rule? In our home, we treat Santa Claus like we do Spider-Man, Buzz Lightyear or Cinderella. They are all fictional characters in movies and stories. I mean, no one goes out of their way to lie to their children and tell them Mickey Mouse and Simba are real. Believe me, Christmas spirit is not lost at our house. We still watch Christmas movies and read stories that have Santa in them. In fact.m, Elf and Polar Express are very popular in our home...gasp! </span></div>
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<b>Don't worry, my kids won't tell your kids. </b></div>
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We may not believe in Santa, but we certainly aren't bitter. So we can still hang out. </div>
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<b>Shouldn't we expect good behavior all year long?</b></div>
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We have three rules in our home:</div>
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1. Listen the first time. </div>
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2. Everyone gets to be safe. </div>
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3. You can say anything, with respect. </div>
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These rules are posted, can be recited upon request and apply 365 days a year. Christmas presents in our home are not based on behavior. Truth is, behaviorally, December is probably the toughest month in our house. Transition is a daily struggle for our foster and adopted kids. Holidays and special events tend to bring up both good and bad memories from their past. The trauma they've experienced has affected the way they deal with their emotions and acting out is their coping method. </div>
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<b>I'm selfish. There, I said it.</b></div>
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We work incredibly hard to give our boys a great life. So if its ok with you, we would prefer the credit for their priceless smiles on Christmas morning. </div>
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<b>The Nativity</b></div>
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If Family Feud surveyed 100 people for the top 5 answers related to Christmas, I predict this is what the board would look like:</div>
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1. Santa </div>
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2. Presents</div>
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3. Lights </div>
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4. Stockings </div>
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5. Jesus</div>
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Our culture has completely shifted from the values that America was founded on. I want my children to grow up knowing that Christmas isn't just what society has commercialized it to be. Its about our Savior. I want my kids to remember Christmas as a time that we focused on the birth of Christ more than just gifts. </div>
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It's not popular but it works for us. </div>
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Do you do Santa...why or why not? </div>
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Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-22674038798974630612012-12-31T20:17:00.000-05:002012-12-31T20:17:43.326-05:00A Year In Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are just hours away from the anticipated new year and while I'm neither thrilled nor disappointed, I find myself quite relieved. Relieved that I survived what was quite possibly the hardest year of my marriage. The dreadful infertility journey of 2010/2011 held the top spot well, but undoubtedly came in at a close second to 2012. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me, 2012 was full of new adventures, anxiety, excitement, tears, uncertainty and a whole litter of other things. Ben and I were challenged and stretched way beyond our breaking point and yet we managed to come out unscathed. Only the handful of people truly closest to us could really vouch for the struggles that we overcame this past year. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The junk we've endured, the people we've encountered, the situations that we've faced has arguably made me the strongest I think I've ever been. I'm not holding myself to an elite status because I've added "foster parent" to my resume, so please don't misunderstand me. I can never truly describe what it's like, without designating an entire book on the topic. Just know it has the ability to drain you of everything and leave you feeling completely empty and confused. But it also has the ability to make you feel rewarded and special like you've just won an Olympic Gold Medal. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While 2012 was one of the toughest years, I truly wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm especially grateful for the amazing and patient husband that The Lord chose for me to walk this journey with. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's to a year full of miracles and new challenges! </span>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-50510661838397206062012-10-03T22:33:00.001-04:002012-10-03T22:33:09.914-04:00All Good Things Must Come To An End!<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer: Due to <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/index.html">HIPAA</a> laws, all blog posts related to our Foster Care experiences will have limited information when referring to the children and their cases. Their names will remain private and I will use generalizations when writing. I will not be posting any photos of the children that are in our care. My blog will remain public so people can stumble-upon it and so you can share with your family and friends. My FB page (close friends & family only) has the proper privacy settings in place per our licensing coordinator and I will be posting photos on there. It's basically Fort Knox! :)</span></i></b>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's finally happened, the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">unavoidable</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, inescapable, preordained, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">inevitable</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> reality of what it means to be a foster parent. I can't help but wonder if what I'm feeling and experiencing is what a parent who has lost a child feels. Granted, I didn't birth this child, so I never had that initial bond that a mother has when meeting their child for the first time. But I think it's safe to say there was certainly a bond. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am writing this as I choke back tears, because in some strange and twisted way, writing about it helps. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd like to think that I've prepared myself mentally for this moment from the very beginning; and maybe in a way I have. However, what I'm feeling doesn't feel like any preparation has taken place. No matter how many times you're reminded of this possibility, it doesn't in any way cushion the blow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tend to be the person who packs away emotions, until I eventually bust at the seams. It's not my most endearing quality. I was doing really well being in denial of saying goodbye tomorrow, that is until tonight...in the middle of Publix. That's right, it was a "Murphy's Law" kind of evening and it all came tumbling down on our poor cashier. She was incredibly sweet and patiently listened while I unloaded on her. I'd like to think there's a special place in heaven for people like Manuela!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The possibility of him leaving was discussed a week ago but it only became official on Tuesday. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It's crazy to think that the past five months is currently sitting in my living room jammed in a duffel bag. The one thing that is keeping us going is the memories we've shared with him and how much he has grown these past months. I know that it will get easier with time, and I also know that despite how difficult this is, it's what we are called to do.</span><br />
<br />Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-62933732710025931902012-09-15T23:51:00.001-04:002012-09-15T23:51:13.897-04:00A Few of My Favorite Things...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The Sound of Music" is o</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ne of my all time favorite movies, not to mention I absolutely adore the soundtrack. There is one song in particular that I especially love and it just so happens to be the song that I sing to our littlest one, on a very regular basis. Here's a little hint...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been itching to do a post dedicated to my favorite things. While my list of favorite things is not as innocent as Governess Maria's, they do include my can't-live-with-outs and mommy must-haves! </span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Burt's Beeswax</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The magic behind my supple lips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>Blackhead Remover</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a terrible habit to get into, mainly because it's very hard to stop.</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Purpose Face Wash</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My name is Naomi, and I am a face washing junkie! I have tried a thousand different brands and this is so gentle and leaves my face feeling perfect. </span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TRESemme Curl Products</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've got to tame the locks somehow.</span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Publix</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's face it..it really is "Where Shopping is a Pleasure"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQAzWIzVRMJ-4rY8-9VPd222aqUrb7Ghyphenhyphen0kSoaJZYYCLg_VQE8PD3dNWJUkwoxS7Pqy3afeKur7xGmQh_VPGczwqNz6-QK0IluOZeN7c5i9YIKaG-rRSM3HvD-jUqtYSP5v5XwxWLbkM/s1600/images+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQAzWIzVRMJ-4rY8-9VPd222aqUrb7Ghyphenhyphen0kSoaJZYYCLg_VQE8PD3dNWJUkwoxS7Pqy3afeKur7xGmQh_VPGczwqNz6-QK0IluOZeN7c5i9YIKaG-rRSM3HvD-jUqtYSP5v5XwxWLbkM/s200/images+(6).jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Portable Speaker</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure they were invented for the convenience of jamming out in the shower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3u5NgVrnexJLDymrC63WckbM_390RU9-Kmfkt_4UsN74OgYmOHpM7MZFr4wWINYBuQE7g7tL4qycjEB8tWBSm395HVwsnLSX40qfbfGWWHs7yLvklB4-3cVzRhfJtROkZz33CGGi3sI/s1600/images+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3u5NgVrnexJLDymrC63WckbM_390RU9-Kmfkt_4UsN74OgYmOHpM7MZFr4wWINYBuQE7g7tL4qycjEB8tWBSm395HVwsnLSX40qfbfGWWHs7yLvklB4-3cVzRhfJtROkZz33CGGi3sI/s200/images+(7).jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seriously I'm Kidding - By Ellen Degeneres</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instant remedy for a funk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB4VWecKND-b6qL8V1od9NWp0R4hod5aB5g5oxY2T-Uece9SriMfrkB2vqrLsYuR6hRrsoS7VrG41iJivf3tCwpKWSeAlSJenWClFM_W6tClccRfj5RAIU5B6L5kWCSxJ_ylNI_7LeXk/s1600/images+(8).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB4VWecKND-b6qL8V1od9NWp0R4hod5aB5g5oxY2T-Uece9SriMfrkB2vqrLsYuR6hRrsoS7VrG41iJivf3tCwpKWSeAlSJenWClFM_W6tClccRfj5RAIU5B6L5kWCSxJ_ylNI_7LeXk/s200/images+(8).jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">iPhone 4</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do I really need to explain why?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHlYVIcUs6CQ5fAyqXo80xKO0dd1ZTdBiV6nWL1KgCuYlu5e5CTQZunxcrxWUAzMF8AfTWZA5jEwHoXxcQzeLGroNHfR_lIgPPlC5_CuaL79wR-GaZhK-IggDPCA_t-Iq8cKYyt-AyLY/s1600/images+(9).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHlYVIcUs6CQ5fAyqXo80xKO0dd1ZTdBiV6nWL1KgCuYlu5e5CTQZunxcrxWUAzMF8AfTWZA5jEwHoXxcQzeLGroNHfR_lIgPPlC5_CuaL79wR-GaZhK-IggDPCA_t-Iq8cKYyt-AyLY/s200/images+(9).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">RSVP Fine Point</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heaven in the form of a pen. It's like floating on air.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfeDP1gsSjS-X3hNEFGji2H7umYZQnuygaPDNQREPelB8lLARwnDvJB0u8uaxSkZOkQqQBdSssRsZtNBtn8j-wYG9tZ1K8F5ylcdlh1YKVTbfVYJT7mbHpiPvSLYSl488viLiu-UbE28/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfeDP1gsSjS-X3hNEFGji2H7umYZQnuygaPDNQREPelB8lLARwnDvJB0u8uaxSkZOkQqQBdSssRsZtNBtn8j-wYG9tZ1K8F5ylcdlh1YKVTbfVYJT7mbHpiPvSLYSl488viLiu-UbE28/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sun Visor</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look, if I am going to live in this heat bubble of a state, I'd prefer not to burn my hands on my steering wheel!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNOBgIZsI6-XNcHG5LW0ih78t7uQrRdBbUYY-oav1Bnpn3QlMAsYCAbDeCPjjr9pxuTzyePCB_QV37pPVzhnLBsf6vK0nmrTb-ODKp1xZx-Rqu-a2r1wRo8_Iah4dJuaZuAZSAC9SrSE/s1600/images+(11).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNOBgIZsI6-XNcHG5LW0ih78t7uQrRdBbUYY-oav1Bnpn3QlMAsYCAbDeCPjjr9pxuTzyePCB_QV37pPVzhnLBsf6vK0nmrTb-ODKp1xZx-Rqu-a2r1wRo8_Iah4dJuaZuAZSAC9SrSE/s200/images+(11).jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>Pampers Diapers</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After trying out a few brands, this was the obvious choice.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQByvz22DYmpxV8rA7nz-WcvGojkVv9SVbOtzso2uYQgv4BQ2orEYqZhL8lgByu5I_GlkreDLPaSbgeX2lgZYkB3Q1tfy-CJZIb-FRHsMWNWcDs5pvXMWzvH7WmrnpRs-HL4TaUggOwY/s1600/images+(18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQByvz22DYmpxV8rA7nz-WcvGojkVv9SVbOtzso2uYQgv4BQ2orEYqZhL8lgByu5I_GlkreDLPaSbgeX2lgZYkB3Q1tfy-CJZIb-FRHsMWNWcDs5pvXMWzvH7WmrnpRs-HL4TaUggOwY/s200/images+(18).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEB4D9r3nCuY1JlppJL-Cppk17Bw-baGwFAtnNn8-P4BQtgS1xKAPcroAScbW6c_RNCMn7mmNStFLk2rCwiH3igX7trhwyq_LWGlU2d4SuYPSslaV-8JBbpGGdHIOzvdvVduHFb1pbxU/s1600/images+(12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Parent's Choice Wipes</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Truly God's gift.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiUII1u3MMxREqQ0t9pxKGLpcFfyZmo_focHLO6d7bqqaShbbJIfeAa5JX5KIQBNFt5o24aOJiK_z1El_DSSIR3qN_9nhwx5uSITY6TR1J_96EpbrZ58LUA24IpGV6wNrdfHyt5IHw6k/s1600/images+(14).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiUII1u3MMxREqQ0t9pxKGLpcFfyZmo_focHLO6d7bqqaShbbJIfeAa5JX5KIQBNFt5o24aOJiK_z1El_DSSIR3qN_9nhwx5uSITY6TR1J_96EpbrZ58LUA24IpGV6wNrdfHyt5IHw6k/s200/images+(14).jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vicks Humidifier</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With two children who suffer from constant respiratory issues, this is a wonderful relief. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBXYK-tS0z0cNisc66mZh-1Ap2sYvHV1buNgF7EhZBpwptNk0gDoU9wqmIrfYBv1JD355kAWpKNldXvIe-R_tbVbfH224aVI74iNfkuIInPo-Q5imm9yow8U__-N2QJY6NoNCmQV7ZKk/s1600/Classic-5oz-46050-Grid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBXYK-tS0z0cNisc66mZh-1Ap2sYvHV1buNgF7EhZBpwptNk0gDoU9wqmIrfYBv1JD355kAWpKNldXvIe-R_tbVbfH224aVI74iNfkuIInPo-Q5imm9yow8U__-N2QJY6NoNCmQV7ZKk/s200/Classic-5oz-46050-Grid.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Born Free Bottles</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A bit pricey, but worth it. They are completely convertible and grow with your baby.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iczqxtF_VQfBhr-x4iuv0UHbBO1Hf-a5cJFpuU_AgXWmb1FYKEzCdHrzC07igCFRfPbh4n2db2x1ksthyphenhyphenas3kOmZ-bkKL4Ypusl7xXVe1kRibp5UXAwZkcD4Rnnig4V01S7Y0pEm5ew/s1600/images+(15).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iczqxtF_VQfBhr-x4iuv0UHbBO1Hf-a5cJFpuU_AgXWmb1FYKEzCdHrzC07igCFRfPbh4n2db2x1ksthyphenhyphenas3kOmZ-bkKL4Ypusl7xXVe1kRibp5UXAwZkcD4Rnnig4V01S7Y0pEm5ew/s200/images+(15).jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Formula Dispenser</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obviously not useful for a breastfed baby, but convenient for your less traditional mom.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0oN9Xi6Jha3l1cGfkGSXMHB7jgX8S0d4P7-PnSBBlGdCTwu0t-cYoTJYf1GFW_gH73L8LJO9A7WB16V2h9yZC5fgoSmRQtCXTDfNUAOBf3NetD_fcxZJ3O-kNxkCa3bKerzo6FyKtqQ/s1600/images+(16).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0oN9Xi6Jha3l1cGfkGSXMHB7jgX8S0d4P7-PnSBBlGdCTwu0t-cYoTJYf1GFW_gH73L8LJO9A7WB16V2h9yZC5fgoSmRQtCXTDfNUAOBf3NetD_fcxZJ3O-kNxkCa3bKerzo6FyKtqQ/s200/images+(16).jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">High Chair/Cart Cover</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a germ-a-phobic, it's a little slice of heaven.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmw8gv6RPq-h9d7tMEoVnGkJc32anSWwUMgtkPiKb1Rq1NwTANtaEgvZa5PecAi6vvwbuCJsg_xYz9J5b1r40PSdpuUFjIYa9U-AOe8pFE6PQqOZQrBqu2uDCq7WZYXWl7Q4nc2BB6PLA/s1600/images+(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmw8gv6RPq-h9d7tMEoVnGkJc32anSWwUMgtkPiKb1Rq1NwTANtaEgvZa5PecAi6vvwbuCJsg_xYz9J5b1r40PSdpuUFjIYa9U-AOe8pFE6PQqOZQrBqu2uDCq7WZYXWl7Q4nc2BB6PLA/s200/images+(17).jpg" width="199" /></span></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fisher Price Swing</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those inconsolable midnight encounters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and last but not least...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNtpZyjYscRUpEGvBm8k51urUFj8iNslFPa7vkrMHcKRcBuEHKAekOdQo9XEOC80SbsusARxbcm8uFoy9u4pmnhDjT7PGCq3NsT6iu_beDnSOzj6ANoqpBF5_6PsuqOmCMSEurooQZaY/s1600/529554_10151030455627305_1215032640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNtpZyjYscRUpEGvBm8k51urUFj8iNslFPa7vkrMHcKRcBuEHKAekOdQo9XEOC80SbsusARxbcm8uFoy9u4pmnhDjT7PGCq3NsT6iu_beDnSOzj6ANoqpBF5_6PsuqOmCMSEurooQZaY/s320/529554_10151030455627305_1215032640_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Love of my Life</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He keeps me sane and is the calm, cool and collected voice of reason in our relationship!Not to mention, totally SMOKIN'!</span></div>
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Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-70209584998746875882012-08-30T11:44:00.002-04:002012-08-30T11:44:40.876-04:00To Each His Own<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer: Due to <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/index.html">HIPAA</a> laws, all blog posts related to our Foster Care experiences will have limited information when referring to the children and their cases. Their names will remain private and I will use generalizations when writing. I will not be posting any photos of the children that are in our care. My blog will remain public so people can stumble-upon it and so you can share with your family and friends. My FB page (close friends & family only) has the proper privacy settings in place per our licensing coordinator and I will be posting photos on there. It's basically Fort Knox! :)</span></i></b>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Disclaimer: </b></i></span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Although we are pro-corporal punishment, we do abide by the <a href="http://ccrain.fl-dcf.org/documents/1/451.pdf#nameddest=402.26">Florida Statutes for Child Care</a> (Pg 19) and use the required discipline for our foster children.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As foster parents, we are required to log sixteen hours of training each year to keep our license current. There are a few different ways to complete those hours, watching approved movies (particularly The Blind Side), training classes, online training, <a href="http://pascofapa.com/">FAPA</a> meetings, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being the new kids on the block, we were approached about a 5 week behavioral assessment class and assumed it was a requirement for all foster parents. They would meet every Tuesday night for 3 hours. Needless to say, 5 weeks later, we still aren't sure if it was actually a requirement.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it comes to discipline, we've had many discussions about our views prior to having kids. I think its important to make sure both parents are united in that decision because it has the potential to be a sticky situation if you're not. We both agree, if executed properly, <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/effective_biblical_discipline/effective-child-discipline/biblical-approach-to-spanking.aspx">spanking</a> (yes, I said it) proves to be an effective form of punishment. I know it tends to be a taboo topic, but I am here to tell you I am a survivor of spankings and I turned out just fine. I'm not saying that's the only form of discipline we will enforce in our home, we believe there are an assortment of appropriate forms of discipline for certain behaviors that spanking may not be effective for. But just so we're clear and I don't offend anyone, the purpose of me bring up spanking isn't to tell you what to do, I understand everyone chooses to discipline differently and that's fine too.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We found ourselves in a pickle once we got our newest foster child. He is at the age that discipline should be enforced and unfortunately In the world of foster care, spanking is a no for obvious reasons. In the absence of spanking, time out is our alternative go-to punishment. He came from a home with zero structure so we had our share of challenges in the beginning. About the time we started our class, we were finally making major progress is his behaviors, which was quite rewarding considering we'd never done this before. The class opened our eyes to different ideas to help us with some problem areas and also gave us reassurance that what we were already doing was good too. Even though the the instructors don't really teach time-out (go figure) as a proper punishment, it's definitely worked for us. Oh yeah, and they don't use the word punishment either because it apparently gives off a negative connotation. Call me crazy, but isn't bad behavior negative? Their theory is ignore the junk behavior and praise the good - to each his own I guess! Did I forget to mention the instructors aren't <i>actually</i> foster parents?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing Ben and I have in common is we aren't afraid to speak our mind. It's not our most promising attribute, even if it's contradicting everyone else. In fact, on more than one occasion we were the cause of open debates between the instructors and fellow attendees. Although off base at times, overall the training was full of great tools that we have already incorporated in our home.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would absolutely love feedback on what forms of discipline work best in your home. You can do that by leaving me a comment below or emailing me privately at naomishari@gmail.com </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The book the curriculum is based off of is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Power-Positive-Parenting-Wonderful/dp/1567131751">"The Power of Positive Parenting" by Dr. Glenn Latham.</a></span>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-80085338859375716302012-08-03T07:49:00.003-04:002012-08-03T07:49:38.993-04:00Billy...I mean BeeWee!<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer: Due to <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/index.html">HIPAA</a> laws, all blog posts related to our Foster Care experiences will have limited information when referring to the children and their cases. Their names will remain private and I will use generalizations when writing. I will not be posting any photos of the children that are in our care. My blog will remain public so people can stumble-upon it and so you can share with your family and friends. My FB page (close friends & family only) has the proper privacy settings in place per our licensing coordinator and I will be posting photos on there. It's basically Fort Knox! :)</span></i></b>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Disclaimer: I may or may not care if offend anyone with my next statement. <span style="background-color: white;">I officially HATE the name Billy. Yeah, hates a strong word..blah, blah, blah! But seriously, it makes me cringe and let me tell you why. As I stated in my last post, </span><span style="background-color: white;">r</span><span style="background-color: white;">ight off the bat it was clear that our newest foster child has a speech problem.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">As soon as he walked through the door, He was </span><span style="background-color: white;">instantly</span><span style="background-color: white;"> taken to our dog. We introduced her as Mollie and gave him some toys to let her fetch. It was the most exercise our dog has seen in her 3 years of existence.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It wasn't till later that we realized he was calling her Billy. You're probably thinking, "Aww that's cute!" Well it was, the first 450 times! Its not just that he calls her a different name, its the way he pronounces it - Beewee! Before you say, "Maybe he doesn't know how to pronounce the letter M?", <span style="background-color: white;">you're mistaken, </span><span style="background-color: white;">because that was my initial thought. Here is a list of some "M" words he does know...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Mama</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Move</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Moo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - More</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Make</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Milk</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not sure why something so silly drives me crazy. Maybe it's because I now call my dog one of the following name on a daily basis: Mollie, Billy, Bollie, BeeWee or Millie! If it isn't bad enough that she's been a bit neglected since we got kids, she is now struggling with an identity crisis and <i>I</i> can't even get her name right. Oh the joys of motherhood! </span><br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-59526663450020969482012-06-28T22:33:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:52:07.265-04:00I am sick of sick!<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer: Due to <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/index.html">HIPAA</a> laws, all blog posts related to our Foster Care experiences will have limited information when referring to the children and their cases. Their names will remain private and I will use generalizations when writing. I will not be posting any photos of the children that are in our care. My blog will remain public so people can stumble-upon it and so you can share with your family and friends. My FB page (close friends & family only) has the proper privacy settings in place per our licensing coordinator and I will be posting photos on there. It's basically Fort Knox! :)</span></i></b>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The past two months has been a very busy and stressful one for this Mom. Quick recap: Ben and I went on a fabulous 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise, came home to a sick baby, I got Pneumonia, we moved our business office, we got a new foster child and inherited a ton of appointments, Ben got sick with what they thought was appendicitis, both kids got sick again - one with a upper respiratory infection and one with Croup, Ben and I got sick again, the baby was hospitalized with pneumonia, the new guy now has early stages of pneumonia and the clincher...BEN AND I ARE SICK AGAIN! Frankly, I'm not sure how I've kept it all together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">As a mom, I'm beginning to realize we have many "OMG" moments. But w</span><span style="background-color: white;">hen my 7 month old started to turn purple because he couldn't breathe, my "OMG" moment </span><span style="background-color: white;">was a little less conservative and a lot more </span><span style="background-color: white;">freaking out</span><span style="background-color: white;">. </span>With the obvious common denominator being "sick," Ben and I were beginning to wonder if we should be classified as what they call "Medical Foster Parents." When the receptionist at the doctors office says "We should just reserve you a room" and all the nurses know you by name, that's borderline ridiculous! <span style="background-color: white;">I can be a bit dramatic at times, but I assure you that is not the case. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">We were at the doctors at least 2-3 times a week. If we weren't distributing medication we were giving both kids breathing treatments every 4 hours or waking up to a puking child because he was coughing so much he was choking. Although, having sick children is never fun, </span><span style="background-color: white;">It all goes back to being incredibly thankful that I have the job flexibility to take the time off I need to care for our children. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fun Video Clip:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ellen Degeneres will disagree with me and say <a href="http://youtu.be/z8kT-kMBubU">pickle juice in the eye is the worst thing</a> (Fwd to 6:10), but as a mom, having a sick child takes the cake. Talk about emotionally and physically exhausting!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmR03mUbwPT5AbcZJg0P2BDu-M95aWPygGgtqlm7xZL0yJThCAoBdBxKtIqfooTpHGr_pxm3eXKemPK3cmL7NFDFOXqVcrzOM10HCvz_9HP1SulK2fViSJVmm8dvjoIlV9xGa5lgvuBM/s1600/543241_10150873628932305_751959644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmR03mUbwPT5AbcZJg0P2BDu-M95aWPygGgtqlm7xZL0yJThCAoBdBxKtIqfooTpHGr_pxm3eXKemPK3cmL7NFDFOXqVcrzOM10HCvz_9HP1SulK2fViSJVmm8dvjoIlV9xGa5lgvuBM/s320/543241_10150873628932305_751959644_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I know I said I wouldn't post photos, but the back of their heads are just so cute! Technically no children have been compromised with this photo)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lets talk new addition - the experience thus far can be summed up in a few words...Active, Exhausting, Whiny, Unresponsive, and Billy! All of which are fairly reasonable adjectives to describe a child in their "terrible twos", don't you think? My guess is you're confused by "Billy." My plan is to keep you in suspense just a little bit longer. I promise I will shed some light on why I used that to describe our new addition. Trust me, it deserves its own blog entry!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our newest foster child came to us two months ago and right off the bat, it was clear that he had a significant speech problem. My guess is, it's the unfortunate result of a family that was too busy caring about other things than taking the time to teach a child how to communicate. I have found that to be my biggest challenge with him. With all the children I have come into contact with my entire life, I've never been put in a situation with that kind of disability. How do you start from the very beginning with a child that should be 3/4 of the way to having steady conversations? Having a younger sister and babysitting all through my youth, I know there are basic things that a 2.5 year old should know, that this child had no clue about and it completely broke my heart. Here are just a few of the basics...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Please and Thank You</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Yes and No</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Identifying Colors and Shapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Counting to 5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Repeating</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - 2 to 4 Word Sentences</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Following Simple Instruction</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - ABC Basics</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I quickly realized how much one-on-one time and patience he was going to need. I am the first to admit that patience is my biggest flaw. In fact, on many occasions I tried to convince Ben he was too much for us to handle and we had to give him back. I know it sounds harsh, but I was serious. I'm sure anyone with a toddler shares my same sentiments from time to time. It took Ben reminding me <i>several</i> times how hard it was when we got our first foster child, but after a couple of weeks we established a schedule and it got easier and easier. I am happy to report that in the short time that we've had him, he has shown MAJOR progress! He is on consistent schedule, speaking clear sentences, identifying animals and their sounds, following instructions, using his manners, singing nursery rhymes (just to name a few) - talk about rewarding! We certainly still have our work cut out for us, especially with two kids, but I'm confident in our ability to make it work!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Its situations like this, that puts everything that Ben and I do into perspective. It sucks sometimes and its a lot of hard work, but throwing in the towel isn't an option for us. In a world full of chaos and confusion, these children need stability and consistency. In fact, its shown proven that they strive in that kind of environment. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-48530480320006494482012-04-01T21:49:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:51:06.589-04:00Whirlwind<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer: Due to <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/index.html">HIPAA</a> laws, all blog posts related to our Foster Care experiences will have limited information when referring to the children and their cases. Their names will remain private and I will use generalizations when writing. I will not be posting any photos of the children that are in our care. My blog will remain public so people can stumble-upon it and so you can share with your family and friends. My FB page (close friends & family only) has the proper privacy settings in place per our licensing coordinator and I will be posting photos on there. It's basically Fort Knox! :)</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'m convinced, that not even 9 months can prepare you for your first child, let alone less than 24 hours! In fact, I welcome the challenge for someone to prove me wrong! Despite the many years of babysitting, having younger siblings and cousins, nieces and nephews and 30+ hours of training, there is still that O.M.G. moment. Lets rewind 9 weeks...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since early December, we had been anticipating the email from Eckerd that would say we've finally been approved to be foster parents. But as we all know, when we hear the words easy or fast-moving, we certainly don't associate them with anything involving a government agency. Friday, January 27th at 9:54am, would finally mark the end in this CRAZY process - only, it was just the beginning of a whole new experience. An experience, that I was beginning to have second thoughts about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Early that week, we were informed that they had a few options for us after we were approved, all were boys and ranged from 1-2 yrs old. We were so nervous, but the excited kind. We began mentally preparing ourselves for an instant life change - lack of sleep, teaching shapes and colors, potty training, terrible two's and everything in between! So imagine our surprise when we got a call just hours after being licensed about a 2 month old! After hearing the specifics about the child we agreed to accept him as our first foster child. I hung up the phone and was frozen for a solid 3 minutes. Despite our house being 100% baby proof, having an approved home health inspection and being completely vetted as if we were joining the CIA, I felt completely unprepared. I began to do the only thing I knew to be soothing for me in times of anxiety...clean! Ben was stuck in St. Pete and was trying his hardest to make it home before the baby was dropped off. My heart was racing so fast I kept stopping to time my pulse. The car pulled up around 10:00pm (longest 2 hours of my life) and the most peaceful and sweetest little boy joined our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first few hours were a bit fuzzy considering the series of events that unfolded in a few short hours. I mostly remember my amazing family coming by to help us ease into our first night. I'm so thankful that <a href="http://bluebirdmomma.wordpress.com/">Shannon</a> came over and made a late night trip with me to Walmart helped me pick out the essentials.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The baby slept like you would expect any 2 month old to sleep...not enough! I woke up Saturday morning in a complete daze, my emotions were on high alert. We had a prior work event that caused Ben to be away all day and I was left to be a first time mom all by myself. We hadn't even had the baby for 12 hours and I already wanted to throw in the towel; I felt like I was being fed to the wolves. I've never experienced depression, (although on my worst PMS day I could probably do some damage to someone) but it was the only word I could use to describe what I was feeling. My body was experiencing emotions I never encountered before. I spent the day with my mom and sister and I was in such a funk, I had a really hard time bonding with the baby. I spent the next few days crying a lot and barely eating. I didn't like this new version of me. Wasn't this supposed to be the most rewarding experience?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It took a few days, but my emotions finally gave my brain a second to really "soul search", for lack of a better term. The light bulb turned on and after a good long cry on my husbands shoulder, I finally got it. I realized the reason I was a ticking time bomb of emotions wasn't because I was having some sort of <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546">postpartum depression</a>, but that this precious new addition wasn't <i>"my"</i> child. I was afraid I wouldn't know how to love a child that wasn't my own. I didn't spend 9 months eating saltines and drinking Ginger Ale, because I was hit with a major case of morning sickness. I didn't spend hours at Target with a scan gun carefully selecting the items I couldn't wait to open at a baby shower. And I certainly didn't go to Babies"R"Us and pick out the matching furniture set that I had my eyes on for years for the nursery. Nine months of planning didn't go into all of this, in fact it was barely 3 months. My mind had finally be focused on getting approved to be foster parents, that I had forgotten how we were led to choosing this route.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are so many women that complain over the slightest change in their body, constant illness or just being plain uncomfortable during pregnancy. What they don't realize, is that women like me would give anything to feel a baby growing inside them and knowing that it carries their DNA, no mater what the circumstances or "burdens" that come with it. It's an experience that should not be taken for granted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a little over two months since we received this precious baby boy and I am proud to say, it is certainly possible to love a child that isn't your own. He has brought so much joy to Ben and I in such a short time. We are honored to be the ones that the Lord has chosen to care for him during this time. I am in shock at how fast he is growing and all the milestones he is checking off his list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stats:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">February 1st - 9lbs / 21.5in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March 21st - 12lbs / 24in</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The craziest and most unexpected thing about this whole experience, is that the Lord has begun revealing a new passion in our lives regarding mentorship for the biological parents. We are excited to see whats to come. </span><br />
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<br />Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-51316815108059804152012-01-14T11:22:00.000-05:002014-07-03T19:31:31.336-04:00Daycare Investigation....(tonight at 11:00)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Early this week, our licensing coordinator instructed me to contact <a href="http://www.phelc.org/">The Early Learning Coalition</a>. It's a local organization that provides the funding for foster children to attend daycare as well as providing many other services and resources for families in Pasco and Hernando County. Seeing as we should be licensed any day now, she wanted us to get the ball rolling on finding a daycare. I was beginning to lose my patience after calling for the last 3 days, leaving countless messages (one with a particularly snooty receptionist) and sent one <i>slightly</i> rude email expressing my frustrations on not getting a returned call. Well, my persistence did not go unnoticed, because she <i>finally</i> called me back yesterday afternoon. In the end I felt kind of sorry for sending a nasty gram to an actually very sweet lady. I should have given her the benefit of the doubt, because she was probably having the kind of busy week I was having. After a very informative conversation, she sent me 68 pages of daycare facilities in my area, which came to about 31 locations. She encouraged me to do my research on each one rather than just picking the one closest and most convenient to me. Being the crazy OCD individual that I am, I spent 3 hours narrowing my results down to 8 potential daycare facilities! My game plan consisted of the following....</span><br>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Google each facility.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read reviews from at least 3 different sites. (if no reviews found...pitch pile)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Google Map facility. (Yes, I am <i>that</i> person who cares about what the appearance of the building looks like...judge away) You're not alone, my husband thinks I'm crazy too!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pitch the ones with tacky names...I'm only kidding, I'm not that shallow. I Just wanted to make sure I still had a captivated audience! :-) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lastly and MOST IMPORTANT...<a href="http://dcfsanswrite.state.fl.us/Childcare/provider/ProviderSearch.aspx">CHECK THEIR LICENSE</a>!!! </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know it can be time consuming, but you will seriously not regret #5! The Department of Children and Families allows you to not only make sure the facilities are licensed, but you can read the public records of every routine and yearly renewal visits. It's important to be informed; especially when its involving your child's safety. I'm not a parent yet myself, but when I am one, I know I would want to know whether the daycare that I am entrusting with my child is background screening their employees every 5 years or using and properly storing cleaning products. Those are just a few violations I came across during my search.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well that about does it. Enjoy your weekend! :-)</span></div>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-25193358883832586442012-01-01T21:52:00.000-05:002012-07-30T11:53:59.616-04:00Goal (noun): the end toward which effort is directed<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Facebook news feed has been overflowing with posts about New Years resolutions and all the joyous events that 2011 brought. Being the the 6th day into the year, I would think all the excitement should have worn off by now - but, to each his own. So while reading these updates of what felt more like a "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul" book, I began analyzing and racking my brain trying to come up with a clever post that summed up my year. I guess that's what I get for being part <i>"Beaver"</i> personality. I eventually gave up and decided to spare everyone from what would have been a very depressing status update. Lets face it, this year wasn't exactly one for the books. Because for me, 2011 wasn't filled with joyful memories, but rather memories I would prefer never to remember. That all changed after my pastor said something during Sunday's service that I will never forget...</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Rather than forgetting the past and moving on, remember all the good things God has done in your life and be reminded that If he did it once, he will do it again."</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may not have all I want, but I'm still a recipient of God's mercy! That statement holds so much weight, yet it can be easily forgotten. Did I forget the AMAZING husband that the Lord blessed <i>me</i> with? Or the income that allows Ben and I to enjoy that spontaneous weekend getaway? And what about the family and friends that I couldn't imagine my life without? Because the truth is, We may be infertile and not able to have children the way most couples dream of, but I could be much worse off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I typically don't make New Years resolutions, never really have. Not because I think its lame, (although, it kind of is) but because I know deep down I would never really follow through with it. A good friend of mine, and fellow <a href="http://today-is-a-sunny-day.blogspot.com/">blogger</a> said it best,<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">While I don’t think we should set ourselves up for failure with resolutions we aren’t motivated to accomplish, I do think there is empowerment in setting goals and defining HOW to accomplish them".</span></span></b></i> This year I am not going to take things for granted. I am going to thankful for all the things that the Lord gives me; the good, the bad and the ugly! I plan on volunteering my time for an organization that I believe in,<a href="http://www.pascopregnancy.com/">"The West Pasco Pregnancy Center"</a>. This year, I also plan on becoming a mother!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OK, now for a Foster Care update....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had our final home visit 2 weeks ago and now we are just waiting for our Licensing Coordinator to complete her home study and send it off to licensing. Which means we should be licensed very soon! As my little sister says "We shall have a little cherub soon!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you that are interested in Foster Care or Adoption, visit <a href="http://www.eckerdcbc.org/">"Eckerd Community Alternatives"</a> for more information!!</span><br />
<br />Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-29196672740826236752011-10-21T09:36:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:40:48.345-04:00Plans?...What are those?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it comes to blogging, I know I haven't been the most punctual the past couple of months. There are so many new developments; but one in particular I'd like to write about...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After much prayer and careful consideration, Ben and I are so excited to share with you about the next step in our journey. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those of you who didn't know, last year we became certified to adopt through the state. And we are now in the final stages of the licensing process to become foster parents as well!! The past few months has been filled with 5 inches of paperwork, fingerprinting, background checks, home visits, endless references, inspections...the list is endless. With just a few things left to do and a bedroom to get ready, we are just weeks away from the potential arrival of our first child. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I had to guess, I'm pretty confident I know what a lot of you are thinking right now, because its probably the same thought that I've played over and over in my mind..."Who can care and bond with a child for such a short time and potentially give the child back?" Believe me, I know it will not be easy. But what if we for just a second, decided not to be completely selfish and only think of ourselves and thought about the approximately 10,000 children a year that are removed from their homes because they experienced neglect or abuse at the hands of a family member? Now if that statistic doesn't make you say "wow", then you must have a heart of stone. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Personally, I stopped thinking about what I had planned and wanted the day I sat in a cold and sterile doctors office listening to someone I only met twice, say we couldn't have children the way we had always planned on. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our primary goal is to love and care for every child that comes through our home. If the Lord decides to bless us with a child to adopt along the way, then that would be the greatest gift we could ever ask for. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is plenty more to come, as our life is about to get real interesting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-49502624723740583562011-08-01T21:14:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:54:24.285-04:00The Special Seven<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a female, when you hear the words 'Baby Shower', your initial reaction is "Awww", right?.............Wrong! In my case, I hear the words 'Baby Shower' and I am instantly thinking of about 999 excuses on how to get out of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My beautiful best friend, is going to be welcoming her first child into this world in less than 6 weeks! And like any new mom, the excitement of a baby shower is something that is anticipated for months. Being nearly inseparable, her excitement of the planning had become mine and I was beginning to look forward to the shower almost as much as her. Looking back I have one regret, I wish I would have opened up and talked to someone about how I was really feeling. Instead, I had to act like superwoman and pretend like it wasn't a big deal at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I quickly realized that I am no superwoman - not even close! Of course the stress of the shower didn't actually hit me until less than 24 hours before the baby shower. I didn't sleep the night before and woke up with major anxiety, upset stomach and swollen eyes. My emotional pain wasn't just about my unfortunate situation, I was aching for my friend who I know wanted me to be there for her. I was afraid I was being selfish for the way I was feeling. But her instant love and support, immediately discounted any of my worries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am again reminded of just how lucky to have such an amazing group of girlfriends in my life. They may be few, but their love and support outweighs that in numbers. I want all of you to know, just how special you are. Your encouragement, sweet spirit and friendship means so much to me. You may or may not know who you are, but you deserve to be acknowledged.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alisha, Andrea, Christi, Jenn, Julie, Kayti & Shannon - You all have a very dear spot in my heart and I love you so much! </span></div>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-8641191375963269842011-07-05T21:41:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:54:38.805-04:00Pressure Test<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I found myself in a situation that caused my emotions to work harder than they ever have. It felt as if I had officially lost all control of anything I had in my grasp; The inevitable moment that I knew would come, but was dreading so terribly. I began to question any faith that I had in God, and it completely terrified me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's the time in a couples marriage that is typically an exciting moment, yet the unfortunate reminder of being human, your nerves can't help but get the best of you. The specific situation I am referring to, is the "I'm-12-days-late-should-I-take-a-test" moment! The days leading up, I had to audibly tell myself "Naomi, please do not get your hopes up." The truth is, no matter how many times I said it, read it, or prayed it, (deep down) I was trying to be the optimist that I wasn't. The time came and with the result, reality hit me hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was I crazy to have just the slightest bit of hope? Was I crazy to think that <i>we</i> could have finally beat the odds? Here I thought I was doing the "christian thing" by having faith that this could be the outcome we have been praying for. Only I felt like that kid who is waiting for that promised day of fun, only to be let down by someone that you hold up so high. If I had to give my interpretation of what a heart attack would feel like, it was that moment; Complete with hyperventilating sobs, trying to focus on breathing and an aching heart. I'm so thankful for having an amazingly patient husband who can comfort me and be the voice of reason in times of despair. In the midst of the hurt and disappointment, this pressure test caused me to look even deeper into the plan that God has for me and Ben. In the end, I came out of this one a bit more stretched in my faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am quickly learning that infertility isn't just a one time diagnosis, it is a daily struggle. I hope this experience will make all of the future ones a little bit easier to deal with. I don't ever want to get to a place where I question Gods plan, not even just a little bit - It's the scariest place to be. I am so blessed to be just a small part of the big picture.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hebrews 11:1</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"</span></i><br />
<br /></div>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-10072262709261268582011-05-30T22:05:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:54:49.826-04:00To speak, or not to speak...?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have heard just about every piece of "advice" out there on how to get pregnant. I could right a book on what not to say when someone’s trying to conceive. In fact, here are just a few of my favorites:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Just relax and it will happen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Take a multivitamin and change your diet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Use an ovulation chart and take your temperature daily</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Try this position - you'll for sure get pregnant</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Are you sure you're doing it right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that’s not even the half of it. The list goes on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As those of you who know me best, I'm not the most patient person and sometimes not the most cordial either. So imagine the shock I gave myself when I would just smile and throw in the occasional, "Oh thank you" during those moments of such essential advice given freely to me from friends & family, doctors and sometimes people I didn't even know! All the while inside I'm saying, "Are you freaking kidding me?!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What most people don't know is that during many fertility treatments you are given so many hormones that could not only kill a horse, but it triggers mood swings, hot flashes, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating - basically it’s enough to bring out the best (worst) in you. So, Lord only knows how I kept my cool, because I felt like a 24 year old going through menopause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of this to say I never really understood the significant difference between sympathy and empathy until recently. I think it's very difficult to understand the pain someone is going through without truly having been there yourself. It's one thing that I've learned going through all of this and it's relevant to every situation, not just infertility. If we can try and put ourselves in the shoes of someone else that is dealing with a crisis of there own, we would know how to react, or not react, to that situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The saying that I've become fond of, but never really liked hearing when I was growing up, is Think Before You Speak. You never know how something that you say is going to effect someone else, even if its meant in jest. Someone can look strong on the outside, but could be completely falling apart on the inside. So tread lightly all you Well Wishers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717004065396803723.post-64615007995926071082011-05-19T08:11:00.000-04:002012-07-30T11:56:30.103-04:00Transparent<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 in 6 couples will struggle with infertility - that's approximately 7.3 million people. It's easy to feel removed from a subject you associate as the intriguing documentary you watch on TLC or the heartbreaking article in Women's Health Magazine. Because surely infertility would never effect me, I'm only 23! And still it's hard to believe I could be in a category that large and feel so isolated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Writing this blog is honestly one of the most difficult things I have ever done. For those of you who know me, I am a very private person when it comes to my personal life. I am not the kind of person that divulges every detail of their life just so everyone can be in the know - I believe that some things should remain private. That being said, I am completely stepping out in faith and obedience to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been a difficult journey that we've encountered this past year. It's taken 3 doctors, 3 surgeries, and so many visits, tests and labs that I've stopped counting. All to reveal our surreal diagnosis of not being able to have children without the assistance of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> All my life I have put on the "My-Life-Is-Wonderful-And-Perfect" face, when in fact I can barely make it through the day without having a really good cry. The past three years has been the ultimate faith test, and to be completely transparent with you I feel as if I have failed miserably. I am so blessed to have had my wonderful husband by my side through it all. He is truly the glue that keeps us both together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lord is continuing to stretch my faith with each day that passes. I know that at this moment in our lives we are meant for this season and I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely terrified. I am however excited for the outcome, because the Lord has already won the victory. and I know we will overcome!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So thus begins my journey. Knowing I am not alone is a far cry away from feeling I am not alone. Therefore I not only encourage you to share this with friends and family, but ask that you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and stories with me as well. I look forward to getting to know all of you as you get to know me.</span></div>Naomi Sharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00549984616397432918noreply@blogger.com5