How do I not get so attached? I'm asked that question often and my response each time is, "I absolutely am attached!" But you know what I'm beginning to understand? Attachment is exactly what baby girl (and any kid for that matter) needs! And although I may only be in her life a short period of time, I want her to experience attachment, experience love, and experience family.
God has a way of using our past to shape us. If you're reading this blog you likely know that this time last year we had to let little man go from our home. Our intentions when bringing him to our home was straight up adoption....not fostering. I was definitely of the mindset that I could never foster. Loving a child then letting them go.... I could never do that. After he left, God open my eyes to the reality that fostering is just what we had done. And as a matter of fact, I could love a kid then let them go. I had done so with little man!
Within the first week of having baby girl I wrestled with the decision of whether or not to buy her a "lovey" (for those who don't know what I'm talking about....it's the little animal heads with a small soft blanket attached). These items have been crucial for my girls. Lots of searching and lost sleep over looking for them near bedtime (any other parents identify with this?!?! 😩). I was concerned that if I got her one and she got attached to it, that when she left it might not be a priority for those she went home to and would therefore have another "loss" in not having it. A seasoned foster mom encouraged me to get it and reminded me that baby girl forming that attachment now would help shape her ability to form attachment later in life. Better to be able to attach and lose it than to never attach at all. Such wisdom from that mom!! Thank you Haley 😀. Now as I watch her learning to sleep with it by turning to the side and covering part of her little face with it, it brings great joy to know she's learning to attach.
And pictures like the one here show me that not only is she learning to attach, but my girls are too!! They loved little man well and they are loving baby girl well also. My heart overflows with joy as I see them give joyfully and selflessly. Will it be easy when baby girl leaves? Not at all. But one thing I do know....it'll definitely be worth it....for us all!!!
