Forward Motion

In the last week or so, I've hit a few annoyances. We now have a home phone thanks to Magic Jack Plus. I was pretty bitter having to spend $80 for one (we wanted the "Plus" version that doesn't have to be plugged into a computer since we both have laptops- really, $80?!? I was thinking it would be 15 bucks tops). But, the State says in order to be a safe household, you must have a home phone.

Our medication has to be literally locked (not just secured with a childproof knob lock). If you know me, you know I hate clutter, so I cringed at the thought of a gaudy lockbox sitting on my counter. We rearranged a couple of cabinets and have ordered a lock for one cabinet so all the medication can be secured in there. It's been a big project because apparently most people don't install locks on their cabinets so finding one that fits was tough.

It makes me feel belittled. I'm a cautious person (D says I take after my mom... hi mom!). I would take precautions above and beyond reasonable to protect any child in my home. It's can be difficult to have so many guidelines over you. At times I feel angry: "What other parent that I know has to go through this? What about all of the people who willy nilly have kids and fly by the seat of their pants? Why do they get to do what they want?"

Then, I remember that every guidelines is set up because something bad has happened before to some kid somewhere. The ultimate goal is to protect kids who are vulnerable and are only in this situation in the first place because they weren't protected. I have to adjust my attitude and take the guidelines with grace.

We didn't chose this path; it chose us. The process continues to be a humbling experience. Finances revealed, body parts inspected, opening up our homes and lives for critiquing. I know this is really only the beginning.

For those wondering, we have one more visit/check in. Our home study should be finished in about 2-3 weeks!