IN OUR HOUSE

Sensory Issues

Our sweet little foster daughter has some emotional needs that I have yet to see in any of our other children. She has to have her room in order… if someone picked up her room and put more than the three stuffies in her crib that she wanted in there (same ones), she would cry and cry… like in a frenzy that it took us a while to realize what the issue was.

We remove them, and all is good. Everything in her room needed to be in place before she went to sleep; before she could talk, she would point and cry if something were out of order, a bin not pushed in, a sock outside the laundry basket and not in it. Any number of things that sometimes took us a while to figure out.

However, it's gone after we moved her to a “big girl bed” at the beginning of December. I am unsure if it’s because she is in control or what has changed. But I do know that she was left alone in her crib or car seat and in those the majority of the time before she came to us at 7 months old.

So, part of it could come from that, and now that she has the control to get out of bed and put things away or bring books to bed, she is more flexible. I'm not as concerned with things in the wrong place. It’s been hard to figure out what she needs, but now that she can talk and get out of bed, it’s a new world. Although we are getting much less sleep now, it’s a season! Hopefully, it's a quick one.

More about our sweet 3-year-old to come. We have a status day for her adoption on April 5th. Hopefully, DCFS will sign off on all the paperwork then! And it will turn into our adoption date.

Have you noticed any sensory-related behaviors or needs in your foster or adopted child? I’d love to hear your experiences!

BOOKS I’M READING

The Murphy Shepherd Series – A Must-Read Before April!

By Charles Martin

I recently read all three books in Charles Martin’s Murphy Shepherd series, and let me tell you—I could barely put them down! These books are packed with action, deep emotion, and a powerful message that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

The best part? The fourth book in the series is coming out this April! If you haven’t read these yet, now is the perfect time to dive in so you’re ready when the next installment drops.

The series follows Murphy Shepherd, a man devoted to rescuing those who have been lost—whether from human trafficking, broken pasts, or impossible situations. With themes of redemption, sacrifice, and relentless hope, these books pull you into a world of danger and courage.

📚 The Water Keeper – Introduces Murphy as he embarks on a dangerous mission to save a young woman, uncovering a dark network of human trafficking.
📚 The Letter Keeper – Continues Murphy’s journey, revealing more about his past while he fights to protect those he loves.
📚 The Record Keeper – Brings Murphy to his toughest challenge yet, forcing him to confront everything he stands for.

If you love gripping stories with deep faith, resilience, and heart-pounding suspense, don’t miss this series! Grab these books now so you’ll be ready for the release of The Keeper in April.

You might also be able to find these books from your local library or on Hoopla. My assistant loves these books so much that she originally listened to the audio version from her local library and then asked for hardcover versions in print for Christmas from her husband! To date, she has read all 3 of them more than 4 times each - sersiously, this series is THAT good!

Have you read this series yet? I’d love to hear what you think!

FEATURED BLOG POST

Top 10 Items to Get Before You Get Your First Foster Child Placement

Preparing for your first foster child placement can feel overwhelming, but having a few key items on hand can make the transition smoother for both you and the child. One of the most important things to have is a big binder with a 3-hole punch to help you stay organized. You’ll be collecting plenty of important documents, such as medical records and school papers, and this binder will help keep everything in one place. Additionally, having a new blanket, pajamas, and clothes in various sizes will help make the child feel more comfortable, knowing they have a fresh start in their new home.

Another essential item is a selection of books and a special toy. These can be comforting and help the child feel more at home. For younger kids, sippy cups are a must-have, as well as toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and age-appropriate shampoo. A nightlight can also make bedtime easier, especially for a child who may be adjusting to a new environment. Stocking up on snacks, including some that meet any potential dietary needs, will also help ease the transition and make the child feel cared for.

Lastly, make sure you have a safe car seat ready for transportation and a comfortable bed with clean linens. Having these items prepared in advance will provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for your foster child from day one. To learn more about what to buy and how to prepare, check out our full blog post now.

👉🏻 The Top 10 Items to Buy Before You Get Your First Foster Child Placement, read the post now!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Foster Parent Starter Kit

Feeling overwhelmed by the foster care licensing process? This kit is designed to help you get organized and feel confident:

• Guidance on choosing the right agency and understanding your options - Organizational tools to keep you on track

• Ready-to-use documents to simplify your preparation

• An organized space for everything you need

Get your kit now to make your foster care journey smoother!

👉🏻 Get Foster Parent Starter Kit Now for $19