A Big Baby

When we were going through the process of our foster care classes and getting our license Jon and I asked Ila several times if she wanted an older sibling or a little baby. She answered each time we asked that she wanted a big baby. I tried asking her the same question using different words to make sure she understood, but every time her answer was the same. "I want a big baby mom." I guess she already knew we would be getting Harlen because that description fits him perfectly.

Ila picked out a gift for Harlen. This is the first time Ila got to see him. She proudly tells people that he is her "brudder." They get along great too. The first day or two Ila would demand attention at the same time I was holding Harlen, but after she realized we still loved her just as much as before she has no problem sharing Mom or Dad or her toys. Big sigh of relief on my part.

First Hug. I think Harlen isn't sure exactly what is going on. Ila hugged him and planted a big wet one on his cheek upon introduction. We had been talking about him for a full week before she got to meet him so she jumped right into the sister role. But if you call her a big sister she will loudly protest and say, "I not a big sister, I a Ila sister!" For whatever reason she doesn't like adjectives. Honestly I don't blame her, I never liked grammar myself. Anytime we call her silly or cute, or big sister, she says, "No I not, I'm Ila." She has also told me in the past few days that, "Mom, Harlen is my brudder but I not a sister anymore." Funny girl. Just don't tell her I said that. :)

This was our first visit with Harlen. It was at Harlens other foster home. Ila and I went to see him for a few hours and played in his room. He came to our house for several hours each day for 4 days then on Monday November 2nd he came to live with us. It was a very exciting day for us. His former foster parents dropped him off that afternoon. When we were getting ready for dinner Jon told Harlen, "Welcome home, Harlen. We've been waiting for you." I started crying when he said that. We have been waiting, it's nice to have him home.