Craigsli.st Score and creative stitching (Pics at the bottom)

I seriously don't think there is a perfect double stroller. Side by Sides (SBS) have advantanges, and tandem have advantages as well.

I bought a tandem while still pregnant, and while it works for now since Elsie is still in the carseat carrier, which kinda snaps in the back of the tandem. But, after using this stroller (which I bought at a consignment shop), I realized that I wanted a SBS.

I am not a snob by any means. But, I really had my eye on a specific stroller. This stroller purchased new costs about $500. I wanted it for several reasons. I mean it is not the most beautiful stroller, but function outweighs fashion. There are plenty of more expensive doubles out there....but also other for far less.

Well, being a $500 stroller, we can't afford it. I have been looking on crai.gslist every day, in several areas, looking for this stroller. And, since I live in boonie land - I was willing to travel upto 2 hours for this stroller if I was getting a good deal. Yes, that says 2 hours! for a stroller. That is how bad I wanted this stroller.

I contacted several people, but since this is a very popular stroller, many other people contacted sellers as well. Last week, I finally thought my luck turned around. I was going to buy a used one for $200, which is STILL a lot of money for us. It was 1 hr 45 minutes away. I was willing to make the drive. the guy told me he was only available on sunday - so I rearranged my plans and we were going to make the drive. Well, I am glad I checked my e-mail before we left. He sold it to someone the day before. It got me annoyed since he "promised" to sell it to me and he was the one that said he was only available on the sunday. Whatever.

So, today I see one listed, and listed for a STEAL. The ad said the it was is "good used condition" But also had "wear and tear because it was used by 3 yr old boys" They said that the wheels should be replaced. But, the cost of the stroller + the cost of the new wheels would still make it a good bargain.

So, I committed to buying it and was selected to purchase it. It was 1 hr 20 minutes from my house. Well, I get there and the stroller is in FAR worse condition than what was dipicted. there were very large tears, big rips, areas that where the fabric was shredded. I had to make a split decision and bought it. The second I left, I knew it was a mistake. I was so upset that I was so stupid, and did not tell the women - "you are crazy if you think this is good used condition. BUt, I figured that maybe I could just resell it as soon as I got home. The price I paid is still a great price for the condition, but it is not the condition that I wanted.

I actually called my friend all upset....yes, about a stroller. I got home and took tons of pictures with the thought that I would create my own ad. But, then I brought the stroller inside. And, then I looked at it. And, then I tried to figure out if I should try to salvalage it, and keep it. I even called the company to see if I could get a new seat covering (at almost $150 - yikes)

Well, it took tons of creative stitching, folding fabric, stitching every which way. But, I think I got it to a place where it looks "OK" It does not look as bad, not great, not brand new, but OK. Even with the stitching, it still looks like it has lots of wear and tear. But, I think I can live with it. Even if it is not the color I wanted lol.

So, here are my before and after pics. Note that the before pics were taken outside and the afters were inside - so all the colors don't match - but you get the idea. The pics really do not do it justice, since the befores looked much worse in person. the pics are small, so click on each one to see as a larger pic.

Termination Trial Date has be scheduled

First a disclaimer - yes, we all know that the best situation would be for Lil J's mom (and any foster child) to be able to parent their own children, that they would not be in a situation that required the state removing their child. Or, after removal - the mom would prove herself fit and be reunified with her child. yada yada yada.

BUT - when that does not happen, then of course what is best for the child is adoption

End of disclaimer

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We had court last week- and the judge scheduled a termination trial date for NEXT MONTH! There are a few teeny stipulations that might delay the trial by about a month - but, I don't think there will be a delay and the trial should start as planned.

It is a multi-day trial and each day can be a week apart. So, it is not like the termination of rights will happen on the first day. I also found out that I am not allowed to attend the termination trial. I have attended every trial since Lil J moved into our home. But, the termination trial deals with TONS of "confidential" information that technically I am not entitled to. Most of the info I DO have is kinda on the side - I am sure I am not supposed to know most of what I do. As much as I would love to hear all the details of the case - it is hard to get sitters or have my husband take off of work. And, since it is a multi-day trial, it would be a lot of time off.

There will be mediation a few days before the trial - where bio mom would have the opportunity to do a voluntary surrender. This is something that we are invited to. They do this so they could possibly cancel the trial and save the state some $$. But, if mom does not show up to mediation (VERY possible) then we go to trial. Bio-dad will also be invited to this mediation. In fact, the state is flying him up from down south so that he can attend the mediation.

At this point - there is no way the judge should not terminate her rights. She has done nothing on her court ordered plan, has not seen Lil J in over 4 months, and has gotten herself in "trouble" since he has been in care. Today is actually 2 years in care. Time is up.

We are pretty excited that it is next month. And, even if it gets delayed, it will only be delayed by about a month. After termination - it will still be several months before his adoption is final.
So - disclaimer aside - we are EXCITED

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And - an update on Bio-Dad
They finally found the bio father - he kinda "fell off the earth" for 1.5 years. He has said time and time again that he WILL surrender, that he is in no place to raise a child. We sent pictures and pages of his lifebook to him through the caseworker, and he was overcome with emotion. He was so happy to see that we actually do stuff with him - you know ---- treat him like he is part of our family.

BUT - he said he will not surrender unless he is certain that Lil J will not go back to his mom. He is scheduled to attend mediation, which is a few days before the TPR trial. They are going to fly him up from FL to attend mediation - he will be able to hear all the details of the case. It would not take a genius to figure out the they will terminate. So, he will either surrender at mediation, or right after the termination trial.

Just a tiny glitch - but I don't think it will be too much of an issue. He has the same issues as the mother, so it is not like he CAN parent.

Elsie is 5 months!

I few months ago, I blogged about taking the girls "monthly" pics using the same outfits. Elsie wears all the same clothes that Cora did, so I didn't think it would be too hard. I did not do it the first month - turned out I gave my sister that outfit. The second month I did not have the correct color pants. But, overall - same outfits.

It is funny how they really are about the same exact size for the same age. And - I don't think they look alike at all anymore.

So - here is 2 months through 5 months (today)

Cora is 17 months!

Cora is 17 months old. Every month, I have taken a picture in the same spot. I am also doing it with Elsie. It is amazing to see the difference in size in just a few short months. I did not add all of them, just 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 yr, 17 months.

And, yes - it is the same chair LOL

Happy Birthday to Lil J!

Today is Lil J's 5th Birthday! Wow - that went FAST. We are just having pizza and cake with just us and the girls from next door. We took him to monster jam a few weeks ago as well.

He is going to be so surprised when he comes home and the whole house is decorated. Nothing like last year - but streamers, balloons, etc. But, to a 5 year old - balloons = party. So, I am set.

Since they are doing their Valentine's Party at school today, and not having his school party until Thurday, I wanted him to wear a special outfit today for his birthday. So, I very quickly whipped up a birthday shirt and crown for him. Yeah, I could have made it nicer - but I think it will do it's job.

Pro Pics

We went today to get some pro pics taken. I love this backdrop. This pic came out so cute, if I say so myself. It is funny because Elsie was really crying when they took this picture. And, no - she can not sit up yet. I am just off camera holding her left hand, trying really hard to keep her balance. She toppled over several times.

We got a few great ones of Lil J, and tried to get some of the 3 little kids - but that was a disaster. Cora was running all over the place - Elsie kept falling over, and Lil J was just done.

One year ago

One year ago I found out I was pregnant again - I just wrote this long post about it and somehow after I added the pictures, poof------gone.

I am not retyping it, but it said something like "wow, I can't believe that I was pregnant again, bla bla bla"

So, here are some cuties. :)