Batman turns 4!

Yesterday we celebrated Batman's birthday.  The day started with a trip to the park.  When the big kids got home from school, and after yet another doctor appointment, I blew up the kiddie pool.  When Big Daddy arrived home we packed everyone into the car for dinner.  Even though Batman was served a celebratory piece of cake, with sparkler and all, we still took a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream. I wonder who's idea that was.  After everyone was on a serious sugar high we came home and Batman opened a few gifts.  All in all I think he had a great day but I know he was missing his family.

The weather here has finally turned to spring so we are outside as much as possible.  I'm glad the kids are getting time in the fresh air running around playing but I'm less then enthusiastic about their constant boo boos. I swear it seems that every five minutes I have a crying kid with a skinned knee or elbow.  I have never gone through so many bandaids in my life.  It's always nerve racking when a foster child gets hurt because they aren't actually "your" child.  I'm usually most worried that the injury will leave a huge mark or need emergency care. My husband and I joke "I hope that clears up by Thursday."  Thursday is the day they visit with their parents.  Obviously these kids came into care because their home situation was not good.  It takes a lot for DCFS to pull children from their home because it costs the state money.  Even knowing that makes us nervous that the birth parents will get upset about an injury they find on their child.  In reality I think I'm supposed to be documenting all of them but the truth is I just don't have the time.  I do usually explain to the case worker what happened when she comes to pick them up in case their mom or dad asks.  If a birth parent wanted to they could make a big deal about it and an otherwise accidental injury could cause an investigation.  I'm thankful that has never happened and so far, knock on wood, we haven't been to the emergency room with a serious injury.  Let's face it though kids do get hurt, especially if they play outside.  Our foster kids fall a lot more then the average kid, IMO.  I'm not sure why that is but I suspect there are some sensory issues going on with Batman, and Peanut is just young and wants to do everything the big kids are doing.  In the end the fresh air and play is good for them so the boo boos will keep coming all summer I'm sure.