The state of things

So, I know it’s been awhile since I mentioned anything about the whole foster care thing.  Well, after a few mail mix ups we finally received the paperwork from the Department of Social Services.  Most of it we can easily fill out ourselves but we had to both get a physical and TB test and all of our animals needed to be up to date with their rabies vaccines.  As of today, both Courtney and I are finished with our physicals and Penny got her rabies shot.  Beaker will get his before next Wednesday because that is when we are going on vacation.

After all the paperwork is filled out, which will also be done before next Wednesday, I will mail it in and await a call about a home inspection.  I think all we need to do (other than cleaning and basic childproofing) is to get a fire extinguisher for the kitchen.  Once the inspection is finished we get signed up for classes which are about 8 weeks (I think) in length. 

I feel prepared for a child.  Whether it be biological or otherwise, I feel prepared emotionally, physically and stuff-wise.  I’ve been hording and collecting baby things for quite some time but after the miscarriage, when we started talking about foster care I’ve been going crazy.  I can safely say I have plenty of clothes thanks to Goodwill, Salvation Army, yard sales and flea markets.  You might think of stained and dated clothing when you hear Goodwill or yard sales but believe it or not I’ve found a TON of brand new and very gently used clothing at these places.  Plus, I’ve also picked up a few bargains through Babies R Us when something goes on clearance or on a really good sale.  I got this brand new Boppy Travel Yard:

on clearance because it was the floor model for $60.  It retails for $180.  It was on clearance for $119 (I think) and I had two coupons, a gift card and my measly 10% discount.  Not too shabby.

I have two Bumbo seats. 

Those little suckers retail for $40!  I found one at Salvation Army and one at Value Village.  They were each less than $4!  I love thrift stores!  You never know what you will find in there!