Be Prepared

(Yes, another line from a movie. Lion King to be exact!)

So in the last post I shared that we are using this time of waiting to prepare to open our home and expand our family. In one of our classes we were covering abuse and how to welcome children in our home; the stages they go through and what they might be dealing with. It was a pretty tough class for both of us, for obvious reasons, and because abuse, especially sexual abuse, is one of the hardest parts about bringing other children into our home. Not one that will change our mind, but we are concerned about how our children could be affected. What kinds of things could our children see or hear? We have prayed about this and for a hedge of protection around our children. We know that just as God is helping us He will do the same for our children. We also covered how to welcome these children into our home. What we can do before they even come into our home and for their first night and days after. I felt like a sponge wanting to take every note I could to help remember it all. So what can we do beforehand??? Plenty! One suggestion was to prepare our children. Right now it's not surprising to see a little cute 4 year old streaking through the kitchen. Rylie is old enough and already becoming more modest, unlike her brother. But we are working with her to close your door when you change clothes, take your pajamas with you into the bathroom (because a wrapped towel is not good enough), and so on. So for this time, as impatient as we may be, I know it's good for us and for our kids. 

Soon we will be preparing our future kids' bedroom. I'm not sure how to even go about it yet and still keep it gender neutral. But I plan on posting more on that later! But if you or someone you know is getting rid of a crib let me know! I plan on checking some consignment sales and stores for that and a few other needed items. We really didn't plan on more children after Ethan and were a little too excited to rid our home of baby items! So here is a little peak of what I'm thinking for their room:

Yes, I am sure Pinterest will be hired on as our interior decorator! ;) 

P.S. We have one more class to go! I will not miss the long Saturday morning drive to Corinth but I might miss the quiet time with the hubby!