2 year anniversary

   Two years ago today a caseworker brought us a baby with a face only a mother could love (or so I'm told!) and I fell in love. 

    Over the last couple of years, that little boy has grown and changed (and maybe given me some gray hair!) and has become a valuable part of our family. 

    We recently had court, which I was supposed to attend telephonically but had technical issues. Luckily his attorney was texting me and keeping me in the loop. We have been named as Potential Permanent Placement (pending the appeal) and another court date has been set for December. IF (and that's a big if) the appeal process is finished and he's free for adoption, we MIGHT be able to officially call him ours before the new year! 

This kid gives me gray hair!

     A couple Saturdays ago, I had a new, terrifying experience.

     We've been staying out-of-state at my late grandfather's home. It is a nice sized home with a large yard (about 2 acres). The house is set back from highway (about 75 yards) and the out buildings are even farther back. The property is being prepared for sale so there are lots of relatives coming and going and doors and baby gates being left open while furniture is moved. 

     This particular Saturday morning my parents had been by and the kids went running outside to be near them. When they left, the kids wanted to continue playing outside. We stayed outside for a bit and then my 2 year old daughter needed a drink. I checked the location of all the kids, especially Giggles (CurlyTop). He was happily sitting on a inoperable riding lawn mower behind the garage. 

     I went inside leaving instruction with my 8 year old to keep an eye on the boys. Once inside I realized a diaper change was also in order so I did that. Then, while at the sink, I saw MsBrains (my 8 year old) quickly pass the window looking a bit frantic, as though she was chasing the little ones. When I turned to go outside she burst into the house! 

     "Mom! Giggles is out on the highway and there is a man stopped there!" 

     I hurried outside to see a man, with his pickup truck stopped on the road, standing in the road, talking (yelling) into the phone that "the idiot mother is on her way but you better send an officer out because the baby is obviously in danger"

    When I reached down to get him, Giggles happily raced around the pickup truck, thinking this was quite a fun game. I finally got him and stood waiting for the man to get off the phone. Instead he retreated to his pickup and raced away. 

     I went inside and called dispatch myself. The deputy came out and spoke with me. He didn't seem extremely concerned. I reported it to my licensing agent and DCS worker. Then, for a week, I couldn't sleep for fear that my baby would be taken over something like this. 

    I've never had a kid get out to the road.  What would you do?