Transitions

Day 359

Day 1 of transitions. Bill and June met Sprout and the foster carers at their home. Spending time caring for Sprout and learning about their routines and generally just having an opportunity to really start bonding with them. It was a shorter day, but the most time they had spent with Sprout. It went well, and left them ready for more!

Day 360

Day 2 of transitions. The first longer day, and more independent care of Sprout. June and Bill took Sprout to a nearby National Trust property for a walk and some lunch. Although still not exclusively in their care, they got to feel like a family for the very first time. They also got to do some of Sprouts bedtime routine, including bath time.

The foster carer also passed on some gifts from Sprouts birth family to Bill and June.

Day 361

Day 3 of transitions. A slightly shorter day than day 2, and started with a review meeting. The foster carers were so pleased with hoe Sprout had taken to Bill and June that they recommended a change to the plan. Day 3 would the final day of Bill and June meeting at the foster carers, and instead Sprout would start coming to them from Day 4.

Day 3 saw them go for lunch and a walk aorund a local park, stopping for a coffee before dropping Sprout back to the foster carers.

The foster carer also passed on some more of Sprouts toys, some gifts, and Sprouts savings.

Day 362

Day 4 of transitions. First day of having Sprout at their home. This was a day of play and care entirely at home. It was wonderful for them to have Sprout there, to show them their room, and even get them to have a nap in their cot. Sprout also got to meet Bill and Junes dog, and the pair got on immediately! They got to do bath time, and then drop Sprot back to the foster carers for bed. The foster carers also brought more of Sprouts belongings over.

Day 363

Day 5 of transitions. An early start meant Bill and June got to do Breakfast routine for the first time. This was the longest day yet of Sprout in their care but already they were starting to feel at home and ready to keep them full time. They also went for a walk and Sprout fell asleep in their pram. Not wanting to wake the sleeping baby, and it being pleasant weather, Bill sat outside with Sprout until they woke up.

Day 364

For the final day of transitions, Sprouts entire foster family took Sprout to Bill and Junes. Bill reflected that although it may have felt awkward for them, that it was a valuable experience for the kids who will be staying with the foster carers long term to be able to see where Sprout will be living, and that made it worth it.

By now Bill and June felt right at home with Sprout, and as best they could tell, Sprout felt right at home with them. They shared a nice relaxed day before dropping Sprout back to the foster carers for the final time.

Day 365

Exactly 1 year from the day they submitted their initial enquiry, Sprout moved in with Bill and June.