The Silcock Family Newsletter

January 2009

Its hard to believe that another year has flown by.  Time flies when you are having fun!  There were a lot of changes going on with our family, particularly in the past few months.  Cristian (13), Jimmy (13), Andre (10) and Paul (10) joined the family.  Two of the boys were originally adopted from Romania by other American families and for a number of reasons these children were no longer able to live with their original adoptive family.  The other two boys were originally placed in the US foster care system as young children.  Both have had multiple placements and one a failed adoption.  All four of these boys have significant behavioral challenges and mental health issues among a number of other diagnosis.  Each of the boys, however, bring wonderful and unique gifts to our family.  Cristian is a survivor who loves to learn and experience life.  We all love to watch Cristian's facial expressions or hear what he has to say after he tries some new activity.  Andre is a lover.  He is sweet and kind and never fails to give away his wonderful hugs.  Determined Jimmy has faced a lot of obstacles and set-backs in his short life but he remains strong-willed and independent.  Paul is Mr. Adventure.  He is fearless and never says "no" to an opportunity to ride his bike or to try out some new physical activity.  All four of these guys are full of energy (significant ADD/HD!) and need constant supervision and direction.  Although each of the newest members of the family have a certain level of attachment disorder, they are each is very loving and endearing . It warms my heart to hear each of the boys say that they are happy to be part of the family.  The family has embraced our newest members and we look forward to being each boys "forever family."

The other new for the family is that Jim and I decided to split-up.  The breakdown of a marriage is a very difficult and painful experience especially when children are involved.  Although we will not be commenting any more on this subject, the boys have all been told and are accepting of situation.  All of the boys will remain with me and Jim will be visiting often. Jim has moved just down the street and is in easy biking distance for most of the boys. 

Now some better news, the pool is finished!  I can't believe it.  This was one of the most grueling projects that we have ever attempted.  In the middle of the pool construction original company went bankrupt!  Ughhh!  We had to locate someone to subcontract out to complete the pool.  We also had to extend all of our building permits with the city. It was quite a hassle and I am glad to be finished with it. Now that the pool is all heated and ready to go, all of the boys have had a chance to get in.  We have been blessed with warm sunny weather, so there was no time like the present to break the pool in.  I hoping that all of the hours of energy the boys spend swimming and jumping around in the water will pay-off at bed time. 

The best news of all is that Michael's adoption as well as Patrick and Parker's adoptions were finalized this month!  Michael especially has waited a long time to be an official family member! He was quite excited and nervous to go to court that day.  He invited Grandma Sue and his special friend, Shelia to attend the ceremony as well.  While Patrick and Parker were not aware exactly what adoption means, it was still quite an event to get these guys finalized .  Johnny and Rosario who are family helpers and  quite attached to the boys attended the court hearing as well. Next month we are hopeful that Carlos and Andrew's adoptions will be finalized.  The State of Washington hopes to have Andrew's adoption finalized before he turns 18 years old in mid-March.  Wee are all keeping our fingers crossed that these next two adoptions go through without a glitch.

Thanks for your continued interest in our family.  We appreciate your e-mails and comments.  More news from our gang in a couple of months.

Ann