Our time together has already been so good. That’s not to say there aren’t arguments over the van seats still and tears over silly things. But, generally, it’s going really, really well. We’ve spent time doing the same things we did on our visits–video games, swimming, riding bikes and visiting family.
Before he was placed, I shared the story of our spaghetti dinner and the dining room table. Little things where I really felt like God was both answering the desires of our hearts and tying our family together. There’s another story like this I want to share. It’s short, cute and fun for the weekend.
For years, and I do mean years, the girls have been asking me for a hamster. I’ve never had a hamster so I’m pretty clueless what to do with one. One huge reason is my mom is TERRIFIED of anything rodent-like. Like, it’s a joke in the family. If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen the mice we made out hershey kisses and chocolate covered cherries at Christmas. That was my kids tormenting my mother. It was her idea, so don’t feel too bad for her. In any case, I really was not sure if my mom would be able to visit with a hamster in the same house.
Plus, we go out of town a few times a year. Getting the dogs taken care of while we’re gone is enough. Who wants to find someone to watch a rodent too?
Plus, money.
And cleaning and feeding and food.
And oh my gosh. Who wants a hamster?
During our weekend visit, Jac0b leaned down to Scott in his recliner and excitedly asked, “CAN I HAVE A HAMSTER?!”
The girls were in the office and immediately they popped up out of their seats and yelled at me in the kitchen, “MOM, did you hear that?! He wants a hamster too!”
*sigh*
They laid it on thick. I’ll be responsible. We’ll take turns feeding him. We’ll do a schedule! Mom, pleasseee!
I talked with his foster mom after the weekend and she said he’s been asking all year for a hamster. Apparently he had one when he was with his birth family, but they sold it because he wasn’t taking care of it and it was a BIG DEAL to him. It had come up a lot since being in foster care. She told him she wouldn’t get him one because she wouldn’t get one not knowing if his adoptive parents would let him. He would have to wait until he was adopted.
So.
Guess what we got yesterday afternoon?
Meet Paris.
She’s actually a gerbil since we found out hamsters bite a lot.
I have no idea what we’re doing. It’s already caused some fights between the kids. But, you know, it also gave them a really great way to bond. They did come up with that schedule and they’ve been working together to get it in the exercise ball and take care of it.
Lexi is a huge animal lover and I’m finding out that Jac0b is too. Lexi was the one that’s been hesitant through this whole process and this gave her the perfect thing to look forward to during the transition. I think it’s the same for Jac0b.
I can’t understand how God works. Whether he instilled the desire for this same little animal in all of their hearts or what. All I know is three different kids came together as a family wanting the exact same little animal when there are hundreds of others to pick from. God’s in it and I don’t care how he did it. I just love watching and am so thankful he can use even a rodent for his purposes. Who knew?
lydia says
I have been reading your adoption process and feel so happy for you. This post, for some reason, made me cry. Blessings to your family.
Amy says
Aw, well, I am glad I posted it then!
Teresa says
Isn’t it amazing what God uses to bond hearts together?
My sister and I raised gerbils and they are a lot of fun. One thing–do NOT grab a gerbil by its tail. To keep itself from being caught, the tail can snap off. It doesn’t hurt the gerbil, but it is scary when it happens.
Enjoy Paris the gerbil
Amy says
Oh my goodness, thanks for telling us that. We are clueless about them!