Well, the last month has been a real treat. We've received letter upon letter and had visit upon visit with the people from Child Services after Aiod's parents filed a formal complaint. It seems they felt that Aiod and I aren't good parents and wouldn't raise Caleb properly. As if they have room to speak, considering the shape Aiodhan was in before he came to me.
Anyway, the letters were very formal, if not very nice. The people from Child Services explained the complaint and came out to visit several times unannounced. They were shocked to find that the house was thoroughly kid-proofed. I think after this many children, I'd have learned what kids can get into. No breakables are out, all weapons are locked in gunsafes with the exception of Kayce's dagger, which is kept in her locked trunk which only she has the keys to. The sharp kitchen knives are well out of Erin and Caleb's reach. We have plastic plugs in every unused electrical outlet. The kids can't use electrical appliances in the bathroom without our supervision. Come on; I know what I'm doing!
Still, they looked around and deemed it a safe environment. They didn't even blink at the sight of the various creatures we have roaming the property. I guess we must have a fairly mild bunch compared to some Gaian households.
They didn't make any comments about our marital status either, or that Nieva is residing in the house. I was sure they'd inquire about us having another adult in the house, but no inquiries were forthcoming. They asked about what a normal day was like and stopped by at various times on different days, completely unannounced of course. In all, they concluded that we had a safe and stable (if somewhat loud and chaotic) family and household in which to properly raise our children. They then gave us notice that no charges will be filed as there were no violations, and they continued on that vein for about ten minutes before having us sign a paper that we had received their visits. Then they left.
We got a call from my in-laws the next day, and they were not pleased. I'm sure they will try to bring in social services again, but let them try. This house isn't going to get any less stable. I think we've done a damn good job so far, and I invite anyone to say differently.
Well, we did flub up a few things, but they weren't exactly life-shattering. All of our kids (including precious and precocious little Caleb) are healthy and thriving, even if they aren't always happy. They fight. They're kids; it's their job!
Anyway, Caleb needs his lunch. It's so nice to be feeding him mostly baby food now. He eats less times during the day, and that makes my job that much easier.
Anyway, the letters were very formal, if not very nice. The people from Child Services explained the complaint and came out to visit several times unannounced. They were shocked to find that the house was thoroughly kid-proofed. I think after this many children, I'd have learned what kids can get into. No breakables are out, all weapons are locked in gunsafes with the exception of Kayce's dagger, which is kept in her locked trunk which only she has the keys to. The sharp kitchen knives are well out of Erin and Caleb's reach. We have plastic plugs in every unused electrical outlet. The kids can't use electrical appliances in the bathroom without our supervision. Come on; I know what I'm doing!
Still, they looked around and deemed it a safe environment. They didn't even blink at the sight of the various creatures we have roaming the property. I guess we must have a fairly mild bunch compared to some Gaian households.
They didn't make any comments about our marital status either, or that Nieva is residing in the house. I was sure they'd inquire about us having another adult in the house, but no inquiries were forthcoming. They asked about what a normal day was like and stopped by at various times on different days, completely unannounced of course. In all, they concluded that we had a safe and stable (if somewhat loud and chaotic) family and household in which to properly raise our children. They then gave us notice that no charges will be filed as there were no violations, and they continued on that vein for about ten minutes before having us sign a paper that we had received their visits. Then they left.
We got a call from my in-laws the next day, and they were not pleased. I'm sure they will try to bring in social services again, but let them try. This house isn't going to get any less stable. I think we've done a damn good job so far, and I invite anyone to say differently.
Well, we did flub up a few things, but they weren't exactly life-shattering. All of our kids (including precious and precocious little Caleb) are healthy and thriving, even if they aren't always happy. They fight. They're kids; it's their job!
Anyway, Caleb needs his lunch. It's so nice to be feeding him mostly baby food now. He eats less times during the day, and that makes my job that much easier.
~Amyla
