What Is This Blog?

This is a place for us to document our journey as foster parents in Oregon.  The idea for the blog came to us after we realized that as brand new parents, we were staying up far too late after our children went to bed.  We were constantly staying up talking about all of the thoughts we were having as we become more and more ingrained in the Foster Care System.  It felt like nearly every day, we encountered a new experience, oftentimes experiences that are unique to foster parents, but sometimes, experiences relevant to all parents, and experiences relevant to all humans who care about other humans.

As we stayed up too late talking, knowing that our kids would wake us up soon, far before our alarm clocks would go off to make it to work on time, we knew that the conversations we were having were much more important than sleep.  We thought that the conversations would slowly taper off over the coming weeks. Eventually, we assumed that fostering children would be our “new normal”, and we could get back to watching our shows on Netflix and going to bed at a decent hour.  Instead, the longer we were caring for children, the more we interacted with DHS, family, friends, bio-parents, lawyers, CASAs, judges, etc., the more we realized that these conversations were going to continue.

Who Are We?

Aaron

At the time of this writing, Aaron is 28 and a Civil Engineer.  Aaron was raised in Portland, Oregon.  Aaron attended Portland Public Schools through high school, and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He loves Portland with all it has to offer, and he has a passion for soccer, including supporting The Portland Timbers, playing on multiple soccer teams, and watching European soccer early in the mornings on weekends.  When not working or doing something related to soccer, Aaron enjoys running, hiking, biking and weight lifting, which allows him to sample delicious IPAs at the wonderful breweries in Oregon.  Aaron was raised by his Mom and Dad in Northeast Portland, and has a brother, 7-years younger than him. His Mom is a teacher, his Dad is an entrepreneur and business owner, while his brother is finishing up a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Letter to Evie*

The following is a note I wrote our Foster Daughter Evie*, upon her leaving our home after a 2-week emergency placement:

Dear Evie,

Letter to Iliana*

The following is a note I wrote our Foster Daughter Iliana*, upon her leaving our home after a 2-week emergency placement:

Dear Iliana,