Three Strikes

Scorecard:

Good Guys - 3

Bad Guys - 0

The past week has brought a wave of convictions of sexual offenders of which I am proud to have been a part. Justice was found for five children as three perpetrators in separate cases were sentenced to 15 years, 45 years, and life + 30 years respectively. During maternity leave I was called to testify in a pretrial motion for one of the cases. I spoke on behalf of a six year old client as to whether she should be forced to give testimony while looking at the person who abused her. Our legal system requires children to testify in general sessions court, no matter their age, in order to use the forensic interview at the trial. Although laws exist to allow children to testify outside the presence of the defendant, South Carolina has not had much success in utilizing them. Our victory in the motion hearing ensured that this victim would not have to see her offender and helped to establish case law, which should bolster the solicitors' confidence in pursuing this avenue more often. Obtaining these convictions was a true multi-disciplinary effort, involving law enforcement, forensic interviewers, medical staff, therapists, solicitors, and some very brave children.

I have learned that kids do not view justice in the same manner as adults. We, as grownups, want to see the perpetrators locked away and punished for their crimes. Kids just want to be safe. The victory for them lies not in the amount of jail time, but in the knowledge that they told their stories, they were heard, and they were believed. And that is an incredible achievement. I am so very, very proud of these five children and the countless others who have the courage to speak up.

Max at the Run 2 Overcome

Honoring Survivors of Sexual Assault and Child Abuse

and benefiting the Julie Valentine Center

If You Take a Max to the Movies....

He is probably going to want some candy.

When you give him some Skittles, he will want to eat the whole box.

After he eats the candy, he will bounce up and down in his seat with excitement for 2 hours.

Hearing music during the movie will remind him to ask if the movie is almost over. Then he will want to know if the cars are going to race again.

As you leave the theatre, he will see the concession stand. He'll ask you for more Skittles.

And chances are, when you give him the candy, you'll have to take him back to the movies.

32 Degree Birthday

Birthday #32 was marked with a food extravaganza! Pancakes for breakfast, lunch hand-delivered to my office (and flowers!), a delicious home-cooked dinner courtesy of hubs and my mom, and the piece de resistance.....

Yum.

And I didn't even have to share because it was my birthday.

But I decided to let Max have one.

Later, I decided to take my favorite dates for a cooler birthday treat

at the age-appropriate 32 Degrees Yogurt Bar!!

A birthday that was just the right temperature!

Potty Mouth

DISCLAIMER: DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT FIND THE BOWEL MOVEMENTS OF A THREE YEAR OLD ENTERTAINING.

"Mommy, I got 3 bites out!"

"I have to use my big, strong muscles in my tummy to get the poop to come out the back."

(As he shuts the bathroom door) "I need some private time Mommy because I have my penis out."

(As he moves the little potty into the doorway) "Let's leave the door open so we can talk while I go to the potty."

When he returns from the bathroom without any pants or underwear on:

"Max, what do you to do at school when you go the bathroom?"

"Well, first I take my penis out of my pants and then I aim it down in the potty. Then I have to move it around a little to get the peepee off." (Visual demonstration)

"And do you pull your pants up yourself?"

"Uh-huh, well I have to cover my penis back up!"

"I got a really big one out and its shaped like an 'S'!"

"Why are you sitting on the little potty?"

"Because I have so much in my tummy and it looks bigger in there!"

(Loud poot) "That means I have to go poop when I make that noise. That was a really loud one! I bet it woke up Sarah!"

You were warned.

The Office

Last week marked my official return to the working world. Lest I worry about how my children would handle the change, Max set me straight.

Mommy: "I have to go back to work tomorrow, sweetie."

Max: "Whoohoo! Now my Mimi can stay all day long."

Sigh. All the turmoil about whether I should or should not work, all the guilt about leaving two children, all the anxiety about juggling responsibilities....it was all for nought.

I was definitely more conflicted about going back to work this time. I have really enjoyed being home with Max and Sarah. I understand how quickly they move through each stage and I hate missing out on their daily activities. My agency seems to understand my hesitancy and are attempting to be as flexible as possible to meet my needs, including cutting back to only 2 days per week.

The first few days were a bit rocky, but we have survived being up all night (baby and me), blood loss (me), doctor visit before work (baby), and tears (me and baby). But there is no use crying over spilled milk....oh wait, that was me too.

My first client brought me great reassurance. As I walked into the waiting room for our appointment, her grandmother said, "See, I told you that your friend would be back!" and the child enveloped me in a giant hug. That hug reminded me of all the reasons why I work, and also helped me hold out until I could get home and squeeze my own babies.

Smile-A-Gram

Pictures that make me smile:

Two Alarm Fire

Help Wanted:

2 Experienced Firefighters

for Parker District Station 2

Must be able to operate large trucks.

The Applicants

Waiting in the station to be called to duty

Orientation to the truck

Suiting up with the other applicants

Climbing In

Loaded Up

Max at the Wheel

Ready to Go

Trial by Fire

Another successful day by Team FBCK.

Positions Filled.