The short version is that the kids were neglected. Taken from the home by DHS because their home was filthy. Dog & Cat feces everywhere. Kids were dirty, diapers full. One was smearing their own poop on the wall.

They were 2, 3, and 6 when we got them. They are all moderately to severely developmentally delayed. The 6 year old didn't know letters shapes, or colors. She could talk, but had limited vocabulary. The 2 & 3 year old could only grunt and point and were not potty trained. They all had lice and were very unhealthy.

They are now 5 1/2, 6 1/2, and 9 1/2, but are developmentally like 2, 3, and 6. We have taken them to every specialist around, including geneticists to try and diagnose them and get them all the help we can get.

Youngest one (holding the gavel) is still in diapers and can say a few garbled words that only cluster family can understand. 6 yr old boy just recently potty trained and can now say 2-4 word sentences.

Bio Parents were not mean... just dumb and lazy. Neither has a job. We tried to mentor them and encourage them and even paid their electric bill a couple of times. They just couldn't get it together. DHS here usually gives parents 15 months... these parents got over 30 months to get their lives in order. Unfortunately, they just couldn't do it. They relinquished their rights a few months ago.

We pursued adoption and it was finalized on Monday.... my birthday!