Hope

Even though our lives seem to be spinning into a world of chaos God is proving that He is, indeed, in control.

On Monday, as we waited for word from the operating room regarding my Maw's surgery, we received another kind of word.

Yes, our sweet Baby Girl is now officially a Beaver!

After sitting in the courtroom just over 14 months ago, listening to all the things her little body endured before she was born, we have no doubts that God mercifully spared her life so that she could one day be our precious daughter.

So, it's with great joy that I present to you:

Olivia Hope

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
~ Lamentations 3:22-24

Thank you God. Thank you.

Bathtime Beauty

Sorry for not doing a Das Not Funny! Friday post. Hopefully the following will make up for any extreme (or not-so-extreme) disappointment you may have and will tide you over til next week:

I'm still learning the exposures and shutter speeds and such on my camera and taking the advice of a photog friend I downloaded Picasa this afternoon and played around with the effects. I'm no pro, but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Nomatter how photos are exposed or how well (or not so well) she's photographed, isn't this little princess a BEAUTY?

I sure think so. And I love her so much my heart will surely burst one day. She just makes me smile. I love her tender spirit and joy for life. And that toothy grin...geesh, just melt.my.heart.

I found out yesterday that a piece of paper was left out of the paperwork when we filed her adoption and the 10 day waiting period cannot begin until the social worker picks it up at our house and delivers it to the courthouse. So, hopefully, Monday our fabulous social worker will swing by, pick it up and deliver it to the courthouse to begin the 10 day wait.

But you know what? Until then, I'll just look at this sweet face and focus on today. And my sweet Bathtime Beauty...

And remind myself that she won't be the baby for much longer and I'd better soak her up now, while I can.

She's almost legal: Baby Girl Update

For those of you who may have just joined our journey through the world of fostering and adoption let me catch you up to speed semi-quickly. For those of you that already know this story, walk with me for a moment down memory lane and check out a few pics you may not have seen before.

Baby Girl is our 15 month old daughter. She was added to our family when she was a wee 4 days old. Look how tiny and precious she was the day I brought her home from the hospital.

15 months ago, as I sat in the nursery at the hospital and waited on paperwork to be processed, I had no idea how this little girl would continue to steal my heart time and time again. What an incredible stroke of luck display of God's timing that we had already planned (weeks before) family photos for the day she arrived!

Her tiny little head fit perfectly in the palm of Luke's hand, just as her tiny little self fit perfectly into our family.

We were all smitten with this little, bright-eyed beauty from the moment we laid eyes on her.

That was 15 months ago.

This week, we celebrate our love for her once more.

On Friday (as in, tomorrow!) I will excitedly meet Baby Girl's adoption social worker at our county's courthouse and file the necessary paperwork to make her a legal member of our family!

We feel so blessed that God has led us to this place and that she will be our daughter legally, on paper, as she has been for so long now in our hearts. The process to file is relatively simple. The Clerk of Court will hold our adoption paperwork for the mandatory 10 days. At the end of the 10 days he should sign them making Baby Girl officially ours!

With Aaron it took 17 days for the clerk to sign and with some friends of ours it took much, much longer. So, I'm praying that by the 1st week in February she will officially be a Beaver! We couldn't be happier!

And, I don't think she could be either!

Squishy Face

Our Baby Girl's new favorite past time.

Adoption Update on Baby Girl

For the last several weeks (actually since my trip to Arkansas in October) I've been holding my breath and praying for God to move Baby Girl's adoption along, quickly.

While I was sleeping in one morning, our social worker (not Baby Girl's original social worker or her new, adoption social worker...that's #3 are you keeping count?) called and gave us some news that if Baby Girl's adoption was not official before the birth of Baby #6 that there could be a problem. Ideally, we were hoping and praying that Baby Girl's adoption would be final and then Luke and I could voluntarily terminate our foster parent license. If that couldn't happen (because Baby Girl was not legally adopted) then our County office would have to appeal the state for a license waiver. The waiver would be to allow us to be a licensed foster home with 6 children rather than 5. Our state law is that foster homes can only be licenses for up to 5 children.

You still with me? However, since Baby Girl is legally in the custody of the state, they could say "No" to our appeal and remove her from our home. Needless to say I was quite worried. Still, I knew that if God's plans were to remove Baby Girl then all my worrying wouldn't do much to change that.

So I began to pray and I asked others to pray. God has heard those prayers and answered them in a BIG way.

I spoke with Baby Girl's adoption worker today. The BEST news is that Baby Girl's birth mother did NOT appeal the TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) order!! She had until yesterday at 5:00pm to appeal and as of 10:30am today the attorney's office had NOT received an appeal! WHOOOOOPIE!!!

Today our case should be taken to adoption committee where we would be deemed an adoptive placement for Baby Girl!

Once we are considered an adoptive placement and the placement is written on paper IT DOESN'T MATTER if Baby #6 gets here before her adoption is final! Our adoption worker told us that the only difference is that we would be considered strictly an adoptive placement and not a foster home. Once a child is placed with an adoptive family, the adoptive family does NOT have to be licensed.

In short, SHE'S HERE TO STAY!! Praise God!

There is still some other paperwork that has to be written, signed by a judge and filed. The legal father's TPR date was in early November so we are waiting on that order to be written, signed and his 30 days appeal period to lapse. But, I'm TOTALLY not worried about any of that because to date they've been unable to contact the legal father so I doubt he'd appear now and appeal his TPR.

Whew! Y'all still there?

God is so good. I would hope that we'd have Baby Girl's adoption final by mid-to-end January. But, they are moving and retraining a new county attorney so that may not happen as swiftly as we'd like.

Thank you all for praying along side us with the adoption of our children! God is just so very, very good!

One Year Ago Today...

As I write this, it is October 8th. One year ago today I had no idea that I would be sitting on the verge of a day that would be celebrated for years to come in our family.

As you are reading this, I will be thinking about the miracle that is our youngest daughter. One year ago today she was born at a local hospital without my knowing. She was most likely placed in the arms of the woman who carried her in her womb for approximately 9 months. God allowed her to survive things that most babies should not because He knew what joy she would bring to our family.

As you read this, I will be remembering that one year ago today I got a call from our social worker telling me about a newborn baby that needed a placement. I called Luke at work and asked him about taking a newborn, knowing that Aaron was only 4 months old. We knew it was crazy, so we prayed and waited. Finally, my heart could no longer take thinking about a newborn little girl, laying in a hospital, most likely all alone.

Today we celebrate all the joy that Baby Girl brings to our family. We celebrate her laughter, her two-toothed smile. We celebrate her squeals and shrieks of exhiliration. We celebrate the way she loves her siblings and they love her back.

Today, we celebrate our youngest daughter and the way she completes our family.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl. We love you so very, very much!

In other news, my BFF Amanda will deliver her second daughter today. Please keep her in your prayers. I am so excited that her new little one and Baby Girl will share a birthday!

(Shhhhh! We'll keep this picture our little secret.)

Baby Girl's TPR Update and More

I found out earlier this week that Baby Girl's TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) Order was filed (which is a really good thing). However, several things were incorrect on the order which means it now has to be rewritten and re-signed by the judge. It could take several more months for all of that to happen (which is a not-so-good thing).

That means, instead of her being legally free for adoption by Christmas, it's looking more like February.

In other news, the people came back to look at our house for a 2nd time last night and are asking loads of questions about everything from plumbing (like we know those answers) to general home maintenance. We are hoping they will make an offer soon. Once we have an offer and an agreed price, Luke and I will begin discussing our options and whether we want to buy something else or rent for a while.

Lastly, Luke's Dad, step-mom and step-sister come in today for a long-weekend visit. The kids (and Luke and I) are so excited! We have big plans for the weekend that include Baby Girl's FIRST birthday party, soccer for Elizabeth and maybe a few family photos.

It's looking to be an awesome weekend.

TPR Hearing: 3rd Time's A Charm: UPDATE

Update:

After finding some incorrect dates on paperwork the judge continued our case until after lunch. At 2:00pm the case was reconvened and at approximately 3:45pm TPR was deemed necessary for the birth mother. HOWEVER, there are some outside circumstances (which I don't feel comfortable discussing here...it's not my story to tell anyway, it's Baby Girl's, should she ever choose) that have caused some other paperwork to not be processed correctly. Therefore, we go back to court for those circumstances on October 28th. Nonetheless, TPRing the birth mother's rights was a HUGE step in the right direction. But, it looks as if my personal goal of Baby Girl being a legal Beaver by Christmas may not be attainable.

Oh well, who cares about my plans anyway? I just need to continue to surrender it to the One who knows all plans, judges all hearts and sees all futures.

Thanks for your prayers today. The were certainly felt. As for our friends The Hauts, check out their blog for an update.


Original Post:

This morning we head back to court for Baby Girl's Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) hearing. If you're new around these parts, let me catch you up to speed. Baby Girl is our 10 month old foster daughter whom we've parented since birth (October 2008).

The judge changed her plan from reunification to TPR back in February. This is the third time we will visit the court room with the hopes that today is the day that TPR is done. We are blessed to share this court date with our good friends the Hauts. They have a foster son (who is 3 days older than our Aaron) whose case is also being heard for a TPR.

So, we are praying that both cases are heard today, that TPR is ruled and that our precious babies will be one step closer to being legally free for adoption.

Won't you offer up just a teentsy, tiny prayer too? Thanks. I'll update later this afternoon to hopefully bring you good news.

In the meantime, enjoy this picture of Ashlee playing Mommy to Baby Girl. Tender, huh?

Fostering and Adoption Update: Filing Paperwork!

Yesterday, on Elizabeth's birthday, we not only celebrated our precious girl BUT we also got to file Aaron's adoption paperwork! Woooo hooooo!

The usual proceeding is that the county clerk's office will hold his paperwork for 10 days, then the clerk gives it his signature and Aaron is considered legally adopted. However, the clerk is out all next week at a clerk's conference so we are hoping to have the paperwork signed the week of August 17th. Once it's signed, we will receive a copy of the adoption decree in the mail that will act as his birth certificate until the State can issue him an official birth certificate. The current wait time for the official birth certificate is ONE YEAR. (Isn't our government so efficient?)

I'm praying that the week of August 17th will be OUR WEEK as we also head back to court for Baby Girl on August 20th. Hopefully, the judge will grant the Termination of Parental Rights at that hearing and her case will move smoothly into adoption proceedings. Our good friends The Hauts will also be in court that day for their Little Man's Termination of Parental Rights hearing, so needless to say, it's a big day. And one that I am growing increasingly anxious about.

Good News, Bad News: A Court Update

Baby Girl's Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) hearing was scheduled for this morning.

The good news is that I did not get arrested for contempt of court this morning.

The bad news is that the case was continued until August 20th. I do not feel comfortable sharing why the case was continued, just know that your tax dollars (for those of you living in NC) were wasted today. I am beyond frustrated.

Stepping Back

Maybe you've noticed (or maybe you haven't) that I haven't been posting as much lately. It's not that I don't enjoy blogging anymore, it's just that I've felt the Lord convicting me of the intent of all this blogging I've been doing. Originally, this blog was created so that I could journal all the frustrations, joys, hilarity, and growth in my life as a mother to lots of small children and as follower of Jesus.

However, over the last several months my focus had changed. I focused on making sure I posted something everyday. I focused on the things around me that were "blog worthy." Rather than blogging being a way to journal an already God focused life, blogging became the focus and God the icing on the cake.

I'm not saying that the things I've written were not heart felt nor were they totally irrelevant to what God was revealing to me in my life. That is not the case. But, you see, I tried to look at my day by what would make a good post rather than what would make some great memories. Does that make sense? Do you see the difference I'm speaking about?

So, I've made a conscious effort to step back and reevaluate the purpose of this blog. Sure, it is a way to connect with friends, keep family informed and journal the funny, crazy, lovely and blessed life that I lead. But, what are God's desires for me and this blog? What are the ways that I can look at life with His perspective and then journal them here? I feel that my life's focus has gone from God driven to blog driven and I know I need a blogitude adjustment.

So I'm stepping back. That doesn't mean that there still won't be weeks that I blog everyday (because let's face it, blogging is great therapy...and it's FREE). That doesn't mean that I won't continue to blog about hilarious things that my kids say. That doesn't mean that I won't still read other blogs and cry or laugh or pray. But, the way that it has consumed me must change. I must change if I desire to be fully surrendered to the One Who deserves my undying devotion.

Does all that make sense?

Anyway, tomorrow is Baby Girl's Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) court case. Birth Mom will be there and if the judge continues her case again I might get arrested for contempt of court. So please, if it is pressed on you heart, pray that the case is called quickly and that it is heard by the judge and a TPR is ruled. I will update you all as soon as I can tomorrow afternoon.

Have a great Thursday.

Fostering Update: Adoptions and Court

All three social workers came by this morning (our licensing social worker, Aaron's social worker and Baby Girl's social worker). I found out that Aaron and Baby Girl's cases will be taken to Adoption Committee together on July 28th or 29th. That, of course, is contingent upon Baby Girl's Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) case being heard on July 23rd. If all goes well on the 23rd, her case will be approved for adoption along with Aaron's.

After Aaron's case goes to adoption committee I will meet his social worker at the clerk of court and file all the paperwork needed to legally change his name and make him an official Beaver. Then they hold the paperwork for 10 days (just some rule they have) and file it all after the 10 day mark. Once it is filed, he is legal! Woopie!

Baby Girl's case will not move so swiftly. When and if her case is heard on the 23rd the DSS attorney then has to draft the TPR petition. That petition goes to the judge that heard the case. Once that judge signs the petition Baby Girl's birth mother has 30 days to file an appeal. Now, don't think that drafting the TPR petition and the judge's signature is a quick thing either. I've heard of it taking as little as 6 weeks and as long as 2 years. (Yes, the 2 years was an exception, but it has happened in our county. SO frustrating!)

30 days after the judge has signed the petition, and if birth mother does not appeal, then Baby Girl would be legally free for adoption. All that would be left would be meeting the social worker at the clerk of court once more and then the 10 day waiting period (that is assuming that we were approved for her at adoption committee).

Whew! I inteded for this to be a quick update, but I guess when you have so much red tape, you're dealing with the legal system and when you are referencing adoptions, quick posts are an oxymoron.

Court Today: UPDATED

Update:

Well, clearly God has a sense of humor. Yesterday Baby Girl's social worker called me to fill me in on some information. She told me that she thought today would be a breeze, the birth mom wouldn't show up and that everything was checked and double checked by her and the DSS attorney.

Well....clearly not. I love how we always try to think that we (humans) have it SO under control and then God assertively reminds us that HE is the One who oversees all things.

Today, Baby Girl's case was called, we moved to the front and we waited for about 10 minutes for the judge to read through the history of the case. Just 20 minutes earlier the judge had dismissed Baby Girl's birth mom's attorney because we had thought that his duties had been fulfilled. Turns out, they had not been. SO, all of that to say, her case has been continued until July 23rd. Most likely, our good friends the Hauts will be in court with us on that day as well and I just love that God always places our court hearings on the same day as theirs...what a nifty guy God is (can I call God nifty?).

So although we were surprised by this change in plans, I know that all of this is no surprise to Him. He knew every court date and continuation before Baby Girl was ever conceived. I know that He already knows His plans, and I rest in that knowledge.

Thank you for your prayers today, I certainly felt them as I felt much more peace than I have in the past.

-----------

Original Post:

We head off to court in just a few minutes for Baby Girl's Termination of Parental Rights hearing. We are praying for a swift hearing with no hang ups. If you feel led, please pray with us. I will update when I can this afternoon.

Thanks!

A Bunch Of Nothin'

**Be sure to check out Luke's post below this one. It's a good one.**

I don't really have a specific idea for this post, but I felt like blogging because the thoughts in my head have begun to overtake my interactions with my kids. For example, the big kids were "helping" me clean our bathroom this afternoon, and I was thinking about other things, you know, besides the 15 pounds of hair we were wiping off the vanity. (I know that if I had piled up all that hair it would have probably looked like a miniature yorkie terrier, in desperate need of grooming.)

Anyway, Elizabeth asked me something about fixing a broken bangle bracelet she'd found, and my response to her was so baffling that she set down her paper towel, looked at me and then left the room.

My mind is going in a thousand different directions (did I say that already?). Luke and I are praying about some directions that we hope to lead our family. Some of it could be major, some of it is nothing much to talk about, yet all of it seems to be zipping around my mind like a washing machine stuck on the spin cycle. I'm anxious about a few of the things, but the vast majority of it just entertains me to the point that, over the last few days, I've said outloud, "Ha! God, you are really gonna have to work a lot of stuff out if you expect all these things to play out and make sense."

Yes, I know He can, but I can't imagine how and I'm eager to see it all come to fruition. One of the things that I am mulling and thinking through is Thursday. On Thursday we return to court for (hopefully) Baby Girl's final TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) hearing. At that time, our prayer is that the TPR will be completed. But, that's not the end of this waiting game. After the judge orders the TPR to take place, then the DSS attorney has to draft the petition and get it to the judge. Then, the judge has to review it and sign it. Some social workers have said that all of this drafting and signature seeking has the potential to take up to SIX WEEKS. Still, I have heard of other cases (from Aaron's former social worker) that have still not been signed by a judge and the TPR hearing was in 2007. Yes, that's right, 2 years and counting for a judge's signature.

Once the judge signs the TPR petition, then the birth mother has 30 days to appeal. If she chooses to appeal, then it would go to the state Supreme court in Raleigh (I think). Honestly, I'm trying not to think about all the complications that could arise and just focus on what I know to be true.

That is: God clearly orchestrated Baby Girl's presence in our home. He holds her future in the palm of His majestic hand, and He knows every step of this process, none of it will take Him by surprise. Plus, our social worker continues to tell us that she's never seen a family get licensed, placements and potential adoptions so quickly, EVER. (And, I just smile.)

Add that to my thoughts of homeschooling, home management, money management and the general revelations that God presents to me in my quiet time and, well, it's a a lot of thinking.

So, I know this is a bunch of nothing. I know this is a post of rambled words. I know that I should not worry about any of it. But it is, I have and I do. So there you go.

One Year Later

One year ago today, we met our second son. The journey from then to now has been filled with many tears, smiles, diapers, laughs and memories. And just as He knew then, God still knows the plans He has for our sweet boy. In fact, true to His goodness we received some exciting news from the social worker just this morning. I hope to share it with everyone soon. God is so good, truly He is!

You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
Psalm 139:5-6


I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5

Confused

I have hesitated to write this post many times for fear of sounding unloving, or worse, racist. However, it seems to be a topic I can no longer avoid. It seems to be something that has crept into our common life and one that I have made considerable note of and, quite honestly, it just bugs me.

People stare at us. I know this may not shock some of you, but it did me. Sometimes I think they stare because of the insane amount of young children we have in tow. Other times, I know that is not the only reason. You see, we get stares from all types of people. Hispanics, Whites, Asians, Blacks and any person who takes in breath. The norm is that these people, always strangers, look at us then (almost always) strike up some type of conversation with one or more of our children, usually attracted to Aaron and Baby Girl because they are incredibly adorable babies.

The one thing that I've noticed, the only discrepancy, is that not all people are attracted equally. Most everyone is drawn to Aaron's remarkable blue eyes or Baby Girl's tiny physique. Almost everyone is drawn to the fact that Ashlee and Lucas are twins. Nearly every person comments on Elizabeth's outstanding curls. I say most, because that's the case. Most. More abundantly, however, is the fact that black people are only interested in Baby Girl.

So much so that they often ignore our other children and clamor to get their hands on her. Don't read this wrong, I am not offended that black people would think that our black daughter is beautiful and magnificent. She is and I can only imagine the way that someone seeing her for the first time would be captivated by her. The thing that irks me beyond understanding is the way that, for the most part, black people are ONLY drawn to HER. They outright ignore our other children.

For example, at a recent foster parent gathering we took all five of our kiddos. The big kids were off playing in water puddles and rocks and I was caring for both babies. Several other foster parents came over and asked if they were both foster children. Several families came up marveled at Aaron's big blue eyes and Baby Girls willing smile. A hispanic family came by and spoke to both babies, eager for their attention. A white couple asked to hold each of them, one at a time, and commented on Aaron's stranger anxiety and Baby Girl's willingness to giggle. But the one thing I noticed was how the black families ONLY responded to Baby Girl. They held her and even went to show her off to their families. I wish I could say that this is an isolated incident, but it is not. We experience this anytime we go into public with all of our children. Baby Girl is oodled over by the majority of the black people we encounter, while those same people outright ignore our other four.

It almost makes me feel as if black people see her with us then assume that we could not possibly be giving her the attention she needs, so THEY must fill in that gap.

I wish I could say that I'm being overly dramatic, but I'm not. Luke has noticed this pattern as well. Please do not mistake me for saying that ALL black people are acting in this manner. I am simply recounting OUR experiences over the past few months and the notice we've taken. I can assure you that there have been a few times that black people have loved on and considered all of our children in their interactions with us. I pray that you do not read this as racism, because that is not my intent. I just find it intriguing (and yes, frustrating) that sometimes our other children are flat out ignored when Baby Girl gets the sole attention from another person with black skin.

I'd love your input and/or comments, especially those of you with multi-racial families. Am I being too sensitive? Please remember, let's make this a respectable discussion.

Smitten...

...yes I am, with her stunning beauty. I love her little fingers as they pat my face. I am in love with her deep dark eyes as they scan my face. I adore her toothless grin as her giggles bellow from her tiny belly. And her teentsey toes, I could just eat them right off her petite little feet.

Yes, I adore her. Her spirit is sweet and happy with a small touch of drama. I can only imagine the amazing things God will do with our sweetest Baby Girl. I can't wait to see.

Wore Slap Out

Baby Girl continues to go to physical therapy every week. She is making great progress in the areas of sitting, rolling, reaching and (just today) showing me that she can lay on her tummy and turn in a circle to follow a toy...a WHOLE 360 degrees!

However, after a few minutes of sitting, rolling and doing lots of playing, she tires pretty quickly. Earlier this week, I sat her in the floor with some toys and walked into the kitchen for a few minutes. She began to fuss, but I just figured it was because she didn't want me to be out of her sight (she's got a little Mommy-itis). So, I just allowed her to fuss for a bit. When I returned to the living room to check on her, this is what I found:


She slept that way for almost half an hour. It cracked me up.

As for her case status, we head back to court for her on June 18th. At that time, her birth mother's rights could be fully terminated, barring no outlying circumstances or misplaced paperwork. I am praying that God will allow her case to move swiftly and without mishap. After the hearing on June 18th, birth mom will have 30 days to appeal the termination (if such is ruled on that day). After 30 days with no appeal, she is legally free for adoption! Her adoption should go rather quickly since we will have just completed an adoption pre-placement assessment for Aaron's adoption (that assessment is good for 18 months).

And since I brought it up, Aaron's case should be closed out and he should be fully adopted by mid-June. The last bit of paperwork is due to be turned in on Friday, then his adoption social worker will take our profile to the adoption board. Once approved, all we have to do is file the paperwork with the clerk of court and wait out the 10 day waiting period. I was hoping he would be "official" by his first birthday (June 6th) but that isn't looking likely.

This weekend is Homeschool Convention, so I will be gone, gone, gone all weekend, soaking up Homeschooling knowledge (and probably clawing my eyes out by Friday evening). But, before I leave you for the weekend, be sure to check back tomorrow for Das Not Funny! Friday. Tonight was Gold Medal night at gymnastics and I have a few pictures that just make me chuckle, and I'm sure they will you too.

Itty Bitty Beaver

Oh my precious, littlest princess. My one and only Baby Girl. I love you so very much, yet you hardly get any recognition here on the 'ol blog. So here, is a post dedicated entirely to you...you little precious snooker wookums! (Oh, was that out loud?)

You are so amazingly beautiful, that sometimes it takes my breath away.

Yet it is not your outer beauty that makes me fall in love with you day after day. It is your love for life, your sweet squeals and laughter. It is the way your whole body smiles along with your tiny, toothless mouth. It is the tenderness with which you snuggle and show affection that makes my heart melt with love.

You already love being in the midst of the chaos of your family. You love to be talked to by your siblings (even Aaron), and doted over as you learn to roll, babble and hold your own bottle. Unfortunately, my precious, tiniest child, you never get to keep anything all to yourself. You are required to share your giggles, laughter, smiles. It is mandatory that one of your eldest siblings hold you, and shower you with kisses, each and every day. Your adoring audience demands that you give them affirmation of their comedic abilities with your shrieks and belly laughs.

And, all to often, you have to share your belongings and have your picture made in your older sister's towel. But, you never really seem to care too much about that.

Yes, my sweet one, as God's abundant goodness resonates through your joyful spirit, it is so clear that He placed you right here, with us, for a specific purpose. We praise God for you each and every day and we stand in awe of the blessings bestowed on us because of your life.

UPDATED: Baby Girl: Court Review

UPDATE:

Court went very quickly this morning. We were out before lunch, which is a HUGE blessing, especially considering that Superior Court was in session as well (all public attorneys are required to fulfill Superior Court obligations before moving to Juvenile Court), and often that means we just sit and wait on attorneys.

Nothing new was set, although the Judge did acknowledge Luke and I being there and said something along the lines of "Yes, I see the foster parents. I recognized them and I am glad to see that they took the time to come today. Thank you, both."

That. Is. Huge. This Judge does not seem to love foster parents, DSS or anyone who is not family, so I was so thrilled to see that she "recognized" us (Although this is the 3rd time we've seen her for Baby Girl's case, so I would hope we'd spark some recognition with her).

Birth mom was not present so no anxiety about that, praise God. And, just about a month's worth of some loose ends before we proceed with fully terminating birth mom's rights and begin the adoption process. Our social worker seemed optimistic that adoption proceedings would begin within a couple months, and that our next court date of November 2nd would not be needed because everything would be final!

I can hardly wait! Thank you all SO MUCH for your prayers! You all bless me so very much.



Original Post:

We head to the court house again today for a review hearing for Baby Girl. It's not anything that will change the case plan, just a simple review.

However, we WILL encounter the birth mother. This causes me a lot of anxiety, facing her mother, sitting near her and watching her actions as her daughter's case is discussed. Naturally, it is my prayer that her birth mother would just relinquish her rights. However, that doesn't seem to be an option in her mind.

There is a chance the the judge would order visitation for a family member (not the birth mother). If you feel led, please pray that the judge would rule with wisdom. I do not see how visits with a family member would be beneficial for Baby Girl, since her mother's rights will be terminated within a matter of months, and at that time ALL family visits would cease. But, this judge is known for siding with "birth families" for no good reason.

Thanks for your prayers and support.