Our Cases

Are you curious where the cases stand?  Me, too.  Things change quickly, and nothing is ever sure, but as of this moment, this is where the cases stand:

Cassia and Edison (Miss Independent and Wee One)--Oh, my, are their cases frustrating.  These two should be ours by now.  We were told we would finalize at the end of July.  Nope.  When that didn't happen, I was still sure it would happen by the end of summer.  Nope.  Then I dreamed of it happening by National Adoption Day in November.  Nope.  We hired a lawyer in December who said we needed to move quickly.  Quickly.  That meant January.  Nope.  We got news that the lawyer was finally working on our petition, so I was very hopeful that March was our month.  At this point, that's also looking like a Nope.  Next month marks a full year since their parents relinquished their rights to them.  The beginning of May marks two full years since they joined our family.  Still we wait.  And wait.  And wait.  We remain hopeful that we are getting close.  Everyone wants us to adopt, so we are not really worried.  We just need the legalities to happen...SOON!!  I have prayed for this finalization so much that my heart aches when I even think about praying for it.  I waited patiently for months, and that didn't seem to get me anywhere.  I called the lawyer daily to leave a message, and that didn't get me anywhere.  The wait is killing me, but wait I must.  I suppose I will come out a better person because it wasn't all handed to me in my time, but I mostly feel like a more stressed, worried, confused person right now.  I know without a doubt that a single phone call with a finalization date will make the pain of waiting disappear instantly, but that call still has not come.

Thing One and Pokey Puppy--These boys have now been with us for 8 months.  The official goal for them is adoption.  There is an aunt in another state who has considered requesting a homestudy, but she is very hesitant.  The case worker will still look into any other possible relatives, though none have yet been named or stepped forward asking for the boys.  If no relatives step forward and pass a homestudy, we are the next choice for adopting them.  We will talk to their lawyer soon and let him know that after 8, 9, 10 months of bonding with each other, we think we should even be considered seriously above relatives.  We know that relatives are important, but we want to make sure it is known that we are very happy to have the boys stay forever.  It makes me sad to think of them having to make another huge life adjustment when they are settled and doing well.  Time will tell.  The final hearing should be in June for their case.

Sir Smiles--His case is craziness.  His is the first case that leaves me fairly baffled as to what will happen and what should happen.  His parents were recently given a rare 6-month extension.  They have also made some pretty big mistakes since being granted the extension.  They love, love their son, though, and I cannot imagine them losing him forever.  I kind of think they will send him home, but it's hard to tell.  His final hearing is in July.

Baby D (I am still debating nicknames!)--We are still very early in his case.  He recently started visits with his parents.  His mom seems very determined to get him back, and I do wish her the very best in getting her life together.  She has a long way to go, but it can be done.  His final hearing is still 9 months away.