Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Adoption #2- Placement Meeting- UPDATED!
In about 3 hours we will have a CPS worker and two agency social workers in our home to discuss the fate of a 10-month old little girl.

I didn't sleep well last night. I tossed and turned as I worried about all sorts of things with this upcoming meeting.

Will we be the family chosen to get her?

Will we be allowed to adopt her if we are chosen?

Will she settle in to our home and our family routine okay or will she be quite anxious with being separated from the only family she's known for the past 7 months?

Can we really handling caring for a 3-year old, a 10-month old, and a 3-month old and give each of them the love and attention that they need?

Can we believe what our agency is being told by CPS, that this little girl is developmentally on target, or are we being told what we want to hear?

What's the story with her parents? Why is CPS moving towards severance?

What kind of interaction will we be expected to have with the parents?

These thoughts and more are swirling through my head, making me nervous and a bit fearful about this upcoming meeting.

I pray that the Lord will give us the wisdom to ask the right questions and the courage to accept this little girl into our hearts and homes. I pray that he will continue to bless our family and help us to do our very best by all of the children that enter our home, for whatever amount of time they are with us.

UPDATED INFO

We're taking her!

The meeting this morning went well and CPS was pleased with our family. We learned quite a bit of information today. I can't share all of it with you but I will share some:

1) The "baby" is not 10 months old, she's 12 months. In fact, she turned a year old yesterday. I'm bummed that we missed her first birthday! I'm not sure why we were told she was 10 months old, obviously there was some disconnect in communication somewhere, but it doesn't matter.

2) We saw a picture of her and she's as cute as a button! She's fair with lots of dark hair and healthy looking. I think I'll call her "Boo" on my blog because she looks a bit like Boo from Monster's Inc.

3) She's said to be developmentally on target (crawling, cruising but not quite walking, babbling, etc.) but only time will tell if that's truly the case.

4) One of her parents is incarcerated in another state (not due to be released until late fall of this year, at earliest). Sorry, sharing details as to why is not allowed. The other parent was here illegally and was deported to another country last year. CPS has not been able to reach this parent since.

5) Boo has been in foster care since last summer and, given the circumstances of her parents, CPS is going to ask the judge to sever parental rights in her next court date this April. There is no known extended family qualified to take Boo. There has been attempts to have "acquaintances" take her in as a foster child in the state that her one parent is incarcerated in, but so far those attempts have failed for various reasons. CPS is eager to have Boo moved into a foster-to-adopt home so that when they go to court they can tell the judge that she's in with a family that will adopt her.

6) IF the judge agrees with a severance of parental rights plan, then a court date would be set to accomplish that. That court date would probably happen in May. We've been told that it's possible that the incarcerated parent will appeal severance and that would mean yet another court date probably in July. If, in the end, parental rights are severed, they would be severed for both parents at the same time. The parent that is out of the country would be considered to have abandoned Boo. This parent has never met Boo.

7) There's a chance that the judge will mandate that Boo remain in foster care until the incarcerated parent is released and has time to work a case plan, but CPS doesn't want that to happen because that means she will have been in foster care for about 2 years before anything is decided. CPS doesn't always get their way. We have to accept that things could go this way.

We're leaving on a family trip tomorrow afternoon so we won't actually meet the current foster family and start transitioning Boo into our home until the middle of next week. I'm okay with that. I need a bit time to get comfortable with the fact that our life is about to become very chaotic with taking care of 3 little ones!

Wish us luck!

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6:18 AM
31 comments


31 Comments:
At 7:14 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can only imagine the anxiety. These things have away of working out perfectly. Hang in there. Sending positive vibes!

 
At 8:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good luck with the interview!

 
At 8:56 AM, Blogger a/k/a Nadine said...

I'm sure you'll do fine! Thinking of you...

 
At 10:15 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Reading this as you go into the meeting and sending you good vibes.

 
At 12:07 PM, Blogger Carey said...

Im praying for you!

 
At 12:58 PM, Blogger With His Grace said...

I posted a comment but the internet ate it. I am praying for you!

 
At 2:09 PM, Blogger heidi @ ggip said...

That sounds very promising. Am looking forward to seeing how this works out.

 
At 2:34 PM, Blogger Carey said...

Im so excited for you! Im praying for your family for an awesome adjustment. God is good!

 
At 4:04 PM, Blogger windycindy said...

I sincerely hope all goes well! God bless.....Cindi

 
At 4:36 PM, Blogger Christi S said...

ooh, how exciting! I'll be praying for you and this transition!!!

 
At 6:51 PM, Blogger MommaofMany said...

I'm so glad for you that the meeting went well! We'll be keeping you in prayer!

 
At 8:35 PM, Blogger Kathy's Korner said...

how exciting! and nerve wracking! And just a whole lot to think about! I hope you time away will help in coming to some peace as you jump in your family again

 
At 9:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

so happy for you! Praying for you and your family - ALL of you!

 
At 9:23 PM, Blogger Renee said...

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! Best Wishes!

Renee'
http://rmboys2.wordpress.com/

 
At 8:03 AM, Blogger Tamara said...

How thrilling! The circumstances do sound about as much of a guarantee that CPS could ever give a potential adoptive family. The situation(s) sound ideal for an immediate TPR to be granted - especially due to the length of incarceration - I'm guessing it was a quite serious offense. It is also great to learn about how CPS has been planning for this, and is working to have her in an adoptive home before court. This is so exciting! Congratulations on your newest addition!

 
At 8:06 AM, Blogger lightshines said...

How exciting. You will have my continued prayers that everything goes as smooth as it can.

 
At 12:10 PM, Blogger Jenn @ Knee-Deep in Munchkin Land said...

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! I am just so happy and thrilled for you guys. What an amazing journey God has brought you to! And how lucky these girls are to be in your home. I am constantly amazed at your grace under fire. =) Congrats again!

 
At 2:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You can do it - and yes, it will be chaotic, but you'll manage and come to love it. I had 3 kids in 4 years - the last two just 14 months apart.

good luck!

 
At 3:15 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

I've been following your fostering story, but I don't know if I've ever commented. I love the nickname Boo - it's sounds so perfect! I pray that God will continue to pave the way for you and your family. What a wonderful ministry you have - not only to these children in your care, but to the case workers, and all who come in contact with you. May they see the light of Christ in you!

 
At 3:25 PM, Blogger Blog Owner said...

KEEP US POSTED!!

 
At 8:29 PM, Blogger Myrna said...

I'm catching up after just sort of halfway blogging for a few weeks--family and medical issues at our home.

I had a lot to read about the new baby1 What a blessing1 I'm sure you have a million questions, concerns, anzieties twirling around in your head. I'm sure that God is in control of the situation and He will help you with the answers to all of those. Those babies are blessed to be with you and your family.

 
At 7:07 AM, Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

So many prayers going up and the first is that the Lord give you and Oronzo His peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray that all moves very smoothly with you. Doors are opening very quickly.

God bless and enjoy your vacation! Hugs!

 
At 7:59 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's situations like this that comfort comes from the ultimate control held by God. I pray that all works out for this little one and for your family.

 
At 8:55 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

That's wonderful to hear! Sorry I haven't been around much.

 
At 10:59 AM, Blogger Mississippi Songbird said...

Oh, How wonderful. I am praying for you..

 
At 6:01 PM, Blogger Sally said...

Wow! Big exciting changes coming your way! Congratulations!

Have a great family vacation, and keep us all posted.

 
At 7:09 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Such exciting news. I'm so happy for you. I can tell you from first-hand experience that adopting a one year old is wonderful. We got home with Sera five days before her first birthday.

I hope everything works out just the way you want!

 
At 7:36 PM, Blogger Lisa said...

Congratulations! How exciting for you and your whole family!

BTW: I call my youngest Boo too :)

 
At 9:08 PM, Blogger dawn224 said...

your story is so amazing, I hope things continue to go well!

 
At 9:22 PM, Blogger Forgetfulone said...

I am so happy for you. I know it comes with some anxiety, fear, and tentativeness, but it's also a blessed moment. I hope it all goes as planned. Can't wait till you get to update this again.

 
At 9:39 AM, Blogger GLouise said...

I am glad she is with you guys!!

I get so mad at the govt and CPS for even considering making case plans that might stretch out over TWO YEARS!

That might not sound like a long time to them, but it is her entire life they are talking about.

Prayers today for you guys, and this precious little one..

 

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Name: Overwhelmed

My complete profile

It wasn't supposed to work this way...Parts 1 through 10

(the story of the private, domestic adoption of our son)


(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
(Part 4)
(Part 5)
(Part 6)
(Part 7)
(Part 8)
(Part 9)
(Part 10- Adoption Finalization)

Fostering isn't for the faint of heart!

(our journey to adopt again through foster-to-adopt, the good, the bad, & everything in between)


Adoption #2- considering the State
More Adoption #2 thoughts
Adoption #2- Back to considering the State
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 1)
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 2)
Family Foster Home Licensing Prep Checklist
Adoption #2- Long overdue update
PS-MAPP class homework assignment
Our preliminary home inspection went well!
Adoption #2: Licensing update
Adoption #2- Foster Facts
Adoption #2: I love it when things go my way!
Adoption #2- The home inspection
Adoption #2- We failed our home inspection!
Adoption #2- We passed the follow-up home inspection!
Adoption #2- Still waiting
Adoption #2- We're getting closer
Adoption #2- An update & a lead
Adoption #2- The lead that didn't pan out.
Adoption #2- We're licensed!
Adoption #2- We have a tiny baby here!
Adoption #2- Update on this precious little girl.
Adoption #2- Quick update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is staying longer!
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is growing!
Adoption #2- Overdue update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- The latest on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Shopping spree for Baby Bug
Being a Foster Parent Does Not Make Me A Saint
Adoption #2- Another Placement Call!
Adoption #2- Placement Meeting- UPDATED!
Adoption #2- We have Boo at our home!
Adoption #2- Meeting Boo
Adoption #2- I'm angry on Boo's behalf!
Adoption #2- A Birthday Party for Boo
Adjusting to three 3 and under!
Stressful moments in fostering.
Adoption #2- Update on our foster daughters
CPS Workers Jerking Our Chain!
It's getting much worse!
Fostering: Update on Baby Bug
Fostering: Update on Boo
The effects of fostering on Snuggle Bug
The time is drawing near to let go of Baby Bug.
Good conversation with Baby Bug's dad.
Boo has a Permanency hearing coming soon!
My heart is breaking!
Bittersweet news about Baby Bug.
Next Friday is going to be tough.
Packing up Baby Bug's belongings
It's done- Baby Bug is gone.
Working on finding peace, one day at a time.
Referral to the Early Intervention Program
Baby Bug update
Home Inspection for re-licensing
Parole granted for Boo's bio mom
Baby Bug is turning 1 year old soon.
Day 2 of Boo's permanency hearing
A prayer answered today!
Attending Baby Bug's 1st birthday party
Foster news
Good news for Boo's case
Boo's bio family visits
Termination Trial date set!
A new caseworker for Boo
I've been asked to testify in court.
Court hearing for "John Doe"
Contested termination trial begins tomorrow afternoon
Boo's adoption has been finalized!

Adoption #2 Info & Stroller Review
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Chocolate Edition II)
Adoption #2- Another Placement Call!
February Pay It Forward- 11 books up for grabs!
Books & Baby Cereal Winners!
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Dried Beef Over Potat...
WFMW (creativity for children’s mealtime)
Win free Beech-Nut Easy Pour Cereal
Bloggy Giveaway Carnival: 2 Free Books
Being a Foster Parent Does Not Make Me A Saint
























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