21 Days

We have a date for the court hearing to terminate the birthparents' parental rights - September 17th. This means that if all goes as planned, Joshua will be coming home on the 17th. We still continue to pray for a smooth process, as there are a few sticky points that may be an issue in the next 3 weeks.

Daniel

Remember this little guy?




He would have been 1 year old today, if he had lived. I looked through the beautiful scrapbook my mom made and thought of Daniel's birthmom. This must be a hard day for her. I'm blessed to have shared that time with him. 1 year ago, I didn't even know about him. Now, a year later, I have lived through the heartbreak of losing him, the overwhelming joy of seeing Joshua born, the frustration of not having him home with me, and the hope of what's to come.

Family photo

Here's our first family photo. There are more photos - use the link on the right to see them.

We continue to go about twice a week to the interim care home to visit Joshua. We are hoping to hear early next week about when the court date will be. There are still some legal issues pending, but we're praying they are quickly resolved.

First doctor's appointment

I got to go to Joshua's doctor appt with him today. Everything looks good, he weighs 8 pounds now. His interim care home is wonderful, and I truly felt like mama today. I was able to do everything with him, and it felt great. Still not sure how long he'll have to be there, hoping he'll be able to come home soon.

Joshua Michael

We visited Joshua again today, and he's just about as perfect as can be. Those of you who know me on facebook can see some more of the pictures we took.

We have been hoping all along for what is called a "legal risk" placement. That basically means that the baby comes directly home with us from the hospital, before the termination of parental rights. It's risky, because it's during the period when the birthmom can change her mind.

Unfortunately, it looks like we will not be able to have the legal risk placement. Due to some legal issues and DNA/paternity testing, Joshua will likely be going to interim care while all these things are sorted out. I have met the woman whose home he will be going to, and she seemed very nice. Chris & I can visit whenever we want to. It's certainly not the easiest situation for everyone, but it's the safest way to preserve as much of our attachment and emotions as possible. As soon as these issues are sorted out, providing everyone is still consenting to the adoption, Joshua would be able to come to our home.

We ask for your continued prayers for our family. This is a time of great joy, but also a difficult time of uncertainty and struggle. Thank you for all your encouragement to us and all the congratulations! We hope that our boy will be able to come home soon.

Welcome Baby Boy!!

Joshua Michael was born at 10:56 a.m. on Sunday, August 3. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 10.6 oz and 19 inches long. I was privileged to be in the OR when he was born via c-section. Shortly afterward, I got to go back where they were caring for him while the doctors finished with the surgery. I was the first to hold him, and carried him in to get a hug and kiss from his very brave birthmom. I also fed him a bit of his bottle, given to raise his low blood sugar, and held him for almost an hour while birthmom slept. He looked right at me with beautiful dark blue eyes for several minutes, and held tightly to my finger.

We are blessed and amazed beyond belief. Please continue to pray that all the pieces come together and all the paperwork is signed for us to bring this wonderful, handsome, amazing little boy home later this week.