I had no idea what today's meeting would hold. Would I be "interviewed", just observed, or was this something else entirely?
After dropping off 2 children and bringing a babysitter home for the other two, I drove to the scheduled visit. I was doing pretty well about not being too on-edge... until I was about 3 blocks away, then getting full breath seemed just a little bit more difficult. I couldn't help but laugh at myself for the obvious nervous response. Thankfully, the laughter shook off most of that trepidation.
I walked into the lobby at the office where the visit would take place and saw Baby K's birthmom already waiting. After the usual greetings, (while still in the lobby) her first sentence was:
"Are you going to adopt K?"
"I... uh... well... We'd really LIKE to."
As the visit went on, she expressed how she and K's birthfather had discussed it at length, and felt our home was the best place for K, and that they'd like us to adopt her. She talked about how healthy and happy K is at each visit, and how she's obviously attached to me. They want to relinquish their parental rights and have an open adoption agreement, which we are fine with, though we'll still have to work out the details.
And there are a few hurdles yet:
- Birthdad's name didn't end up on the birth certificate, so they'll need to file a paternity affidavit.
- K is not fully a dependent of the state yet, so dependency still needs to be filed (that shouldn't take long after paternity is established.)
- K is evidently 1/32 Native American (birthmom didn't even know, but the state has ways of doing that research, and although we don't anticipate the tribe in question claiming her, the Indian Child Welfare Act requires the tribe (and likely all it's many branches) give their permission for her to be adopted. It's reassuring having a friend who adopted a child with even MORE Native blood than K, with no trouble from this SAME tribe.)
So obviously this is VERY exciting news! But we are cautiously optimistic... nothing's official yet. They can still change their minds until the ink on the relinquishment papers dries. And that part can't even happen until the above items are addressed. And as we learned before, she's not REALLY ours until adoption day.
We would appreciate your continued prayer support, that the birthparents would hold fast to their decision, that the process would move quickly, and that this baby girl would one day soon offically be our daughter.
Oh my goodness, so exciting!
Posted by: Crystal in Lynden | 01/15/2011 at 12:06 AM
Oh Hilary!! This is SUCH exciting news! I will be praying. The whole process is so interesting. I'm guessing they can't just place with you directly (as in a birthparent adoption) because the state is already involved?
Posted by: Cutzi | 01/15/2011 at 01:03 AM
What wonderful news! We are praying.
Blessings,
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | 01/15/2011 at 05:10 AM
Awesome!
Posted by: Susan | 01/15/2011 at 08:31 AM
Wow, wow, wow!!!
Posted by: Shawn | 01/15/2011 at 09:12 AM
let the praying begin! oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: amy | 01/15/2011 at 09:27 AM
Exciting! We thought thought that might be why Birth mom wanted you to come to the visit. We will be praying that things go smoothly and quickly.
Posted by: Carrie | 01/15/2011 at 10:27 AM
Finally de-lurking...
I am so excited for your family and Baby K. She would be so lucky to be adopted into such a loving famly. And a family that she has been a part of since she was only a few days old. I am excited to read more of this journey.
Posted by: Rachel | 01/15/2011 at 10:29 AM
this made me cry, and I'll be praying that things go smoothly!
Posted by: Mamavee | 01/15/2011 at 10:54 AM
Wow! This is wonderful news! Praying all the details get worked out smoothly.
Posted by: Jodi | 01/15/2011 at 11:27 AM
Oh my! Prayers! Amazing!! :)
Posted by: Sarah | 01/15/2011 at 06:46 PM
Hilary! This is such exciting news! I am so happy for all SEVEN of you! I pray that the Lord makes straight paths for the details to be worked out and for you all to enjoy that deep breath of forever.
Posted by: AmyH | 01/15/2011 at 09:23 PM
Oh, this is amazing Hilary! My heart is so full! Hopefully everything works out so little K can stay with such an amazing, loving family. I'm so excited that her birthparents also want an open adoption.
Also, I thought of this post:
http://browneyedblessings.blogspot.com/2011/01/learning-how-to-be-in-family.html
after reading your sad post last week, and hopefully it can help. You are amazing. And it's good to accept the fact that some days, you just need to crumple in a heap and cry and eat a bunch of chocolate. :)
Posted by: Colleen | 01/15/2011 at 09:25 PM
God IS amazing! After I dry my eyes I will keep praying for you and for all your family!!
Posted by: Carolynn Slocum | 01/15/2011 at 10:42 PM
BEAUTIFUL! I will be praying for your family that all things come together and create a wonderful family for this little girl.
Posted by: Kelly | 01/16/2011 at 06:04 PM
Exciting!!!
Posted by: Chessa | 01/18/2011 at 07:23 AM
So happy and excited for your family! Praying for you all as you walk through this process. ((((hugs)))),
Nikki
Posted by: Nikki | 01/19/2011 at 04:56 PM