A Second Opinion

Talked to another adoption lawyer today. 

Her opinion is similar to the first. 

We don't know how the state will rule,

because no one has challenged this law 

since it was put into affect in April.

We need to file a Petition to Allow Placement, 

along with getting approval from the court for the fees 

that we paid. 

In 2010.

If that were to get approved 

(and she thinks with an affidavit from Lifetime

explaining that we paid fees to them in 2010,

well before this law and that there aren't any new fees with 

this 'match', 

plus them explaining that we had a failed adoption 

placement in March

-also before this stupid law-

that we have a reasonable chance of getting approval). 

Her fees are similar, 

requiring a $3500 retainer, 

with everything billed hourly after that. 

It looks like it could easily still reach $6000 though. 

Also, with Oklahoma's laws in place, 

we need an agency or attorney there.

That drives legal fees up even more. 

It is looking more and more like 

this particular situation is not 

viable for us. 

We are thinking that we will hold

a fundraiser or two, 

and see if we can raise some of the legal fees. 

If this situation doesn't work out,

this money we raise

would go into a money market account

to wait until we move out this state.

Once we do, 

it will get used to fund yet another home study, 

and legal fees. 

 

A Match?!

Lifetime called us today! 

I actually didn't even realize that I had missed a call, 

until the stupid voicemail icon wouldn't get off of my screen! 

I called back as soon as I got the message. 

An expectant mom chose us.

I'll call her S here. 

The baby is a boy. 

Due August 5. 

I was told that she found us on Lifetime's website, 

and that we were it for her baby boy. 

They sent her paperwork,

and she called back to make sure that we hadn't been matched in the meantime, 

because she didn't want to work with another family!  

I don't know what to think!

Part of me is ecstatic, and so happy.

Another part is terrified. 

I do not think I can go through 

another failed adoption. 

We spoke to a lawyer,

who told us that our state has changed it's laws,

and this is a problem for us. 

They've made it illegal

to work with adoption agencies 

outside of this state. 

We have to make a decision on this almost immediately. 

Moving forward with this situation

will mean that we file a petition

with the courts immediately 

to try and and get around this law.

It would be argued that

A) It's unconstitutional.

B) That we signed a contract nearly two years ago with the adoption 

facilitator who is licensed in California. Why should this 

new law HERE and NOW affect us?

C) That before this law went into affect, 

we had a failed adoption.

In effect, the state is punishing us because we chose to use a facilitator, 

outside of the state, 

and had a failed placement. 

The judge could rule against us, and say that we can't go through with it. 

If it is granted, and the baby is born, 

and the adoption is finalized;

the case could still be appealed. 

We are still recovering financially. 

This would be really hard financially. 

This will be really hard emotionally. 

What if the judge allows it, 

or the law is overturned, 

only for the placement to fail?

There are never any guarantees, 

I get that. 

Believe me. 

I had no idea

that this much of me would be ripped open

and potentially put on display. 

I want this to be it. 

 

Prayers for Monkey, please

Poor little guy has had a rough week. 

He'd had a cough and fever that would go away and make a reappearance for about a week. 

We decided on Friday night when he worsened again that we'd have him seen on Monday.

He had other plans.

On Easter Sunday, we went to church

(he looked adorable). 

He asked to go to the park afterwards,

but when we got home to change he asked to go to bed instead.

I noticed he had rapid, shallow breathing

so I woke him.

He was in tears, holding is left side saying that it hurt to breathe.

We came to the ER,

and had lots of tests which showed he had a lot of abdominal pain as well.

After x-rays, throat cultures, flu tests, RSV test and a CT scan

the doctors found he has pneumonia in his lower left lung

and mesenteric adenitis.

He was admitted last night,

and seems a good bit better today.

If we have a good night in regards to pain control, 

and get him drinking enough to stay hydrated without an IV

then we might escape the hospital in a day or two. 

Right now, his pain seems to be getting worse,

and we're waiting to see if Motrin is going to help. 

If it doesn't, we'll be moving on to morphine,

which would probably keep us here through tomorrow.

Holidays fast approaching...

I am finally getting over that cold, though I still sound funny. Woohoo! And can I just say that I love this time of year?!

Halloween with my one eyed, two horned monster was fabulous! We went trick or treating with some friends from Neverland (Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, a Pirate and a Pirate Princess). After we picked some  candy to stay, we put the rest outside and the Great Pumpkin took it and left a very fun "Let's Go Fishing Game!" Last year he brought us Cootie Bugs.

Next up: Breaking Dawn comes out on MY BIRTHDAY WEEKEND! (My birthday is November 19th). I know exactly what I will be doing to celebrate! After that, Thanksgiving (already planning our dinner) and getting ready for Christmas! The Nana (my mom) is coming out for Christmas this year! I am hoping that our big Santa gift will be on sale on Black Friday - if it is, I might brave the crowds.

This year, I am making some homemade gifts as well: a knit hoodie for Monkey, gift baskets for the in laws, and probably a fun movie basket or something for my brother (that he can enjoy with his girlfriend). I would tell you what I am making Kevin and the Nana, but they read here so I can't!

I also have some amazing adoption news to share!

The expectant mother that we have emailed a few times would like to speak to us! We are working on scheduling a call with Lifetime. We are so excited! And nervous! But excited! Please continue to keep her in your thoughts as she makes this difficult decision, as well as us! 

Will keep you posted!

Photos for a Friend, and a Prayer Request

A couple of weeks ago, a local friend said she was looking for a photographer to take some pictures of her and her husband. I offered to take them for her, for portfolio building and some practice for me. I am very glad that they took me up on the offer!

The pictures were in honor of their second anniversary! This last year had been rough for R & D, and they wanted to celebrate!

 

These are just a few from their session in a local park. R & D are a beautiful couple and were fun to work with. They also didn't mind me taking extra time to get it right as I learn.

If you pray, please say one for this lovely couple. R & D are going through a very dark time and could use lots of love, prayer, and healing energy.