Good News!

I finally have some good news to share... and I finally feel like the adoption is FINALLY moving forward (It only took a year!)

Recently we have been more and more frustrated with DCF.  I'll spare the details, but, we've had to stick up for ourselves and what the kids need.  We aren't letting them walk all over us anymore.  They didn't really like that.  They decided we needed a meeting because "we're not on the same page".  Translation?  "No, no, no, you're not bending over backwards anymore... let me tell you how this really works".  They decided to give a weeks notice, and make the meeting for the middle of the day.  They told us we both had to be there.  We went back and forth several times.  They didn't seem to care at all that I JUST started a new job last week. (I promise this is a "happy" post).  We finally "compromised" that I would leave work at 2 today and take the horrible meeting as a conference call, but Steve had to be there... no question about that.  When the meeting came, one of the supervisors didn't even come, they conferenced in!  They started the meeting with Steve, and never once asked to bring my into the conversation.  Steve let them keep going because he knew I didn't want to have any part of the conversation.  So, there it was, I had left work at 2, for no reason, with a brand new job!  I was sitting at Target waiting for them to call... making my grocery list.  I finally just went in and did the shopping anyways.  Needless to say, I was very angry that they forced me to leave work early, for no reason.

Anyways, let me get to the happy news... K?  The visits have been reduced!!!!  This has been one of the hardest parts of the last year.  Every single week there is that reminder that this isn't finished, this reminder for the kids of what they used to have.  Jackson has accidents for a day or two after the visit, and Nikki is so manic when she gets home that we can't get her to sit still.  We have been waiting for this day a LONG time...  this "once a week" stuff isn't helping anyone.  Today we were told that they are going to be biweekly, and late fall/early winter they will go down to monthly!!  It is very very good news to us.

Also, they are starting to fall apart.  The birth mom and birth dad have separated, and Dad realizes that he isn't going to win.  He is in the process of giving up his rights completely on his own because he realizes he can't do it.  I'm happy about it, but not at the same time.  I thought I would be so glad for them to fall apart, so glad that they're losing the kids.  But, I find it weird, I'm actually sad for them.  I'm not saying this to come off as super amazing, but, I feel sorry for them.  I feel empathy, not gloating or joy.  I am happy that things are really falling into place for us.  I'm really not worried at all that the kids won't be with us forever.  It's good news for us, and for the kids... but I can't help feel sad for them because I know deep down they love the kids, but they just can't take care of them the way they need to.

All that being said, there is still a LONG time to go, an LONG time to be patient.  Pre-trial is set for February, and trial is for a few days in March and a few days in April.  We would still love your prayers and support.