What a way to start the summer

Some of you probably started the summer by cleaning up from the winter /spring garden messes, getting ready the boat (jet ski, wave runner ... fill in toy name here [ ]), making vacation plans, relaxing from the last few days of school -- good for you!

Our summer started in late April with the state's approval to proceed with finalization. You see, due to Cole's medical conditions it was imperative we proceed in a very specific order, securing approval each step of the adoption process to secure him Medicaid for the rest of his life. Unfortunately the process is VERY linear. There is no sense trying to change it or anticipate what they'll need along the way - we know all too well. So while we've been very frustrated at parts, by the end we learned to adapt (probably a good skill to learn in general) and as we did it became easier to enjoy the steps and then jubilation at the final approval. We had started the process of course much earlier as LDS FS gave us approval to begin much, much earlier. However, we were at a critical point last summer setting up additional appointments around the time Cole had his cranial reconstruction and practically a year of hospitalizations and surgeries (May - Nov) we had a major set back. But none of that mattered with our approval to proceed.

Our case worker and attorney preparing us and making sure everything is correct. What a relief to have them both with us in this process.

Just before the hearing

(So there were signs through out the facility about no pictures in courtroom ... apparently Grandma Jacquie didn't see them. Oh well, at least they didn't confiscate them or her

The legal part begins

We hope to see this Judge again in a few months ....

Our sweet case worker to finish what several before her had started - she was fantastic.

The best attorney - ever!

We had a great turn out.

Look at this good looking group!

And Cole did really well!

Right after finalization - big grins by all!

As it turns out another LDSFS family was there for their finalization. They had the same attorney who helped us start and navigate this process. Interesting enough, their case worker was the same case worker as Cole's birth mother (Tami). And they had initially struggled with some of the same challenges on their special needs little girl. But their case worker contacted us and we were able to provide step by step instructions on how to proceed and reduced their time down more than 8 months -- yeah! That makes our wait a little more tolerable to know we've helped someone else (and hopefully others who go through LDSFS).

We're so grateful to Tami and Jay and their families and other families who so loved this child they trusted we would give him a home and could take care of him and all of his special needs and love him as much as they love him. We pray for them and other birth families each day and ask that you'll consider them in your prayers to help join other families together.