It is finally here! Braeden is mine officially and forever!

The court appearance went off without a hitch, and was so quick it was hard to believe that's all there was. Luckily I had called in advance and spoken with a clerk about bringing a camera. I really wanted a photo to capture the day, but with all the new rules and regs cameras are not allowed. I had heard people were able to "smuggle" in disposables through the system, but wanted to call and find out. The clerk I spoke with said that she couldn't guarantee anything, but that she would give security my name and IF I had an adoption appearance scheduled and IF they ok'd me, then they would allow it. I first tried the "say-nothing-and-get-it-through" idea. Didn't work. They immediately asked if I had a disposable. I said yes, that my name was supposed to have been left, and that I had an adoption. They asked my name, confirmed it and ok'd the camera. They said that I had to keep it on first floor. I told them our room was on the second and they said OK but make sure not to take pics of anything else since that is juvenile. No problem. We were in and out in about 10 min. Pics and all! He is my son.

My friend, for too many years to count, was with me for this occasion. She is a very special friend and she and her husband are Braeden's godparents. I think it will be important for my kids, especially if I end up with the crew I hope to someday have :), to each have their own special godparent/parents to "call their own." That way each child will have a special person/people to rely on or take them somewhere special once in a while. Being a single mom, I think it will become even more important to them as they grow older.

As for the new one I had hoped/thought I was getting. Didn't happen. Cw told me that they had the mtg, brought out all the complaints, concerns, etc. but supervisor didn't say he should be moved as the cw thought he would. She thinks he is making a mistake and is making sure all is documented. I don't get the system. Let's remove a child from a home that is questionable, or whatever, place them in foster care at a tender age, and then knowingly keep them in a foster home that is questionable. The child is 8 months, can't sit by themselves, and has bruises when the cw visits. How would they have bruises if they can't even move???????? Ahhhh!!!! I feel for these kids we're supposed to be helping.