Here is the quick version: We requested to have the same judge in Kentucky that we had for Levi's case. We were granted that request. However, she had a few major changes happen in her life (the judge did, I mean) and resigned from her job as a judge. In addition to this, the Guardian Ad-litem (the "lawyer" assigned to represent the best interests of the child) in Kentucky decided to retire and "wind down" her business. She wasn't taking any steps forward for us. So, we had to get a new judge and a new G.A.L. This was finally arranged in early September (or maybe it was late August). We were just waiting for a court date for termination of parental rights (TPR).
Then, I received the most horrific news. The birth mother passed away. Miss "Jane", whom I had grown so fond of, having spent so much time with her in the hospital in May, died of natural causes. My heart is so broken, as she was such a lovely person...and the gifts of life she gave to our family....well, there are just no words.
She may have had a very challenging life of her own, but she leaves quite a legacy and made very difficult and selfless choices for her children. I cannot explain my admiration for her. May she rest in peace.
In light of this terrible news, the case has been closed in Kentucky and will be handled in Ohio. We have finally received a placement date of September 12, 2013. (The placement date usually happens within a week or so after birth....so needless to say, these snags have caused quite the delay). The finalization cannot happen until 6 months after the placement date. Since placement is in mid-September, we now wait for a court date to be set in March, 2014.
Meanwhile, Mr. Case is growing like a weed! He weighed in at 18.7 lbs at his 4 month check up. He is in the 90th percentile for weight! WOW! He has been wearing the same diaper size as Levi for about 3 months, now. It won't be long before Case is the same size as Levi (who is 24 lbs).
Here are some photos of random cuteness of both of them. Enjoy!
