Court day and goodbye

On Monday we got up early and had to be in the lobby at 8:30 in order to get word that our court time was morning or afternoon. Thankfully we didn't have to wait long and soon found out the judge was ready for us. We loaded up and went to the court house. There is a big room you stand in with other families and birth family members. We were able to see Micah's aunt and cousin there. AWAA gave us a DVD the evening before court with history of our child and she was on the DVD, that is how we recognized her. We waited awhile and were finally called in with another family. The questions the judge asked were very straightforward Yes or No answers and she addressed us and the other family as a group not individuals. We were pretty sure that all our paperwork was not there, but we were thankful she accepted the appeal our agency gave to submit Sarah's paperwork on the day of court. I was trying very hard to NOT think about the fact that she could have said no and we would not have been able to give our consent for both children at the same time.

it was a bit hard to understand what was going on and what the outcome was, but our group no one passed because MOWA had not written any ones letter. We all found out the next day when our second court date was. Ours is Feb. 8th.

After court we went back to the guest house and if your child's birth family was there and wanted to, you could have time to meet and take pictures. Micah's aunt and cousin was there and so we were able to meet her and ask a few questions. It was not nearly as emotional as a birth mother meeting would be, but I am glad that we had the opportunity to meet her and take pictures of her for Micah.

After that, we went to lunch at the Amsterdam ( do NOT get the stir fry chicken and noodles..YUCK!) we then went to the TH for our last day with the kids. It was hard. So hard to know that was the last time we would see them for at least a month..more than likely longer. Micah was in very good spirits though. I think going to court, meeting his aunt again and being a part of our "Jan 24th court group picture" solidified in his mind that this is real and he really does have a family. When we said goodbye, he tried hard not to cry. I could tell he did not like seeing me and Abby cry.

We came back to the guest house, packed up and went to the airport for our long flight home. What an amazing week. I am so thankful for this time with our kids.