A GIRL OF OUR OWN

This morning, Betty had her custody hearing and she's now officially ours.

Over three years ago, Betty came to stay with me on respite over Easter. She went back and forth to different placements, but always landed with me (who later turned to "us" after I got married). So in October we took her and said we're going to keep her. And today it became official.

So we're planning a party to celebrate with family on Saturday. Eric and I are still trying to figure out what to get her for a gift. We thought about a bike (she could get this anytime, though) or "Dance Dance Revolution" (which she's wanted for awhile, but again....nothing particularly marking the occasion). It may end up being a trip. She can now go a lot more places without getting "permission" from the county. So we're looking into those options now.

As for the Little Guy, we are still progressing. The family member that had claimed interest has submitted their application and now the county is conducting their investigation. Hopefully, something will be found to keep them from moving him. But you never know. At this point, we can only take it a day at a time. But for today--we celebrate!