So, I have to admit that I have been busy enough I almost forgot about this blog, but more I have been frustrated by the slowness of the legal process. We we supposed to be at trial to terminate parental rights by June, as the Munchkin was removed from his biological parents in May of 2010. At the last minute, bio-mom got into a homeless shelter that caters to young single mothers. Though bio-mom has repeatedly violated court orders prohibiting contact with bio-dad, and neither has made significant progress on their treatment plans, this was enough to continue the case... for six weeks. However, the court docket is so full, that six weeks has become fourteen. By the time we get to the trial, he will be 21 months old, and he will have been in foster care for 16 of them. We still expect termination, but the guardian ad litem has suggested we also consult an attorney to consider suing for custody if termination fails. Ick. In the meantime, we have visitation three days a week, between parenting classes and visits for each parent.
Our little toddler is mostly marvelous... He's small, but he's growing. He's learning to talk, he's running and climbing everywhere. He eats all kinds of interesting things, especially if he can dip his food into something (mostly ketchup and ranch dressing). He's named us "Daddy" and "Abba.". On the other hand, he's willful and obstinate, and suddenly at 18 months we started having absolutely random meltdowns... He can be calmed only when I'm standing and carrying him... Can't sit, can't lie down, can't put him down. They're not common, but they are definitely not fun.
I will attempt to do better at updating this blog, but the next real news will be in September.
Peter and Alan
...added Michael ...
