Legally Free

Patti called us right after court with the best words "Congratulations, Mommy!" That's right! Maggie Joy is now legally free....WHOOOO HOOOOO!

CPS went to court yesterday for the termination of parental rights. All rights were terminated on the birth mother & birth father ~ this also includes all of their family members and any potential birth father (since he is technically unknown).

While Maggie is still not officially ours, the biggest burden has been lifted. We no longer have to worry about any issues with the birth mom. While our trust is in the Lord, there was still some fear as we never knew when we might get a call that a visit has been ordered, another issue has come up, or that the judge wanted more time. Nope...all that is done. Whew. Such a huge burden lifted off of our shoulders and more importantly, our hearts.

From the moment that Maggie came home, she has been our daughter. But it sure will be a wonderful feeling to have Maggie legally recognized as our daughter and to officially be Maggie Joy. While our experience has been pretty wonderful with CPS and CASA, it will also be nice to just be a family and not have to deal with that anymore! No more home visits, forms to fill out, weekly status reports, etc.

"He did not waver... regarding the promise... being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised." (Romans 4:20-21) (from my devotional today!)

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for remaining constant, faithful, loving, & true to your promises. May we live each day in gratitude & awe of all that You've done, currently doing and all that You will do in the future. All glory be given to You! We are so blessed to have been chosen to be Maggie's momma & daddy. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.