Here comes the judge...

Kameron and I are getting ready to travel to Austin early Friday morning for our next court hearing. It's been a stressful few weeks with Elli coming back ill after each 48 hour visit and having significant problems coping with all of the changes happening in her life.

Our family has to travel to Austin every week in the month of April. This week the status hearing... Mom's attorney has filed to have Elli returned to her at the hearing. Fortunately, everyone else seems to think it is too soon, so hopefully the judge will consider everyone's opinion on this and not just birth mom's (and the fact that trial is just 3 1/2 weeks away).

Next week we take our entire family down to Austin for part two of a bonding assessment with our expert witness. She is a psychologist who specializes in bonding and attachment with children who are adopted. She met with Kameron, Elli and I a couple of weeks ago and this time she will be assessing the whole family together.

The following week is mediation (Thursday, April 16th)...where we are hoping to set up an open adoption with some visits periodically. We're hopeful that birth mom would realize this situation would allow her to have an ongoing relationship with all three of her children. Please say your prayers and send good vibes our way. This will be a very important day!

If mediation is unsuccessful, our jury trial will begin on Monday, April 20th and can potentially last up to a week.

We have been so thankful for the family, friends, and co-workers who have donated to the "Save Elli Legal Fund". Our legal expenses with trial less than a month away are now exceeding $30,000 and we appreciate any and all who are able to help. There are not words to express our gratitude for those of you who have given what you can so far, sometimes amazing us with your generosity.

A bad dream...

Elli started 48 hour visits with her birthmother last week. Despite severe mental illness, severe neglect of our older children, and a history of violence (including felony assault)...

CPS and CASA still think Elli should be reunited with her birthmother. Even though the state previously found that she was unfit to parent Breon and Destiney...

We miss her so much that it hurts...they are now picking her up Monday mornings and they don't bring her back to us until Wednesday evenings. That is such a long time to be away from our baby girl. :(

We are proceeding with jury trial on April 20th. We have mediation set for April 16th and hope to be able to work out some kind of visitation plan that the mother will agree to, allowing Elli to stay with us (and her siblings).

More than ever we need your prayers, mediation, and good vibes. There is a permanancy hearing on April 3rd and there is a chance the judge could order reunification at that hearing...this is the worst possible thing for Elli.

If you are able to donate, even a small amount to help us with our legal battle, we would be extremely appreciative. If you are unable to donate...please consider posting a supportive comment or sharing our blog with your friends and family.