5/3 - more waiting?

5/3 update:
Let's see if I can make this update make sense.

* They sent the final check of the Father's Registry today. It is currently taking 30 to 45 days to get a response back from the registry (chalk it up to government lay-offs of this government run list). It will take that long to find out if the dad has signed the registry or not.

* They have sent a mid-point check that they expect back sometime between Wednesday and a week and a half from today. But unless it shows that he signed it, we still have to wait until the final response comes in.

* If after the final check comes back, he has not signed it, we can proceed with the adoption.

* If he signed it, then an attorney will send him the mailing of the adoption in process, and his rights/responsibilities. Then he has to either sign off on the adoption, or file the lawsuit. The attorney won't send this notice until they find out he's signed the list (if you're still following, they don't expect a response for another 30 to 45 days from today).

* If he files the lawsuit, then Elijah goes into the Foster Care system, and the county/state takes over, while he passes a homestudy, proves he's the dad, and fights to parent in the courts, and have post placement visits before everything is finalized for him. This could take up to a year.

* We meet with the dad on Friday. It is possible he could say yes he signed the list, but he agrees to the adoption. Or he could say no he didn't sign the list, and wants to agree tot he adoption. Then he has to go ahead and take the paperwork and sign it with witnesses and get it notarized. Then he has 10 days to change his mind.

* Elijah Joel was born 4/1 and has been in interim care since 4/2.

Joerg & I agree that we will make up our minds whether we want to continue or not after meeting with the dad on Friday. Please be in prayer for everyone, Joerg, myself, Elijah, the mom, the husband, and the dad.

We firmly believe God gave us the name Elijah. But now we're wondering really, if the name is for this child, or the promise of another child to come. I can't even begin to describe what a rollercoaster this has all been. But I can tell you we've felt God's loving arms around us during this time, bringing us reminders of His presence.

Friday we celebrate our 16th anniversary. Yes, you read right, Friday's the day we also meet with the dad. They couldn't get the date changed. I'm sure they made an effort, as it's also our social worker's 5th anniversary, and the meeting is in Duluth - a 3 hour drive one way.

Blessings,
Julie & Joerg