Last little steps

We went to the CPS office this morning to read Sweet Pea's file (and her mother's file, which was much more informative).  In it, we saw pictures of Sweet Pea's biological siblings.  I had seen their names and birthdates on paperwork before, but had not imagined we would see photos too.  It was amazing how much family resemblance there is.  It made me wish we could have contact with them, but I know that's not an option right now.

There were also letters in the file that bio mom had written to the caseworker about how much she wanted Sweet Pea and how she was going to do everything she could to get her back.  We were both in tears reading these.  I'm happy to know that we'll be able to tell Sweet Pea one day how much she wanted her even though she wasn't able to keep her in the end.

Then we signed all of our adoptive placement paperwork and we were done.  It all was very quick and impersonal.  The adoptive caseworker we met with to sign the contracts is someone we've only known through phone conversations and emails.  I'm certain she's never even read the files herself.  She kept calling Sweet Pea a boy since she's only seen her name in paperwork and never met her in person.

We decided to stop off in the bathroom before our drive back home.  Shannon was bit by a flea while he was in there.  Couldn't get out of that place fast enough.

Now we're just counting the hours until Friday morning when the judge makes it official and we have our forever family!!