Our Week In Texas - Part One

Our stay in Texas was full of ups and downs. Much like our journey to Hunter. First there was the 48 hours we had to wait after his birth for the birth parents to terminate their rights. We knew this is how the process worked and were prepared for the wait, however we were definately anxious. Then there was the clearance to leave the state. The good news is, Texas is one of the most adoption friendly states in the nation. What this means is that the laws on adoption are very clear and specific, and the wait
time to clear the adoption to leave the state is minimal. This is all important when you are dealing with time off work, extended stay in a hotel and uncertainty if, right at the end, you will truly end up with the child.

For the two days we waited to get confirmation on the termination, we stayed busy. Went to the hospital every few hours to visit, feed, bathe and change Hunter. It was wonderful. We felt like imposters though in a way, not really believing we were lucky enough to have this child for our own. This is how it went for the next couple of days.

Friday, June 22nd was an exhilirating and crushing day all at the same time. Sidenote - it was my birthday. A fact that had completely escaped me if it wasn't for the sweet cards my husband gave me that morning. Best birthday gift of the day? Our birth mother and father signing termination papers. It was true. Hunter was finally ours. Or at least 1/2 way ours. There is still finalization that happens through the courts months from now. But that was a very important step. There is definately no adoption unless the birth parents terminate.

Worse news of the day. We go up to the nursery to scrub in and see Hunter to pick him up and bring him to the hotel and are told he is not going home. He is being rushed to the NICU instead. We went from excitement and happiness to utter confusion in seconds.