Delays and Disappointments

Well, today was an interesting and somewhat disappointing day. Not in the grand scheme of things, but in the I-really-want-to-hold-my-baby-today scheme of things.

When Joe and I arrived at the hospital this afternoon at the designated time, we were greeted by Sandra, the case worker, in the parking lot. She informed us that the hospital was being difficult and was citing policies that prevent us from coming in and seeing Lucia at any point before surrenders are signed. We couldn't walk in the doors or even peek at Lucia. (This is very different from our experience last time when T delivered at a different hospital. We were told from the outset that this hospital is not an adoption-friendly hospital, but even Sandra, the case worker, has been surprised at the degree to which they are closing us out.)

We asked about seeing T... We had originally been told that T wanted to see us while we here in Georgia. However, Sandra, explained that T is trying to distance herself a bit and is not sure that she really wants to visit with us. While very disappointing to us, I understand. Placing Marguerite in our arms seventeen months ago was clearly excruciatingly difficult for T. She may rather do it this time without having to go through the emotions face-to-face. There are so many things we want to tell her. I wish it had worked out differently, but if it's what T wants, then it's clearly the right thing.

As for Lucia, she will spend another night in the hospital nursery [sigh]. I cannot help but worry about her there a little bit. The baby boy in the bassinet near her was crying for the twenty minutes or so we were there last night, and no one came into the room to check on him or comfort him. Ugh. I do wish she was with us. But, I'm not going to dwell on this too much, as there is nothing we can do to change the circumstances. We will be able to pick her up tomorrow, and I just pray all will be well and that someone will have been comforting her over these last two days. We can hardly wait to have her in our arms.

Tonight, Joe and I do have to return to the hospital about 9:30 pm to begin the surrenders paperwork. Everything will be in place then for placement tomorrow (Sunday) morning.

We were hoping to go to Mass at noon tomorrow and see our old friends, the Cavanaughs, who babysat our kids while we went to pick up Marguerite and meet T last time we were in Georgia. However, it's looking more likely now, given the change in placement plans, that we will be attending the 5:00 pm Mass tomorrow instead. I do hope we get to see the Cavanaughs on this trip, one way or another.

A little trivia:  Marguerite was born on a Friday and was placed with us on a Sunday. Lucia was born on a Friday, and it appears we will take placement on a Sunday.

As for right now, we're hitting the hotel swimming pool...  Hopefully, we'll have better baby photos tomorrow! I want to see if Lucia has a full head of hair under that little hat.