Sweet Addy Rae

Noel and I married in 2005 with hopes of having children asap, and we would have never believed that our story would have led us to Addy. After several years of fertility treatments, that only led to disappointment, weight gain, and the loss of our life savings, I had literally given up hope of ever having a child. Many prayers and tears led us to become foster parents, with the goal of adopting. 
        Then comes the home inspection that led to lead based paint being discovered on our front porch ceiling. Several thousands later, Addy could lick the ceiling if she ever gets the urge.
       Through mutual friends, we met Addy and it turned out that she needed us as much as we needed her. The obstacles began immediately, things that don't usually happen, happened to us. Which led to hiring a lawyer to make sure that this child was not moved to yet another house. 
        If you have never had to deal with DSS, consider yourself blessed. They have been brain washed to reunite children with blood, no matter if that is their best interest or not. With the biological father in prison, his legal fees are free and they support his rights. He has never seen her! Addy has lived with us since September 2015, we are her parents. We thought that we were near the end of the adoption, but learned last week of yet another obstacle. 
        I do believe that the judge was trying to do us a favor by completly dismissing DSS from attending any future court appearances, so that he will have to pay for his own legal when he is released next month, but it is as if the $17,000 we have spent meant nothing. We are back to square one and proceeding with a private adoption. 
          Home study, guardian ad litem, another year retainer for lawyer, court fees, etc. We both work hard and strive to give Addy Rae the best possible life that she deserves, but we simply are not prepared for this.
         We are overwhelmed by the amount of support of our family, friends, coworkers, church family and just plain good hearted people have offered us. We appreciate each and every one of you. We cannot imagine our lives without Addalynn. Please pray that this child will stay with us, where she needs to be. Thank you so much!     Love, Laura and Noel