Original Birth Certificate--Check

Hallelujah--we have good news!

This morning our case worker filed Anna's original birth certificate with no hiccups or hitches. Whew. While we are not yet to the end of the process, we feel relieved to make progress. We want to thank publicly Geraldine Harris, the state registrar with Texas Vital Statistics in the Department of State Health Services for taking a committed, thorough interest in our situation.

And thank you, dear reader, for supporting and praying for us! We've been comforted by your encouragement.

Birth Certificate Update

Whew--what a weekend! The Youree clan has gone from frustrated and frantic to overwhelmed and grateful for the prayers and well-wishes of others. We've had officials tell us the one year mark is of no significance regarding the birth certificate, and we've had others reiterate the "significant" legal issues that will occur if the birth certificate is not filed before February 17. Who knows!?!?

After we left the Dallas County Clerk's office on Friday, Bryan immediately emailed every known federal/state/local representative. Thankfully, Geraldine Harris, the state registrar has been much help. As of right now, our case worker from Hope Cottage will meet with a City Hall official tomorrow morning to complete an original birth certificate. We pray for smooth sailing.

THANKS for your support!

Urgent Prayer Request: Birth Certificate

Here’s the scoop:

As we were told by our adoption agency, Anna Zane was born in the car en route to the hospital. The ambulance arrived roughly 10-15 minutes after she was born. Anna, along with her birthparents, was taken to the hospital. Upon arriving, her birthparents informed the nurse they were choosing adoption for Anna. The hospital caseworker then phoned Hope Cottage. After 48 hours, the birthparents relinquished their rights and Hope Cottage became the conservators/legal guardians for Anna.

Unbeknownst to Hope Cottage, the hospital gave Anna’s birthmother paperwork for her to complete to file Anna’s birth certificate. The hospital cannot file that paperwork because Anna was not technically born in the hospital. Her birthmother never completed the paperwork. Hope Cottage never filed for the birth certificate because they assumed the hospital filed since that is usually what happens.

Fast-forward six months. Anna’s adoption in finalized on September 30; we become Anna’s legal parents, her name is legally changed to Anna Zane Youree. At that point, we filed for an amended birth certificate. It took FOUR months for the state to notify us that no original birth certificate was ever filed; and thus, we cannot receive an amended one.

We’ve called the state offices. The hospital. The adoption agency. And everyone says someone else should take care of it. Today, after spending more time than I cared to, at the vital statistics office of Dallas County, we were told as far as they knew we, as adopted parents couldn’t file the birth certificate. And if we did not have the information about the actual birth, including the street on which Anna was born, a birth certificate could never be filed for her. But they have left messages with the “bosses” in Austin to figure out who has the legal right to file an original birth certificate for Anna now that the adoption has been finalized, if one can be filed at all.

Anna can’t secure a SS card, a bank account, virtually anything without a birth certificate. It’s like she’s not even a citizen of this country!

To top it off, if we do not get this resolved before her first birthday on February 17, extensive legal ramifications will occur. Not only will the red tape increase, along with the cost, but—as we’ve been told—Anna will never be allowed to obtain a passport. She could never leave the country.

As you might imagine we are experiencing a number of emotions: anxiety, anger, frustration, and fear. Oh, how I wish my faith felt stronger.

Please, please join us in prayer for a timely resolution and the ability to file Anna’s birth certificate.

Mulling over MLK Day

Confession: In the past, I've barely celebrated the MLK holiday, much like Flag Day and Christopher Columbus Day to me. While I consider myself always respectful of the holiday and what it stands for, the third Monday of January rarely impacted me deeply.

This year I cried.

While no one person will never agree with another one person 100 percent, I am eternally, intensely grateful for the courageous men and women who challenged the status quo and championed the heart of God. Because of God's intervention in their bravery and commitment, I can call my daughter mine.

To me, MLK Day is more than celebrating the life of one influential man, but respecting and remembering the movement to bring people from a tangible and invisible slavery to freedom and acceptance. It is important to remember the ugliness of racism in our country and its effects. If we forget history, then we are only a breath away from repeating it. If we think we are too evolved, too good, too "moved on," to remember, then we are one step closer to landing where we began.

Yes, racism, prejudice, and hatred still fill the world in various masquerades and blatant attacks and always will; BUT, I am beyond thankful my Anna is growing up in a era where the color of her skin is less of an issue. When I think about explaining to her the shameful treatment of African-Americans in our country's history, my heart hurts. When she tells me she doesn't understand how this could happen, I will concur. I only pray it never happens again.

Christmas 2011

Consider it a success that I am posting Christmas day pictures before Valentines.

We could hardly believe Santa Claus himself made a special stop to see Anna and the Thompson kiddos.

Christmas morning. Anna played and played with (and still does) her pink car.

Granny Youree: A Tribute

I first met Berniece Ruth Youree, better known around here as Granny Youree, when I attended a family reunion/party with Bryan during our dating days. To be honest, I don't have particular memories from that day as I was overwhelmed with new names and faces all delighted to take a gander at the girl Bryan brought home.

But it wasn't long until I got to know her and she me. 

She was all smiles on our wedding day. She and Papa Youree kept hugging us. So cute.

And then Bryan and I did our best to visit as often as we could. 

I quickly learned that Granny and Papa Youree loved each other dearly--thick as thieves is, I believe, how the saying goes. In fact, Granny passed away only weeks before their 70th wedding anniversary. While Papa did most of the chatting while we visited, Granny always piped in with a correction, witty comment, or story of her own. Hilarious--the girl had a sense of humor. 

As I've watched these two lovebirds over the last four years, what amazes me most is how intact their family remains. It seems their house is always abuzz with some great-grandchild, grandchild, child, or relative. It was a bit of a culture shock for me to realize this family doesn't just love each other; they like each other too. And that fact is a resounding testament to the genuine love, respect, and faith these two committed to, exemplified, and passed on to their family. Face it--your children's opinion of you is rarely off the mark. And all Granny's babies love and admire her dearly.

I know my four years knowing her does not compare with a lifetime of Granny love many of my Youree in-laws enjoyed. And I know I am not the most knowledgeable about Granny and cannot depict her properly, but I do want to let you know that I loved her too. And respect the woman who nurtured such a family, especially a son who then raised the greatest man I've ever known. 

I'm glad she's whole now. No more wheelchair. No more memory lapses. No more broken bones. No more burden of sin and death. But I am sad she's gone, especially knowing my sweet Anna Zane won't remember how Granny Youree lit up when Anna entered the room. Granny loved my baby.

The last day I saw her, Granny gave me a kiss on the cheek. Not the usual, "See ya later" kiss; but the goodbye kiss. She looked me in the eye and said, "I love you."

Granny, this one's for you.

So Sleepy, but no Sleep

As I type, a certain wee one is in her crib screaming. And I don't mean crying; she's literally screaming. My once-stellar-napper has evolved into more of a nightmare napper.

What am I doing wrong?

It all started at Thanksgiving when we were out of town for nine days and Anna got a cold and ear infection while we were gone. All bed time routines went out the window. When we got back, I felt like we were starting all over again with sleep training. Anyway, she still does great at night: put on lotions, zip up jammies, take a bottle, lay down, out for the night.

But nap time . . . . ayeayeaye.

I rock her 5-10 minutes with her paci just to transition her from playtime to sleepy time. We often read a book. Then I lay her down awake. Until 9 months, she did just fine going to sleep on her own. Now, it's party time in the crib for an hour and then screaming/crying for another hour. Today, she only napped one hour and that was after I caved and rerocked her. It's like she can't put herself to sleep anymore during nap time, but has no problem doing that at night.

My doc thinks I should stick with two naps until she's one.

Advice?

Baby's First Christmas

Although it's January, I'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas. Ours was quite unique this year--as you might assume. It's for-sure mind-boggling what the presence of a wee one can add to an already joyous and anticipated holiday. The excitement of giving gifts and cherishing family was only trumped by the thought of teaching Anna about the meaning of the season. And what better example of God's gift of salvation than attending a funeral--celebrating a life lived well in dependence upon God. That's how we began our Christmas weekend.

Granny Youree passed away the Wednesday before Christmas. The Youree clan and many friends gathered that Friday to remember Granny and encourage each other in love and hope. I felt it was a really special time.

On Christmas Eve, we visited Grandma Deanna, Uncle Chris, and cousin Baylee, as depicted in the pictures below.

 (Uncle Chris really loved Anna's new shirt. Ha. Ha.)

In a stunning surprise, Santa Claus in the flesh stopped by Mimi and Daddy-Pa's house on Christmas Eve. Hesitant is a good word to describe Anna's reaction. She soon warmed up though. In a mobility feat, she followed Santa up the staircase (with Mama following close behind, of course.) The pictures with Santa will find a spot in the blog soon.

Here is Anna hanging out with her good buddy, great-grandpop Buster.

Christmas morning, Anna was delighted to receive a doll, two sippy cups, shakers, and an ornament in her stocking. And even more happy to get a Little People pink jeep, complete with blocks and a girl to drive the car. So, a car and a doll. Which one do you think she played with the most? 

The car. She loves the car.

And as much as I tried to downsize her Christmas loot, she got more toys than she needs. But hey--that's part of the fun of being the baby. :-)

This little scrunched nose, is her new silly face. She smiles after she makes it.

Loving on Papa Youree, her singing buddy.

Here Anna is meeting her new baby cousin, Sadie, who is 10 weeks old in the pic. Anna is 10 months old. Who thinks Anna looks like a giant here? 

Our Christmas tree and decor are still in place. I'm hoping to clear it all by Valentine's. Or maybe I could leave it all up and let it be a Christmas theme for Anna's birthday. Hmm....