Observations

Some observations that we have made this week.

Every morning this week Carrie got up without crying. This is a big change. Earlier in the week she was already sitting up and I could hear her babbling. Yesterday and today I woke her up when I opened the door but she got up and was very happy. She is also getting very possessive. Everything is Carrie's baby, Kepapa's baby, Papi's baby or Carrie's book, Kepapa's book, etc.

First Steps

We had our second family service plan meeting with First Steps of Kentucky.  Carrie will continue speech therapy once per week and physical therapy as needed for the next six months.  She will also receive a pair of rigid inserts for her shoes.  This will help to correct the flattening of her feet and improve her gait and posture.

Letter to my attorney

Hi Hannah,

As far as I know no one has requested to schedule an observed visit.  Stewart is taking parenting classes but has missed at least 2 so far.

We went to the Fayette County hearing today for medical support.  Frankly, I'm confused.  It wasn't like any hearing I've been to.  There were several other people in the courtroom for the same reason.  One by one, an administrative worker called people up to her table to ask them questions.  Some people were given additional paperwork and then left.  When Stewart was called, the woman asked if he had obtained medical insurance for Carrie.  He told her that he had not and that he is on disability.  She simply said "OK" and marked his name on her paper with a highlighter marker.  Then she told him he was free to go.  Should I call the Fayette Co. Attorney's office to inquire further?

As my attorney I want to tell you confidentially that our family relationships are breaking down more than they were already.  Stewart is hostile towards my stepfather, yet my mother asks if Carrie and Stewart can spend the night with them.  Stewart won't talk to me unless he has to.  He overwhelms the room when he does talk.  It makes me nervous when he's around.  I can't imagine how it makes Carrie feel.  For several hours after a visit, Carrie acts out.  During a night after a visit she wakes up 2-3 times and cries.  I don't know what any of this means.  I just make note of it when it happens.  My mother is upset because she doesn't have any "say so" about what happens with Carrie.  She's referring mostly to overnight visits.  So far Carrie has been for 6 overnight stays: 4 with my mom and 2 with my dad.

I would like to schedule a phone conference with you to discuss what I can do to prepare for the March hearing.  Right now I'm feeling alone and need some guidance from you.  Please call or email me with your availability.

Thanks!

Physical Therapy Discharge

Carrie's physical therapist relocated to Louisiana at the end of December. She wrote a discharge letter before she left.  As a result I chose a new physical therapist, Beverly D.  She assessed Carrie on 1/18/06.

The Saga Continues

I haven't taken very many pictures this year so far.  I attached one that I think is adorable.  Carrie was "helping" me clean the kitchen one day and decided to take all her clothes off and sit down in my tupperware cake plate cover.

Stewart continues to see Carrie once a week for a few hours.  Our new arrangement is that Mom works half days on Friday.  She and Stewart come to Lexington to pick Carrie up so they can spend the afternoon together.  I usually drive to Richmond after work to pick Carrie up.  Carrie and Stewart spent the night with Mom on January 20.  I have been very careful to limit Carrie's overnight stays with either grandparent.  At this point I think she has spent the night 4 times with my mom and 2 times with my dad. I also spent the night once at each place (included in the 6).

Some of Stewart's recent comments are notable.  Last year in May we attended the family case conference at CSB.  The facilitator (Bill something) told Stewart at that time that if Carrie were still in the custody of CSB after a year that she would be put up for adoption. Stewart mentioned to me on Tuesday this week that he thinks that is still a valid possibility.  I assured him that the one year rule only applies if she is still in CSB custody living in a foster home.  He disagreed.  I pointed out that the Ohio social worker recommended in her social summary for me to be granted legal custody.  Then he said that Ohio would probably transfer jurisdiction to Kentucky after a year (from April 20). 

Either he is confused or I am misinformed.