I don't want to focus on the negative, but Stewart told me the day after court that he doesn't want to see me anymore.  So my mom alone has come to pick Carrie up for Stewart's visits each week since then.

Custody Celebration

Today is a day of celebration for us. A long chapter ended today with an order of legal (permanent) custody. The order handed down today gave me legal custody with all the rights and responsibilities of a parent. For those of you who may have been wondering, adoption is not in our foreseeable future. This is due solely to her father's reluctance to surrender his rights. The order also provided her father with the opportunity to continue his relationship with her under supervision. Adoption wouldn't necessarily make me any happier; I'm satisfied knowing Carrie will always be in our home.

Now, I'm too tired to write another word. I got up at 5AM today in order to be in court in Hamilton OH at 8:30AM.

I got a message from the Ohio social work today who said that most likely there will not be an agreement at the August 8th hearing. As far as visitation there will be something court ordered in regards to Stewart having visits with Carrie since he most likely will not be able to agree with me or even discuss them. This matter will be discussed with everyone at the hearing. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and that it will all be over on 8/8/06. The Ohio social worker will be at the hearing since she knows the case.

Upcoming Hearing

It's just a matter of days now until the hearing. Hannah wrote to me and said that Bruce doesn't anticipate a settlement beforehand. Part of me thinks that's too bad. But then again, I think Stewart needs every opportunity in court in order to be able to accept the outcome. I wonder if there are any precendents for this kind of case with regard to ongoing court-ordered visitation. Stewart has agreed to spend the weekend with me for his visit this week.