Beating the odds

I've mentioned Saydee on here a few times, but I haven't told the whole story. Some of you know it, some of you know parts of it, and some of you have no idea. I'm telling the whole story anyway, so it doesn't matter.

We will do this in a time line-like matter.

October 21, 2009
"Baby Girl Leatherman" is born. {ALMOST BIRTHDAY BUDDIES!!} She is tested for drugs and comes up positive for meth and marijuana.
The mother came into the hospital and 20 minutes later delivered - she almost didn't go at all because she knew the baby was going to be taken away.
The mother exhibits little to no interest in the baby and constantly asks the nurse to take her to the nursery.

October 22, 2009
CPS calls Chad's mom and tells them what is going on. They ask her if she'll take the baby while the parents clean up their act. Lisa is the only "family" either of the parents have that will help. She had to say yes.
CPS comes and inspects the house. Everything goes fine and the baby is handed off with in a nasty hospital gown with a few diapers and bottles.
We all fall in love with "Baby Girl" When Chad and I got home from school, Lisa smiles and says, "We got a baby girl!" I came in a few minutes after Chad and I was lost. I asked who's baby it was. Chad looked at me and said, "No, really. I think we really got a baby girl."


One day old, we had no clothes (the nasty hospital gown so doesn't count)

We began discussing names. The mother didn't name her, and we couldn't go around calling her "Baby Girl"

October 23, 2009
Chad and I go on a date, and when we got home, it was decided. Saydee Mae.

November 2009
We are all completely in love with our Saydee. After many doctor's visits, Saydee never exhibits signs of being addicted to the drugs that were in her system. She is perfect.
Lisa begins discussing her concerns with the CPS workers. We worried that after 6 months, we couldn't give Saydee back. The CPS worker assured us that the mother wouldn't shape up, and that after 6 months, we would have the option of adopting the baby.
Parent visits start. The parents don't really act like parents.

December 2009
Saydee's favorite thing to do is sit in her big brother's armpit while he plays World of Warcraft. We have a nerd in the making ladies and gentlemen (Who am I kidding? What gentleman is reading blogs??).
Saydee's first Christmas. Chad and I bought her this adorable dress...



Parents have done nothing to get her back, but do eventually name her Rachel Dawn. This will be changed when she is adopted.

January 2010
Parents miss a very important meeting. A adoption lawyer is found and a court date is set in April. Although the parents still have a chance legally, realistically, Saydee is ours.


She loves her Bumbo


Her big brother is her favorite person ever.


And she is always smiling these days.