Goodbye and Hello

It's been another long day for the Peery family! We got to the hospital today at about 11:00 am. We sat around and visited with Isaac and Savannah until about 2pm when the social worker came. They had been waiting all morning, and we joined them to wait out the afternoon. Unfortunately, the person who came is not the regular social worker, and was not familiar with the process. Savannah signed a document that allowed the hospital to discharge the baby to our attorney. We were finally able to contact our attorney at 3pm, and he confirmed that we could do the relinquishment on Monday in Salina. Our social worker will be appointed by the court to do it. That is when her rights are officially terminated and we become the legal parents. In the meantime, we were very concerned that we have the ability to make medical decisions. So our attorney sent us a document to give us temporary legal guardianship of Jacob. Sam had to hustle to get a notary to the hospital to have Savannah sign before she left. We got it "signed, sealed, delivered," so now we can make medical decisions on his behalf. Jacob is in the NICU and though we can go look at him, we can only hold him at feeding times, which are 8, 11, 2, 5 am and pm. Isaac fed and held him for the 2pm feeding, then Savannah and her mother did the 5pm. Isaac left about 5pm and Savannah and her mother left at 7pm. We said tearful goodbyes to all--hugged and cried and cried some more. I can't express the deep compassion I feel for them--and the immense gratitude for the opportunity they give us to raise their baby. It is overwhelming. We were finally able to see him for the first time at the 8pm feeding. Here's what you've all been waiting for! I know it's not a great shot, but he was all bundled up and sleeping. He really has the cutest pouty lips. He has a little bit of very blonde hair, and he's round as can be!

Thanks to all for your love and support. We'll keep you posted!

Emily