Surprise! Bio Dad Signed Consent to Adoption!

Received the most surprising phone call today...Was informed that Bio Dad signed consent to adoption or as some of you may say, "signed his parental rights away".  Now this is Dad who absolutely refused to sign a few months ago.  Not because he wanted a chance with his daughter who he has not seen in a year (only a few times in the first two months that she was born), but because he told the courts that since "they" started this (meaning the system removed the child from his custody), "they" could finish it...(meaning waste everyone's time by going through a termination hearing.)  Not sure what changed his mind, but glad he did.  It saves everyone a lot of heartache, including him.  Termination hearings are not pretty...for anyone involved.  This does, however, make the journey to adoption a little longer.  The termination hearing was about a month away, but now we have to wait about two months just for a consent hearing to be scheduled.  Depending on the courts, it could take 1-3 months after that for the hearing.  They are always so behind.  Then, another Finalization Hearing (adoption hearing) must be scheduled, which could be another 3 months.  But, I'm not complaining, because I know we will eventually get there.
As always, we do pray for Bio Dad to get his life together.  He has had a very rough family life and upbringing.  In his case, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. He is very smart, and  I pray that he knows there is hope and help for change, if he wants to.  I wonder what he would think of us praying for him? Would he be offended or would he not mind? 
Blessings to you on your journey,
The Queen Mama

Visits Almost Over!

Haven't posted in awhile, because it's been a relatively quiet month.  Bio Mom has set up 3 visits with Sweet Pea in January and canceled every single one of them.  Just got a request for another visit.  Caseworker told me after this visit (if bio Mom shows) she will be permitted one more final good-bye visit.  I am curious whether she will show for either, whether she will complain that she wants more visits until her termination date in a month, and whether she will confront me about post adoption contact.  She has only seen Sweet Pea about 10 times in her almost 14 months of life.  Being a foster adoption parent, at least from my perspective, is really, really hard sometimes.  My emotions are so torn-I am so happy for me that visits are stopping and we are moving to my little Sweet Pea becoming part of our forever family....yet , as a decent Christian human being, also feel a tug at my heartstrings for bio Mom, who no matter how unfit to parent, will have to say good-bye to her children soon.  As a parent myself, I would be devastated.  I truly pray that bio Mom is able to defeat all the demons in her life, and go on to be happy and productive. 
Blessings to you,
The Queen Mama