AN INTERESTING BIRTHDAY WEEK...

So January 12th finally arrived and it was likely going to be the decision to terminate parental rights. Although it would be a relief to have that happen, I was also concerned that Bryce's step-grandmother might show up. It was a difficult situation all the way around and I was nervous about it. I wanted to write her after rights were terminated and assure her that she could visit him. Terry, the trooper she is, took the day off to "hold my hand". Well Kathy (grandma) showed up. She spoke during the hearing and pleaded her case. Then the judge proceeded to read off the history of the case and what happened, the results, etc. He ended with termination of rights for Bryce's mom and ordered that adoption placement start. I knew Kathy was upset and she asked him what about family visits and the judge told her it was up to me.

After court she asked to speak with me in private. I knew she would. But as she shared her frustration with the system and hurt, I stopped her to tell her that I wasn't going to cut her off from Bryce and that I wanted her family, (grandpa, uncle, and herself) to remain a part of his life. When she heard that I could see her whole demeanour change. We ended with a promise for a visit during the weekend and talking via email. After that, Terry and I had a nice, 3 hour lunch to "celebrate." I had a good feeling that things will work out...

Thursday night Daniel spent the night at the Monzon's. Which gave me a more relaxed night with Bryce. We even managed to go to Target to get shampoo and detergent and he didn't run away! Progress! Or that he is growing older. Then we went out to dinner with Auntie Romy. Food was okay, service was slow, and the bill was larger than we expected. Oh live and learn.

Kathy and I had exchanged emails during the week. I could tell by the tone of the letters that things were going to be fine. We met up at Hansen Dam in Sylmar, a half way point between us.

My friend Vanessa, who lived nearby agreed to meet me there with her boys to keep me company during the visit, but she didn't need to. I got to spend time and get to know the Cleversleys and they got to know me too. In the end, Bryce is going to win out because he will have more people that love him in his life, and he will have a connection to his mother if he ever wants to see her, although she is estrange from them most of the time. Bryce had a nice time in the park with his uncle RJ, grandpa Rick, and grandma Kathy. Everyone was happy and I am sure with time Bryce will feel comfortable enough to hang out with them on his own... and I will let that happen when he is ready. They are nice people who love him dearly and was there when he was born. I am so glad that things worked out in the end.

So during the visit, Daniel was with his Auntie Romy and Auntie Diane watching a movie, Leap Year, at the mall. Bryce and I drove to meet up with them there. We made a short stop by the cupcake store to get a mini red velvet...

and take a carousel ride...

How special is this kid?

Afterwards, Diane and Romy took us out for a birthday

dinner at a Filipino Restaurant in West Covina.

Hugging around before the food arrives...

The birthday ice cream treat...

Pansit noodles, the best dish!

Appetizer, could have done without, good calamari though

but everything else was fried and not as good.

great noodle dish!

This was not the dish Diane thought it was. She had a wonderful pork

dish last time, but didn't know the name. This was a Filipino version

to roast pork, but it was so fatty and not the same, pork belly I think

this was called. Heartburn city! Now we know next time...

Filipino fried chicken... it was good, but we realized

everything was pretty much fried! And in case you were wondering,

no I didn't buy a cake. Bryce wanted one, but Von's didn't have any

when I went, so I bought cake slices instead.

On my "real" birthday today, I was going to just hang out and maybe go to Disneyland later on in the afternoon. It started to rain and I did not want to go there in the rain again, so we just stayed home and had a wonderful, lazy home day. Rainy days are great when you don't have to do anything or go anywhere! I tried to sort some toys (Goodwill time!) while the boys played and watched TV, caught some of the Golden Globes, and eat leftovers all day. To top that, I found a train table at Toys R Us for 1/2 @ $39, bought it for Bryce's birthday, put it together, and watched him enjoy his new playspace... and the other best gift of the week besides my two boys... I haven't changed a diaper in the past week! YES! The true test was yesterday when he stayed dry all day at the park, the mall, and dinner! It was a nice week!