Update

Sorry this has taken so long! For a while today there was no news, then there was, and then I was on the phone with several people sharing that news, and now I'm here.

So... I left a message this morning with the woman who works with the attorney (I'm assuming she's his secretary or assistant or whatever). She didn't call me back for several hours. Finally around 5 p.m., she called back. I told her we had come up with $20,000 and asked if they would accept that. She said she knew the attorney wouldn't be able to just cut the price by $5,000, but she would ask him if we could pay $20,000 when we get the baby and $5,000 over time. She then asked if he goes for that, are we saying we are committing to the baby. As odd as it sounds, I was so hesitant! I think because it's such a huge life-changing event. I knew I had to say yes, and did.

She said she'd try to contact the attorney at home over the weekend, but if she can't, she'd let me know Monday morning.

And just so you know (and let's hope no one on their end sees this) we'll be able to get the remainder if need be. Just didn't want you to worry. You may wonder if there's a chance they could give the baby to another couple in the meantime, and while there's always a chance I suppose, I do feel like the woman will contact us if someone else says they have the money right now. I can't imagine it'd come down to couples in different parts of the country racing to this lawyer's office to see who could drop off the money first. But, at the same time, if something bizarre happened and this isn't meant to be our baby, I think I'll be fine.

So that's where we stand. I really feel like this is just a technicality and the baby is ours if we so choose. Maybe that is naive, but like I said, I'm totally trusting God on this one and only want His will to be done.

As for when we'll head down there (I won't say where yet just in case, but I did give you a clue with "down"), I'm not sure. The woman was already talking specifics with us about coming as soon as possible and that most likely the attorney would let us take the baby home before getting cleared through the ICPC. I wasn't sure how that worked, and assured her we didn't want to do anything that wasn't on the up-and-up, even if it meant waiting longer. She told me they wouldn't either, and since then a couple people have told me that it's not a big deal. If anyone knows anything about that, please let me know.

I guess my fear would be, what if we paid the money, took the baby home and then this ICPC thing said we weren't cleared for the baby (apparently that would be highly unlikely, since our home study was conducted by an accredited agency). Or what if the ICPC decided that this lawyer wasn't legit and was selling the baby on the black market (which is what it's trying to avoid apparently). I know that sounds far-fetched, but we don't know this attorney and we just want to go in with our eyes open.

Another question we have is is there any kind of temporary guardianship when you take a baby? Are you named foster parents until it's finalized or anything like that? The woman told me there isn't anything like that until it's finalized, and that she knows that sounds odd, but that's how it's done in that state (if anyone knows about this stuff and wants the states name, just email me). I still think that seems odd. What if we take the baby to the doctor? How will we prove we haven't kidnapped her? Oh, and the mother has already surrendered her rights and they are currently going through the court to do something about two possible fathers (I don't believe they have names even). Don't know much more about that, other than it involves some letters or something, and one is back and they're still waiting on the second.

I was very nervous last night (going through a range of emotions, which is to be expected I guess) that it might be a scam. I have googled the heck out of them today and while there isn't a ton of stuff out there, the woman was very forthcoming when I asked her today if she could tell me about them just so I would feel more comfortable (apparently a red flag is if they are offended by that question). She did confirm some of the things I saw online.

The main thing is that we won't pay a cent until the baby is in our arms. They can't scam us if we don't do that. And I'm not saying I truly think they are shady, but you just have to think everything through.

So I'm feeling weird tonight. Definitely feel like I am having an out-of-body experience. It has all happened so darn fast and is beyond surreal. And it's not final yet, which is probably making me feel a little bit in limbo. Every time I get a little excited I tell myself it might not happen. I'm remaining oddly cool.

Okay, so I've written all about the details because I know many of you were waiting for them, but what I really want to convey to all of you is my gratitude. I'm just going to say that words cannot describe the way I feel right now about your generosity. I wanted to post something about it earlier today but I struggled with it because I knew whatever I wrote wouldn't come close to how I feel. You guys amaze me. Beyond amaze. I don't want to say how much money has been raised so far because I'm not sure if it would be tacky to say, but let's just say that it's more than you're guessing right now. Way more. I'm humbled. I'm blessed beyond words. I will reach out to each of you individually in the coming days, but just know that you are all in my prayers and in my heart.