Sep 11th, 2008
Time line
TIME LINE FOR
Baby Bruce Allan Mims III to be placed in Idaho
With his Aunt Mona
September 03, 2007
Marty calls Michele and I to let us know the out come of Michael after surgery. The cancer is back and with a vengeance. Most was inoperable and will be treated with radiation. Michael will require 24 hour care for the remainder of his life. Marty will not be able to complete the adoption process. She tells Michele to move to plan B; Mona to adopt baby Bruce. Marty and I talk in great length about Michael and what we can expect. Michele told Marty she would call me in the morning to discuss me adopting Baby Bruce.
September 4th, 2007
Michele calls to ask if I am still willing to adopt Baby Bruce in light of the situation with Marty and Michael. I told her yes. FAMILY COMES FIRST. She will call DCS tomorrow morning and let them know.
September 07, 2007
DCS from California contacted me on September 7th and asked if I would be willing to adopt my infant nephew who is 6months old. My sister Marty was unable to complete the program because of her husband’s cancer coming back in the brain. I immediately started the program for Kinship Adoption/ Foster Parent plan. I went to DCS in Twin Falls and personally picked up the packet to be filled out. I turned it back in within 2 days and was scheduled for finger printing October 18th.
Oct 11th
I was able to start my foster classes beginning Oct 11th; this was the earliest class available. The classes ran from October 11th – November 20th every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6pm- 9pm in Burley, a 2 hour drive from my home. I’m unable to visit Baby Bruce until background checks were complete and classes were almost finished per DCS in California.
Oct. 15th
I hired a carpenter to come into my home to convert my office into a nursery and my hall closet into my office area. This cost me approximately $1000.00
Oct 24th
First home study from 8am-1pm by Mrs. Leavitte
November 5th
Second Home study from 8am-1pm by Mrs. Leavitte
On November 6th Mrs. Leavitte informed me she was still missing documentation to complete my packet from friends that were writing about my abilities as a parent, friend or co-worker. I ran all over gathering these statements up or making phone calls to have them faxed in. As it turned out, once we turned every thing in Mrs. Leavitte received the originals a few days later in the mail. My background check was complete and at this time a visit could be made for me to spend time with Baby Bruce.
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13 Nov 2007 |
Delta Flight 3695 from Sun Valley, ID to Salt Lake City, UT (L) |
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13 Nov 2007 |
Delta Flight 4055 from Salt Lake City, UT to San Jose, CA (L) |
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15 Nov 2007 |
Delta Flight 3912 from San Jose, CA to Salt Lake City, UT (L) |
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15 Nov 2007 |
Delta Flight 3682 from Salt Lake City, UT to Sun Valley, ID (L) |
November 14th. This is my first visit with Baby Bruce. He is now 8 months old; I had requested to meet both sets of foster families because I wished to thank them for taking good care of Baby Bruce for the family. I was told they did not wish to meet me. My visit with Baby Bruce went well. Malaika and Celeste supervised the visit. Baby Bruce seemed at ease with me. He was even able to fall asleep in my arms during the visit. He never fussed at any time during my 4 hour visit. When it was time for me to leave I felt a part of me stay with him. I promised him that soon he will come home to stay and that I (mommy) loved him very much. I stayed with my girlfriend Tracy and her family.
November 19th Final home study was completed by Mrs. Leavitte she felt everything was in place and ready for Baby Bruce to come home. I had attended every class including the extra 3 hour one required for Kinship adoptions. His room is painted, decorated and fully equipped with every thing Baby Bruce could possibly need including his own carbon / smoke detector, 3 car seats, toys, blankets, musical crib toys and lots of clothes ranging from 9 months to 24 months. I was told hopefully he could be here for his first Thanksgiving.
November 20th My final Foster Parent class and my daughters 18th birthday. It was a tough choice for me. Was I to attend class or dinner with Becca? Becca insisted I go to class. Baby Bruce was very important to our family. We did lunch instead of supper and went shopping afterwards.
November 21st I was told he wouldn’t be here for Thanksgiving, maybe Christmas.
I asked what the holdup was and they said Foster parents want to adopt. I didn’t know they were ever being considered.
November 28th, I had the finale meeting with Mrs. Leavitt at DCS. She covered all my paperwork and presented me with my license. We went over any further questions she had. She wished me luck and said once Baby Bruce was transferred to Idaho a new case worker would be assigned. I promised to keep in touch and I thanked her for helping me get through the process. I learned a lot and feel the pride course is very important and should be continued. It opened my eyes to a large need in our community for foster parents.
December 9th. This was my second visit with Baby Bruce he is now 9 months old. Because I was approved for placement before this visit the foster parents wanted to meet me. This is when they informed me that they would prefer if I would refer to him as
Dec. 9th cont:
Casey. They do not call him Bruce, and they too wished to adopt him and felt they were better suited. They couldn’t have kids and this was there chance to be his parents. I chose to not comment only to acknowledge their losses. I disagreed with the name change and voiced this to both case workers Celeste and Malaika. He was named after his father, grandfather and great grand father. Ken and Meg stayed for the first 2 hours it was during this time I found out that DCS gave them permission to travel to Ohio without anyone from our family’s permission. I was relieved when they left the room upon my request so that I could have the remaining time alone with my little boy. Baby Bruce never cried when they left. He glanced at them and than continued to play with me on the floor for about another hour. Baby Bruce fell asleep once again in my arms. I so enjoy rocking him to sleep. He is such a snuggle bunny. Celeste was present for this visit. I asked if a visit could be done in Idaho so that he could meet his family and was told NO. I didn’t argue this even though I knew another family in Idaho going through this process: was granted visits from California to Idaho.
December 10th
TDM hearing is today. Baby Bruce was there and went freely into my arms from the foster fathers arms. My Nephew Bruce’s father and his mother were not allowed to attend this TDM meeting per Malika and Cleo. It was agreed that Baby Bruce should be placed with his biological family in Idaho on December 28th. I left relieved and was taken to the airport by Malika and Celeste. I couldn’t wait to call the family and let them know Baby Bruce would be home just after Christmas. We were disappointed that his first Christmas would not be spent with us, however knowing he would be home for New Years was better than missing all of his firsts. We are to begin the transitioning period that was laid out in the meeting. 2 overnight stays in California and than foster parents are to bring him to Idaho to stay permanently on December 28th 2007 they have agreed to this.
December 14th
Malika called to let me know that the foster parents filed a grievance against the TDM meeting and that I would not be getting Baby Bruce on the 28th. I was devastated. I was under the impression the judge had signed the court order for his removal. I asked Malaika how that would be affected and she said it just will be placed on hold by the department pending the out come of the grievance hearing. I asked how long before he will come home. She said she had NO idea; she had never been through a grievance and didn’t know how it would work. She stated “Don’t worry it’s only a formality” “He will be home with you in no time”. DCS is behind family reunification first and foremost and I have been selected for him to go to permanently.” The court order would remain in effect and once the hearing was over he will be moved to you. The hearing was scheduled for December 31st.
Malika and I than discussed my upcoming visit with Baby Bruce. She informed me that Ken and Meg felt it was best that they pick me up and take me to their home to go over Bruce’s daily routine. She felt this would take about 1-2 hours. The foster parents were to take Bruce and I back to my hotel for my over night visit. She gave me phone numbers in case I need to call. Malika asked me to call Ken and Meg to work out the arrangements.
Dec. 14th cont:
When I called Ken informed me that I would be spending the day with them in their home and that depending on whether or not they felt I should have Baby Bruce over night would all depend on how our visit went. I let Ken know what Malika had said he disagreed. I ended the conversation and called Malika back, she in turn worked out the details and called me back. I agreed to do as she had previously stated.
December16th _ 17th
This was my third visit with Baby Bruce and my first over night stay. I was asked to go to the foster family’s home and visit for the first hour. Ken was to pick me up around 9:30 in the morning. This was while Baby Bruce was asleep they could go over his daily schedule. Ken was approximately 45 minutes late picking me up. I called Meg and she stated he was running late leaving their house. Once he arrived to pick me up he needed to stop by the store for items they had forgotten to pickup to cover Baby Bruce’s visit with me. I was told Malika would be joining us, she never showed up. We visited and they went over his schedule with me on what he does at what time from eating to playing and his sleep times. They spent the first 45 minutes discussing his schedule which was all written down for me. They spent the next hour going over why they wanted to adopt baby Bruce. This included showing me around their home and seeing the pictures of the children they had lost. They told me about their family and the trip to Ohio. Baby Bruce woke from his morning nap; they changed him, fed him. I noticed while Ken fed
Baby Bruce it was beginner baby food. Meg prepared his bottle and fed it to him once Ken was done. Baby Bruce doesn’t hold his bottle; the foster parents do it all for him.
I ended up spending about 3 ½ hours at their home before they returned us to the hotel.
Santa Clause was at the hotel and I wanted pictures of baby Bruce with Santa. I also paid for a picture to be taken of Ken, Meg and baby Bruce to have in his baby book. Ken and Meg inspected my room before leaving this was around 3pm. Baby Bruce was ready for his nap. I again rocked him to sleep and held him for just a few minutes before placing him in his crib. Once he awoke we just hung out at the Mansion. It was rainy and cold out for most of my visit. It was extremely hard to say good bye. Ken and Meg were approximately 45 minutes early to pick Baby Bruce up from my visit. The foster mom would not allow me to sit in the back seat on the way to the airport with Baby Bruce. She stated she missed him and needed to be with him. I wanted to give Baby Bruce a kiss goodbye but was told they needed to run I wasn’t allowed. They left me standing at the curb as they drove away tears were streaming down my face.
December 20th Celeste called to go over arrangements for second visit. I had previously tried to work it out with Ken and Meg to no avail. I requested Celeste be at the next visit for Ken and Meg were being extremely condescending towards me. They were showing open hostility towards my visits. Celeste agreed to pick me up at the hotel and be with me. I expressed my concerns to Celeste about Ken and Meg’s attachment to Bruce and whether or not they understood they were a temporary placement of Baby Bruce. Celeste assured me they knew that family was the goal for Baby Bruce. They were told this from the beginning.
December 23rd - December 24th
This is my fourth visit. Celeste and I spent approximately 1 hour at their home. During this time Celeste expressed to all of us the importance of our meetings and how this is what was in best interest of Baby Bruce. This transitional period is to prepare him to move to Idaho with his family. Upon leaving I left a letter for Ken and Meg because it was obvious they were having difficulties with understanding how important Baby Bruce is to our family. I had hoped to ease their pain since the previous ruling was that he was to be coming to Idaho on the 28th. I wanted them to know that we loved him and we truly are what’s in his best interest. I had received Celeste permission to give them the letter.
Celeste dropped Bruce and I off at Christmas in the park. She picked us back up after 2 hours and returned us to our hotel room. My visit with him was to short. It is getting harder to leave my little guy. He is changing so quickly. Starting to crawl and make little noises and looks for your approval for a job well done. He loves to be told “You’re a Good Boy”. This makes his whole face light up. He is now almost 9 months old. I’ve noticed a few concerns regarding his muscles in his legs. I spoke to Celeste about this and to my case worker in Idaho. I was told to continue monitoring him. If necessary, physical therapy can be considered if it doesn’t improve.
Baby Bruce is nine months old, I’m wondering why Ken and Meg still have him on stage 0 baby food. He has several teeth and I feel he should be on stage 2. I will continue to stick to their feeding schedule but will mention this concern to Celeste.
Dec.30th- January 1st. This is my fifth visit. Ken and Meg brought baby Bruce to the hotel. I had Baby Bruce for two nights. Again stage O baby food is packed, no solids or stage 2 baby food. The weather was rather rainy and cold and I was informed he had the sniffles and was getting over a cold. I chose to keep him inside for this visit. We just hung out in the hotel room and played. I did take him out in his stroller for a walk around the grounds at the hotel once the weather had cleared up. He enjoyed the birds and the fish in the pond. Baby Bruce didn’t have enough food packed in his bags for the two day stay. I contacted my niece. She came by the hotel front desk picked up envelope with money and list. She purchased additional items from the store that I needed for her nephews weekend with me. She than returned the items to the front desk. This visit was even harder to leave because we had a second grievance hearing during the middle of my visit. We were promised on December 31st that we would be granted a decision in 1 week. I was promised by Celeste and Malika that not to worry, DCS is on my side and he would be home soon continue to be patient and understanding.
January 4th
I called and asked for Cleo. I was told she no longer worked for DCS. I asked why they stated she retired. They gave me Mark A Lapiz to speak to. I received his voice mail. I let him know who I was and what I was calling about. I left a message on Celeste and Malika’s phones as well asking if they had heard anything from Will Lightbourne. I was hoping an answer was available I received no return call.
January 5th
I called Malika because I woke up sick. I had just returned from the doctors and my cold had turned into Bronchial Pneumonia and I wasn’t going to be able to keep my visit with Baby Bruce. It was scheduled for January 6th-7th. I asked her again if she had heard anything from Will. Once again I was reminded about there audit in the offices and that they would promise to call me if and when they received the news.
January 8th-12th I called DCS every day. Wanting to know if there was a decision
Each time I called I was told they hadn’t heard a word. They told me they too are anxious for an answer. I repeatedly asked if Will was on vacation or otherwise detained. They said NO he is just a busy man. They also stated they were under a heavy audit and that at this time it was not the priority. The audit came first. They would call me if and when a decision was made. No contact from them until the 12th and that was to let me know about my visit arrangements only. Again I asked and they said no News. By now 2 weeks have gone by no phone calls from DCS, no decisions made.
January 13th -14th
This is my 6th visit. Baby Bruce is now 10 months old. I met Malaika in the hallway and Baby Bruce started kicking his feet and getting all excited to see me. He remembered even after not being able to see me last week. I was speaking to him while Malaika was carrying him in his car seat. The foster family had cut his hair. I was upset about it at first because I would have liked to been there for his first hair cut. I wanted pictures and a lock of hair for his baby book. They did neither of these things. This was a tradition we did with both of our children and I wanted it to continue for little Bruce. We had another great visit. Nothing exciting just my little guy and I hanging out and playing. Again stage O baby food is packed, no solids or stage 2 baby food. Ken and Meg have refused contact with me since my letter. I would like to ask why he is still on stage 0 baby food. I will mention this to Malika again when she picks us up.
Malaika picked us up the next day and dropped me off at the airport. I asked her if there was any news yet. I was told NO. Just please be patient. I don’t know why you are worried. He will be home with you soon. We are behind you 100 %. I mentioned to Malika again about my concerns regarding the baby food and his leg muscles. She said she would note it and check with Ken and Meg. I gave Baby Bruce a kiss goodbye and told him Mommy would see him again really soon and hopefully I would be able to bring him home.
January 15th – 18th.
I again called every day leaving messages to no avail. 3 weeks have now passed by and we have heard nothing. Will Lightbourne has just ignored all the calls Mark has made or I have been lied to repeatedly by Mark, Malaika and Celeste regarding their daily calls to his voice mail. I’m beginning to feel frustrated with DCS’s lack of compassion for not just me, but for Baby Bruce as well. He is getting older every day and he needs to come home.
January 20-21st
Visit cancelled. Malika failed to make hotel reservations and they were all booked up. I thought I had also reserved a room and was told no. I was not allowed to stay with Baby Bruce anywhere but at a hotel. Not even at my girlfriends in San Jose. There was a large convention going on and all hotels were booked solid except for those costing upwards of $300.00-500.00 per night.
January 29th – January 30th
This is my seventh visit with Baby Bruce he is now 10 ½ months old. Celeste brought him to my hotel. I asked Celeste if we had any news yet; I received the same non committal answer as always NO not yet. Mark can’t seem to get Will to return his calls. I than directed all my attention to little Bruce. He seemed excited to see me again. At first he looked at me and than when I spoke to him he began to kick his little feet and smile from ear to ear. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He really changed in just two weeks time. Missing the one visit was a huge difference. He is now pulling himself up and truly crawling on his hands and knee’s. He is such a great little guy; always happy and full of smiles. He is starting to say dada and momma. I would like to think he is referring to me when he say’s momma. But sometimes it’s a toy or even the waitress. Sometimes he looks at me and say’s momma. I smile and say yes I’m your momma pumpkin or little man and he just smiles or giggles. He picks up the bear my daughter bought him and says dada. I say no Becca. I look forward to our quiet time. This is when I get to rock him to sleep and sing him lullabies. He always looks into my eyes and smiles at me just before drifting off to sleep. He lets out a little sigh and this is when I now it’s time to place him in his crib. He is such an easy baby to get to sleep.
It was at this visit while Baby Bruce was napping I called Senator Corbett’s office and spoke to Darby about my situation. I was completely frustrated with DCS’s lack of compassion towards Baby Bruce and myself. I felt we deserved better than we were getting from Mr. Lightbourne, Mark and Malaika. I told them what has happened and how they continue to stall with answers. They made several phone calls on our behalf. They called me back and assured me that I should be getting answers soon. They rattled some chains and hoped the ball was bouncing again. I was to call them back next week.
February 1st
Malika called me to say that Will Lightbourne had finally called back and wished to have a third hearing. When I asked why it took him so long to call back she had no answers. He supposedly needed more information to make his decision. The hearing is set for Feb 6th was it a coincident that he would do this soon after getting a call from the Senator? Probably!
February 6th – 7th
8th visit
Today is the 3rd grievance hearing with all parties. I’m waiting in the lobby for every one to show up. I see Mr. Lightbourne walking towards the building with both foster moms and current foster dad plus their attorney. They are carrying on a conversation upon entering the building they see me and stop the conversation. Mr. Lightbourne excuses himself to go set up our meeting room. Celeste and Mark arrive about 10 minutes later.
Feb. 6th and 7th cont:
Malaika was not present. She was called away for Jury Duty again my nephew and sister were not allowed to attend because DCS said NO.
Will expressed that he had new information brought to his attention and felt it needed addressed. Will asked the foster parents to enlighten all of us. This time the foster parent’s add a new element. Baby Bruce is having difficulty sleeping. He has nightmares and needs a night light. This is new information; never shared with any of us before now. I have spent several nights with him in the hotel and never had any problems what so ever. I couldn’t believe what Ken or Meg where saying. I truly felt they looked all the information up on the internet and than tried to convince us it was so. They never looked any of us in the eye only looked at each other or down at their hands or notes. I tried to make eye contact to no avail. I felt that it was just another attempt to keep my nephew from me.
The meeting was adjourned and Mr. Lightbourne promised a decision by Friday the 9th. I felt he had spoken to Meg and Ken in great length regarding this issue and was already biased because of their comments. I asked if it was going to be like last time and take another 4 weeks, he stated no. He had to have answers on his boss’s desk by 5 pm and it was now 3 pm. I explained to him that we needed this resolved because Baby Bruce needed to be home with his permanent family. I new all this waiting has been hard on all of us including Ken and Meg, but most of all it was hard for baby Bruce not to be settled. He deserved to be home with his biological family and the wishes of his parents needed to be heard as well. He thanked me for my concern and dismissed the meeting. He treated me as if he could have cared less about my opinion.
Celeste and I went over to the DCS office picked up baby Bruce for my 8th visit. She returned us to my hotel. Once again I unpack Baby Bruce’s bag to find he is still on stage 0 baby food. He now has several teeth. Ken and Meg have included the normal list of when, what and where’s for Baby Bruce. I follow the list to a T. He seems to do well with the strict schedule they have him on.
Bruce and I played. I purchased him a musical book. He likes playing with it and sliding the cow up and down. He pinched his finger between the pages and began to cry. I came to his rescue and all is well. Other than this it was the only time he has ever cried with me. It was for less than a minute and he had forgotten all about. Its nap time, I have so missed being able to rock him to sleep. He snuggles down and I begin to sing. He smiled up at me like always and fell asleep. I wish I could just snuggle with him for a little while longer but I know from experience kids sleep better where they can stretch out. He lets out his deep sigh and I place him in the crib. His naps generally last about 2 -2 ½ hours. My visit once again is over too soon. I’m watching him sleep and know that
Celeste will be here in 6 hours to take him away. This makes me want to stop time and
just enjoy him sleeping peacefully.
Celeste is due to pick up baby Bruce anytime. I have made a list of questions I wish to ask her about. First and foremost will be regarding the baby food issues, than about Will Lightbourne and has there been a decision yet. I asked her if they had heard anything and she said no. She reminded me once again that DCS was on my side and to please not worry. This time next week he will be home with me. She said she would talk with Ken and Meg in light of what was stated at the hearing referring to the nightmares and food issues or regression..
February 9th
Celeste called at 1pm to inform me the DCS decision was to leave Baby Bruce with the foster parents. I began crying and asked Why!! She said I would get a letter in the mail explaining the decision. She was very sorry and upset by the decision. He should have been given to you. She explained my options to fight the decision through the courts and explained that DCS could no longer allow me visits. I told her that I was not going to take this lying down. Tell them this is far from over and that I was going to fight with every breath in my body to get him home with me where he should have been months ago. I believe the decision was made because Will was upset with me for going to Senator Corbett’s office requesting help in this matter. I feel he was brought out into the light and it didn’t look good for what he was putting us through. The fact that he ignored us for one whole month without so much as returning one person’s phone calls.
I than wrote a letter to Malaika expressing my feelings in great detail regarding the decision. I was so upset I couldn’t finish work and had to be taken to a friends home close by. I spent the afternoon making calls to Governor’s, Senators, Newspapers, Media and the likes. I tried Marks office at 4 pm and asked if he could please give me a reason why. He said he couldn’t but would fax me a copy of the determination letter. It states the only reason for him not being placed with me is because of his length of stay with the Jones. 5 months verses 2 ½ months had he been placed with me when originally court ordered.(December 28th )
Our family is devastated. I wrote a letter that was sent every where for people to please help us. I have given those to Bruce’s attorney for the courts to read as well as other correspondence to Malaika through out this entire process over the past four months of his life. And now here we are still trying to get Baby Bruce home with his biological family where he should have been since I was licensed on November 20, 2007. At this time Baby Bruce would have been with the Jones only 2 ¾ months.
February 12th – 14th
I was notified of hearing to strip my nephew of parental rights and asked to please be present by Margaret Brancatelli. In light of DCS’s decision she felt she could still help us keep our baby nephew and get him placed in my home. I and a co-worker drove all night long to be at the court hearing. No decision was made. Hearing continued until March 3rd. At least I can see a possible good out come and the light is shining once more. The judge was positive and I believe she will do the right thing by our family. She was furious with DCS for defying her court order. Malaika was not present. She was ordered to appear from here out. (NO EXCEPTIONS) Explanation was to be given at next hearing. Nothing came out. This is not the first court order Malaika has ignored. Michele was granted a court order granting her 2 visits per month with baby Bruce. Malaika has taken it upon herself to ignore this and only allow 1 visit per month to Baby Bruce’s grandma Michele. Michele has asked repeatedly for her 2 visits a month and been denied by Malaika. Malaika for the most part doesn’t even return Michele’s calls to schedule her visits.
This flight has never been reimbursed by DCS as of yet!
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22 Feb 2008 |
Delta Flight 3733 from Twin Falls, ID to Salt Lake City, UT (H) |
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22 Feb 2008 |
Delta Flight 3998 from Salt Lake City, UT to San Jose, CA (Q) |
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23 Feb 2008 |
Delta Flight 3763 from San Jose, CA to Salt Lake City, UT (Q) |
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23 Feb 2008 |
Delta Flight 3663 from Salt Lake City, UT to Twin Falls, ID (H) |
February 22nd -23rd
This is my ninth visit with Baby Bruce. Baby Bruce was excited to see me. Celeste brought him to the hotel and he was kicking his feet and smiling from ear to ear while I spoke to him in his car seat. He is starting to pull himself up on furniture around the room. He is crawling really well. He has stopped pulling with forearms and literally gets up on all fours and is crawling every where. He was pulling himself up too and office chair when it spun on him and he fell and bumped his forehead against desk in hotel room. It happened while I was unpacking his things. I quickly put ice on it and all was forgotten. I unpacked baby Bruce’s things and noticed once again they still have him on beginner baby food stage 0 and the bottle warmer is missing. I called Meg and she said she would bring it right over.
I had just placed baby Bruce in his crib so that I could use the restroom when Meg knocked on my door aprx. 10 minutes after we had hung up. Baby Bruce was jumping in his crib when I opened the door. Meg asked if she could say hello and I said sure. I went over and picked him up she gave him a hug and than I took him back. He kind of whimpered for just a second but once I told Meg thank you and she proceeded to leave he seemed fine.
We had another great overnight visit. I so look forward to holding him at nap times and bedtimes. He is getting bigger and loves crawling on the floor, so the best time to snuggle is nap time or bedtime. He loves to be held and sang to. He just smiles from ear to ear. I wish that we could just bring him home. Celeste is due to pick him up again, I must remember to show her is little bruise. I showed it to Celeste when she picked him up. She said bumps and bruises are expected at this age and to not worry about it. The ten days apart really shows how fast he is changing. I sure missed him. This visit like all the rest go bye to quickly. All I want to do is wrap my arms around Baby Bruce and leave. Never to look back at this state again. I love him so much. We are missing out on so many memories and pictures to add in his baby book. Hopefully soon we will be allowed to bring baby Bruce home. Court is coming up soon.
February 29th – March 03
This is my 10th visit with baby Bruce, I had requested a 3 day weekend from Malaika. This was denied. She would only give Baby Bruce to me from Feb 29th- March 2nd @ 8a.m. I was disappointed by her decision after all I was in California until March 3rd and DCS still owed me a visit from Feb. 12th. I didn’t get Baby Bruce until almost 2pm today. The foster parents had scheduled a dental appointment during my visitation time and I was not allowed to attend.
Feb 29th-March 3rd cont:
Malika arrived and I greeted Baby Bruce in his car seat. He seems happy and smiling from ear to ear. He is kicking his little feet. Malika helps get everything in the hotel room and than leaves. I noticed he is now on stage 2 baby foods and they have forgotten to pack his yogurts and his breakfast. I called Ken and Meg to see if they wanted me to just buy it for him or if they wanted to bring it buy. They choose to deliver it. I had them leave it at the front desk because we were fixing to go out.
I rented a car for this visit and took Baby Bruce to Sears and had his 1year old pictures taken with his cousin Eric. His Aunt Victoria was allowed to be with us and her son. I had requested family pictures to be taken. I was hoping to have daddy Bruce, Michele, Anthony, Victoria and both boys. This was denied by Malaika. She would only allow pictures with Baby Bruce and Little EJ with Victoria present only. We had a great day. Baby Bruce played with Eric at Sears and shared his toys without hesitations. Overall this visit was great. I noticed while shopping that baby Bruce seemed to shy away from men. He would openly flirt withy the ladies but men he would cower into my shoulder as if trying to get away. I will voice this to Malaika when I see her.
I purchased clothes and shoes for Baby Bruce today. The ones sent by the foster parents were obviously too small. His toes were being forced to curl in his shoes and his shirts were to snug a crossed the middle. I will send the clothes home with him, plus the 2 new pairs of shoes. I also purchased a really cute horse jumper for him to play in. He loves the bouncer at the DCS office and I noticed the foster parents didn’t have one for him. I also had previously spoken to our pediatrician in Idaho about my concerns for Baby Bruce’s under developed leg muscles. He recommended the bouncer. He stated it would help strengthen his legs. I have voiced my concerns for the lack of muscle strength he shows on several visits to both Malaika and Celeste.
I truly hope this nightmare with California and the Foster parents ends soon. Baby Bruce needs to come home where he can be with his true family. His biological family that adores him with all they have to give. I sit and rock him to sleep; I watch him sleep and know in just a few short hours I will have to let him go once again. This is tearing my heart apart.
March 6th Court / Visit Denied
Requested to see Baby Bruce for a couple hours after court and was denied by Malaika.
Her reason was she felt court was to stressful and not enough time to give foster parents notice.
March 13th – 15th VISIT DENIED
This is supposed to be my Eleventh visit. I had requested yet again to please have Baby Bruce for my entire stay. After court was out on the 13th my visit was to start. It was than I found out that the foster parents claimed Baby Bruce was sick and would not be available for my over night visit. He was running a fever. HELLO I have raised two great kids. I believe I could have taken great care of Baby Bruce in my Hotel room without complicating his fever or illness. I was finally notified by Mark at 2pm that I would not
March 13th – 15th cont:
be allowed the visit. I asked if we could at least go see him and I was told adamantly NO. Here I am in California, paying for a hotel and can’t even go see Baby Bruce, my soul purpose of being in this state. How truly frustrating this is. I call the airlines to go home early and no flight available, however for $50.00 they can get me on the 10:10 in the morning. I take the early leave. I’m disappointed in DCS, Ken and Meg and this entire situation, I believe Ken and Meg will do whatever it takes to keep me away from my nephew even if that means to defy the court order by using the “He’s sick” to their advantage.
March 15th -16th
I attempted to call the foster parents to check on baby Bruce. I wanted to know how he was feeling. No one answered their phones. On the second attempt I left a message voicing my concerns about his illness and just wanting to know if he was feeling better. I let them know that I was scheduled to visit again on the 18th and really missed him and asked that they please call me back and let me know how he was feeling. I received no reply.
March 18th – 19th VISIT DENIED
This was supposed to be my visit since the last one was denied. Again this one too was cancelled. Mark called at 9:45am on March 17th to let me know that the foster parents felt he was still too under the weather for me to see him. It has been 6 days if he is truly sick they should be taking him to see the doctor again. I miss him and want to at least see him. Maybe I will be able to next week?
March 18th – 19th 2008
Visit with Baby Bruce was denied. Foster parents stated he was still very ill. Mark called at 9:45 am on March 17th
March 20th
Emailed Malika to see about up coming visit? Gave her all future dates. Requested for DCS to pay hotel expenses since they were court ordered. Malika never called me or e-mailed me back.
March 21st
I attempted yet again to reach Malika, just reached her answering machine. I left a message; No reply. I looked on line with Delta to see if I had a flight for the 25-26. Saw that I did. I sent a copy of itinerary to Malika asking when Baby Bruce would be brought to Hotel and by whom. I received no reply. This is normal treatment from Malika.
March 24th
Left another message on Malika’s phone regarding my visit. Received no call back, I even emailed her, received nothing back.
March 25th – 26th
12th visit
I finally get to see baby Bruce for the first time since March 2nd.He appears to still have a slight stuffy nose and a cough. Malika meets me at the hotel immediately after arriving. He seems a little confused but brightens quickly when I say hey little pumpkin mommy missed you. I begin to tickle him gently as Malika is driving. We are unloading the car and I thank Malika for remembering his jumper I had purchased for his birthday. Malika informed me the Jones never took it home. She has had it in her office this whole time. I was shocked. This was some thing little Bruce needs to help build up his muscles and they disregarded it. Little Bruce loves playing in it and it is good for him. We unloaded every thing from Malika’s car into the hotel room. Malika left. While unpacking Baby Bruce’s things I found yet another note from the Jones regarding his eating schedule. I’m a little shocked at the small amount of food they have packed for him and how little he is being given for each meal. He has a cough that is full of phlegm. They are now giving him regular milk and cheese. No pedialite was provided. I sent my niece to the store once again. She purchased six 4 oz cans of pedialite. I felt this was better for him than the milk because of his cough. He plays and is very happy. The food they sent was stage 2 however he should be in the chunky baby food stage 4 by now. They sent crackers and cheerios but no sippy cup. They have four 6oz bottles of milk and some other foods. I have kept the food portions to show Mrs. Brancatelli. I asked Malika when she picked up Baby Bruce to please explain to Jones why he needs his jumper and to please request that they take it home for him. This visit once again was difficult for me to leave him. He is changing so fast and beginning to attempt to walk.
April 1-2
I came down sick the morning before my scheduled visit. I attempted to call Malika, Celeste and Mark to advise them of my illness and to cancel my scheduled visit. I was unable to reach them for DCS office was closed for a funeral entire day. I than tried to reach the Foster Parents to let them know I wouldn’t be coming. I was unable to reach them with the phone numbers they had given me. I ended up leaving a message on Mrs. Jones cell phone.
April 8th – 9th, 2008
13th visit
Flight schedule has changed. I no longer arrive at 10am. I now arrive at 12 noon. Baby Bruce was brought to my hotel by Mrs. Elsa Pear at 1pm. Mark had prior engagement, Celeste was sick and Malika was out for vacation. I asked Mrs. Pear how Baby Bruce did with the transfer and she stated wonderful all smiles and that he is an adorable baby boy. She helped get every thing in our room and than left. Baby Bruce was happy to see me. He was all smiles. We played for about 3 hours solid he never let me get to far from him. We played peek a boo and I would hide around a corner and call his name and he would come crawling and laugh or giggle as he found me. He finally took his afternoon nap for about 1 hour. While he slept I unpacked his remaining items.
The food sent for his overnight stay. Snack 4 oz yogurt , Dinner 4 oz squash, corn and chicken mix and 4oz of applesauce. For breakfast a small amount cheerios,1 oz cereal 4 oz applesauce and I ordered him a 4 oz container of yogurt from the hotel with my breakfast. They also sent (3) 4 oz bottles of milk. I ordered (2) additional 8 oz cartons from the hotel that he drank as well over the course of his stay.
Baby Bruce was happy as always. Very playful and has truly found his voice now. He loved playing in his bouncer. He would squeal and giggle uncontrollably. He slept well for the most part that night; he is out growing the small crib the hotel provides. Each time he tried to change positions he would wake himself up and quickly go right back to sleep. I have asked again if his visits can be in Idaho and have been told once again no by Mark. I truly feel this would be in his best interest verses a motel.
Mark showed up at 8 am, Baby Bruce was sleeping on the bed. Mark loaded every thing in the car while I woke baby Bruce and prepared him to leave. Mark drove me to the airport and as I was getting out of the back seat Baby Bruce realized what was happening and began to cry large crocodile tears while reaching for me with both hands trying to get out of his car seat restraints. I sat back down in the car and asked Mark to give me his bear and blanket. I calmed baby Bruce down and offered to go with Mark to drop of Baby Bruce and he said no, he also stated that he had never witnessed baby Bruce do this with any one else. He shows a tremendous attachment to me. I gave little Bruce another kiss and hug and stepped back out of the car. He instantly began to cry again and reach for me. This broke my heart, there was nothing I could do but watch Mark drive away with Baby Bruce looking at me and reaching for me with tears streaming down his face.
Once I composed my self I contacted my family and told them what had happened they advised me to contact Bruce’s attorney and let Mrs. Brancatelli know what had happened. I did as requested and feel each day that goes by Baby Bruce is clearly missing me. It is obvious that even though my visits are once a week he has had no trouble bonding with me and has formed an attachment to me. I called Mark’s office to see if Baby Bruce calmed down soon after leaving me at the airport. Mark was unavailable. I left a message voicing my concern and asked for him to call me back. I received no reply.
April 14th
Mark called today to confirm my visit tomorrow. I also asked him how Bruce did after leaving me at the airport. He said he cried fairly hard until they reached the interstate than he seemed to calm himself down, it was truly a sad separation for Baby Bruce. Mark would like to talk to me more later in the day for I was at work and in a meeting. I attempted to return Marks call at 2pm. received his answering machine. Left a message for him stating I was returning his call and to please call me back after 4pm at my home since I was leaving work and would be driving. Mark never returned my call.
April 15th -16th
14th visit
I am in SLC when Mark returns my call on my way out for my next visit. Mark asked me to please not leave notes of concerns in the diaper bag for Mr. and Mrs. Jones. Any concerns or issues that I have need to come through him. I simply agreed. He said we would talk more once I arrived in San Jose, Celeste would be handling the transfer.
Celeste called me at 1:10 to notify me she was at the hotel and that she had the intern for social workers from the District Attorneys office with her. She wanted to meet me and supervise the transfer. They stayed for approximately 3-5 minutes. They informed me that a Mike Gammino would be contacting me later in the week to discuss Baby Bruce with me. They left and Baby Bruce and I went for a walk around the hotel grounds with his stroller.
Upon returning to our room baby Bruce went straight for his bouncer. I placed him in it while I unpacked all of his items. Once again the food supply they sent is very limited. He would be with me for his afternoon snack, Dinner and breakfast. They packed (1) 4oz applesauce’s, (1) 4oz squash chicken dinner(stage 2) a handful of cheerios, (1) 4oz yogurt, 1oz cereal, 4oz prunes and (3) 4 oz bottles of milk. I purchased extra milk and yogurt from the hotel.
Baby Bruce and I played most the afternoon. He didn’t take his nap but retired for bed at about 8 pm. He slept until 5 am without any problems throughout the night. When he awoke at 5 we played. Bathed and ate breakfast together. Bruce began to look sleepy again at about 7:30, he fell asleep. I packed up our things and prepared to leave. Celeste arrived at 8:30. We loaded her car and she drove me to the airport. Again Baby Bruce was quick to figure out what was about to happen. Before Celeste could get out of the car Baby Bruce began to cry. All I had done was open my car door. I again calmed him down while Celeste retrieved his blanket and bear from the trunk. I than stepped out of the car, He began to cry Celeste said he would be ok and that she would see me again next week. Once again Baby Bruce and I separate in tears. Is there no end to the pain DCS is causing our family to endure? Not to mention Baby Bruce. He deserves to be home and settled per the court order.
April 18, 2008
I receive a phone call from Mr. Mike Gammino A Social Worker for the District Attorney’s office. We spoke for approximately 1 hour on the phone from 3:30pm-4:30pm. He assured me that he was taking this matter seriously and was doing a thorough investigation and wanted to meet me at my next visit. We are meeting this coming Tuesday at my hotel. He also wishes to meet baby Bruce and go over what has transpired with this case for the past several months. I eagerly await this meeting. This is the first time anyone representing Baby Bruce’s best interest has contacted me. Maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel yet. I believe God is watching over us and has his hand on each of our shoulders.
April 20, 2008
15th visit
I met with Celeste and the psychologist at DCS office today. My visit was supervised for the first 2-3 hours at the office. Later we were returned to the hotel. Mr. Gammino was to meet me at approximately 3pm. He no called and no showed. I was so disappointed. I really felt after we spoke on the phone he was going to give us a fair chance. I guess he is no different than the rest just provides great lip service. I called Celeste shortly after we arrived at the Hotel to inform her Baby Bruce’s special blanket was still in her car. She asked how things went with Mr. Gammino and I informed Celeste that Mike Gammino had no showed and no called for our interview and observational visit with Baby Bruce. She told me he had been in court maybe he forgot. She had one of her other social workers drop off Baby Bruce’s blanket at hotel around 5 pm. Other than this our visit went great.
April 25, 2008
Mark called to inform me that I would not be getting Baby Bruce on Monday as planned. They were waiting for a decision from the judge regarding my visit during court week. I asked him what changed and he said nothing. They just needed to confer with the courts because of the trial. The original plan was for me to get my 2 make up visit and current visit during court week. I was to arrive Sunday night and Baby Bruce would be brought to the hotel Monday morning than I would testify Tuesday. While I was in court he would be with whom ever Ken and Meg set up or DCS provided during my time or testimony. He changed my flight schedule to fly out Monday night costing me an additional 33.00 at check in time for the flight change.
April 28-May 2, 2008
I’m denied my visit during court week Ken and Meg claim it will be too stressful on every one especially Baby Bruce. The judge must follow DCS lead and go with what is asked. DCS has managed to place a gag order on this case until trial is over. Once again they are treated as if they are god. They lie, manipulate and attempt to twist things around in there best interest. Court is adjourned until May 13 – 15th. What a night mare. Baby Bruce just needs to come home. When will this farce end.
May 5, 2008
I asked Celeste about next weeks visit for May 13-15 during court week. She informed me they were denied because of court. I sent Malaika a letter requesting why. I’m not testifying that week and wouldn’t it be better if Baby Bruce was with me and not a day care as fotster parents claimed. I was told NO!! I stated fine see you tomorrow for my visit.
May 6-7, 2008
16th visit
I have another overnight visit with Baby Bruce. He is changing so much. It’s great to see him again. He is growing like a weed. So much has changed with him in 2 short weeks. He is really trying to walk now and is more interactive with his playing. He squeals louder and gets really excited to play peek-a- boo. He loves to play in his bouncer and is extremely vocal about it. I noticed one thing today while setting his bouncer up. It has not been used since my last visit on April 22-23. I know this because I placed tape on the holes and turned it around backwards just to see if they used it. It didn’t surprise me that they are not using it. They have made it no secret how they feel about our family and any gifts we send to them. I have never seen the shoes I bought on his feet since the day I purchased them back on March 3rd for his first birthday. Nothing surprises me where Ken and Meg are concerned. I will be so happy when Baby Bruce comes home for good. Celeste keeps telling me to think positive and good things will happen. Not to give up hope after all Family comes first and foremost. I continue to pray each night that soon he will come home. I have placed our family on a prayer list as well. I truly hope this helps. I let Celeste know about my discovery and she said once again it will be addressed.
May 14,2008 @ 4pm
Celeste Hammond called today out of the blue she wanted to get things straight before testifying in court tomorrow. She spoke to me about conversations we had, people I have meet whether in TDM meetings or at court. She asked if I had ever met Mr. Gammino and I reminded her of his no call and no shows. We talked about the name change issue and about our visit at the Jones home. We spoke about my daughter and her schooling. She asked about my son and his wife. How they were doing with all of this. She also asked about a picture of Baby Bruce with his father. I informed her “the picture came up in court and I was not privy to see it.” However Bruce stated the picture was taken by his mother at one of their visits with his cell phone. She asked if I had ever had Bruce at the hotel for any visits and I said NO. She again told me she needed to know the truth. I told her again I would never jeopardize my visit with baby Bruce. He means too much to me. She asked how I was doing and dealing with all this added stress. I told her it’s difficult and she said she understood and to just hang in there. It will be over soon. She apologized again for what our family is going through and hoped the out come was in our favor. She believes it should be since family always comes first and foremost. She told me to stay strong. She asked how I knew about all my dates and facts and I informed her that I write a journal as they happen. We were on the phone for approximately 1 hour. I wished her luck with testifying in the morning and thanked her again for all the support.
May 15th 2008
My sister notifies me that court didn’t end and in fact is extended until June 4-5. Once again our lives are placed on hold determining the out come of what is in Baby Bruce best interest. Once again we are let down by the system for a fair and speedy trial. This has been going on for far too long. What will happen next? Will we ever bring Baby Bruce home to his biological family? All questions my family seems to have and I can’t answer. This is so saddening to see our system at its worse when it comes to right and wrong where family is willing, able and ready to take care of our own. Will this farce of the law ever end? We can only pray to God for the out come that we hope for, the system is out of our hands.
May 16 and 19 2008
Celeste informs me my visit is in place for May 20th -21st on the 16th. On May 19th Mark calls to tell me my visit has been changed by the courts to supervised visits because of the picture that no one has bothered to show me. I’m upset by this change like any normal humane being that has complied too their every whim would be. I told Mark I need to make a phone call and would call him back. I hung up my phone. I spoke with a good friend about the crap DCS is pulling now and how they wish to do the visit even though Baby Bruce shows separation anxiety when taken from me as it is now. She said it would be in his best interest to only do the one visit and not put him through the turmoil twice in a 24 hour period. That is not in his best interest. No sooner do I get off the phone does it ring and it’s Mark demanding an answer to my supervised visit. He insists he needs an answer NOW. He told me because of the damning evidence my visits will be supervised. I try to explain there are no pictures with Bruce and his son taken in my care. I agree to the terms of the visit even though I feel they are going to be a lot harder on Baby Bruce having to leave me twice in a 24 hour period than to leave me once. I will do whatever DCS dictates I must in order to have me nephew home with me. This is truly insane. What more are they going to do to try to keep Baby Bruce from me?? Celeste will be supervising our visit and we plan to take Baby Bruce to a park for the afternoon. This is the only truly good thing about the supervised visits. Celeste still is supportive of our family getting baby Bruce. She is a true angel amongst the devils at DCS.
May 20th -21st
Visit 17th
My visit was supervised by not just Celeste but by a man named George. The first part of my visit was with Celeste. We took Baby Bruce to target to get toys and sippy cup. The foster parents failed to supply either. We than took Baby Bruce to Happy Hollows for approximately 2 ½ hours. I fed Baby Bruce his snack at the park; yogurt and cheese around 3. We left the park at 3:45 and headed to Denny’s by the hotel, Celeste mentioned she was rather hungry and I agreed. While at Denny’s; Baby Bruce ate bananas, fruit, yogurt scrabbled eggs with cheese, sausage and some french fries of Celeste’s. Celeste and I spoke about several concerns I have with Baby Bruce. Main one is his diet. He was extremely constipated today. It took him from 2 pm until 6:30 pm to poop. This was after turning beet red on several occasions. She assured me Ken and Meg would be getting a letter regarding his diet and future visit expectations.
George took over our visit at 5:30pm. We had never met and he had a lot of questions. I answered them as best I could. He watched me feed Baby Bruce some of his dinner that Ken and Meg sent. Bruce didn’t seem to want it after eating at Denny’s he was more interested in drinking from his sippy cup. We played for a little while longer. I spoke with George about my concerns of him driving baby Bruce to Ken and Megs and how he cries when being separated. He felt it necessary to try and minimize his stress by asking Ken and Meg to pick up at my hotel. They agreed to this change. The time flew by before we knew it Ken and Meg where in the parking lot to pick up Baby Bruce. I gave him a kiss and hung in our hotel room than walked him to elevator with George. I rode down to the main floor careful to situate Baby Bruce to ware he would be able to see Ken and Meg when the doors opened. I stayed in the elevator so that they wouldn’t see me but so that Baby Bruce was comfortable with a stranger passing him off. He never let out a single tear. He saw Ken and Meg when the doors opened, looked at me and smiled as George pushed him in his stroller towards Ken and Meg. I cried all the way back to my room. It hurts so much to leave him. Please let this end. Let us bring him home soon. PLEASE!! I won’t be getting second half of visit on the 21st to late of notice for DCS to make arrangements. Next week I will get both visits.
May 27th -28th
18th visit
My visit today was to begin at 10am, however upon arriving in San Jose Celeste left a message on my cell phone stating she couldn’t find any one to supervise my visit. She would get back to me. She finally called my cell phone at 1pm stating she was on her way to pick me up. I was allowed a visit from aprx. 2pm – 7pm supervised by Rachel from 2-5 than Victoria 5-7. Malaika informed them to NOT allow me to refer to myself as mommy at any time. And that I was to call him Casey NOT Bruce. I argued and lost this battle. Celeste said she would look into the reason just enjoy the time you are granted. We had a great visit. Baby Bruce received his hair cut without any problems he looks adorable. The entire experience is video and I can’t wait to show it to our family. Computers are great. It can be emailed to all. My visist was to be till 7 but Rachel said she had to leave at 6:30 to have him at the office by 7. So once again my visit was cut short and I wasn’t allowed to even walk him to the car. I had to say good bye in my room.
2nd visit 8-noon
Celeste called to say they were running late and should be there soon. Rebecca showed up at 8:40 and left at 10:30. We were left unsupervised for about 15 minutes while she had her car unlocked. She locked the keys in it. She came back to the room and we played until she informed me it was time to go. I requested that they not take me to the airport as to save my little man from going through the separation trauma. He cries when we separate and I felt it was in his best interest to say good bye at the hotel instead. Celeste called to ask why and I explained my reason. I had to be at the airport 90 minutes before my flight and DCS scheduled my return flight for 12:45. Therefore I couldn’t have my full visit. DCS once again caused me to have less time. I pray this is over soon and Baby Bruce will come home to his family in Idaho. My heart breaks each time we separate, I just pray our family will prevail and he will finally come home where he belongs.
June 3-4 visit denied because of court; court wasn’t to begin until June 5th and 6th. DCS once again used it to their advantage to not grant a visit.
June 10-11 visit denied for court. Same reason as above
June 12, 2008 Judges Decision was made that Baby Bruce is to stay with the Foster Parents Ken and Meg Jones. Reason given: Had DCS followed original court order and place the child in Idaho as the court ordered in December 2007 with his aunt; we would not be here today. Because they failed to follow the court order Bruce has been in the care of his foster parents for the past 8 ½ months. I feel it would be detrimental to move him at this time.
Our family has never been notified by DCS only by our Nephews attorney Mrs. Brancatelli. She called the moment the decision was made. She has filed the necessary papers for an appeal but this can take time. In the mean time my little Nephew is with the very people who are trying to keep him. He deserves to be with his BIOLOGICAL family as the law dictates. Further more we have been refused by DCS to see him. We don’t even get a last visit. Where is the Justice for family in this case? Please help us.