It's finally official. My new neice is here in Florida, permanently.

The city and state of New York Social Services departments have awarded Dave and Dawn full custody. Helen's father has relinquished his rights to custody, and is agreeing with the court's decision. A NYC social services worker flew Helen here, drove her to Dave and Dawn's house and turned her over, with all the paperwork they will need to assume custody.

She arrived with a couple pieces of clothing that didn't fit properly. Not ONE extra pair of socks or panties. Without the hat and scarf Auntie Heidi had made and given to Helen a couple months ago, and without the toys we had given her and sent to NYC with her.

A quick trip into town solved the immediate clothing crisis, and that was the end of that. "Onward and upward!"

Helen's foster caregiver had taught her to call her "Mom" and that really rankles with us, but we are sure she will get over that soon enough. It bothers Dawn more than anyone, because Helen is her sister's child. Dawn promised her sister to take care of Helen, and keeps her picture in a prominent place. Whenever the subject comes up, Dawn tells Helen "that was your mother."
Dave and Dawn are Auntie and Uncle, to her.

As promised, here are some photos of our new princess. It was impossible for me to get a candid shot of this girl. She is a camera hog, and seems to sense whenever someone is sneaking up on her with a camera. She poses herself in a split second, making a natural picture impossible. Here she is, having her daily tea party with Auntie Judy and Auntie Heidi:


She conned Cousin John into joining the tea party, and playing a card game with them. Here is another of her poses:

She insisted on a picture with one of her dolls:

And posed again with Auntie Heidi:

I just couldn't resist putting this picture into the blog. My handsome baby brother - my hero - my sweet little "Jigger" - Dave, the proud new uncle/father: