We visit on Dec. 1st at a local eatery.

We decide to allow Cookie and the mother to visit our home, which has been anonymous until now based on there being a court hearing in December that we were led to believe by CPS would close the case from CPS supervision.

Dec. 13, 2008: Mother “invites” me (via “do you know anyone who would want to go?”) to attend a hockey game with tickets she received from a customer free-of-charge (she’s a waitress). I’m not a fan of hockey but I agree to go in the interest of participating in a friendly, sober and healthy friendship with her. My husband babysits the children and attempts to put Cookie to sleep in her old crib. Husband notes that Cookie is notably studying the room and has no interest in sleeping. Cookie adores our adoptive daughter and is caught on video trying to hug the baby and be gently loving to her.

When the mother and I arrive home around 11pm, Cookie walks towards me and mother picks her up. Cookie reaches for me and mother hands her to me. Cookie lays her head on my shoulder for a few moments. Husband and I discuss later that she clearly recalls the house and are concerned about whether it is a good thing or bad thing for her.