We don't make a habit of celebrating everyone's half birthdays, but we were so excited for Danny to turn 6 months old -- & to officially adopt him a couple weeks later! Here Kaelah is placing the candles on the cake (one for each month). We had a grand time watching him eat the cool whip & Kaelah asked for another birthday party for Danny for days in anticipation of more cake. Yes, the way to Kaelah's heart is through sugar. (;
Now fast forward from Dec. 7 to Dec. 18 for Danny's adoption finalization. I must admit I was much more calm & excited for his than Kaelah's simply b/c after going through hers I knew this was the easiest part of the process. But, as Kaelah's picture shows, it was early & we had to drive an hour to the court house. We woke Kaelah up, dressed her up while she was half awake, fed her breakfast in the car & then did her hair inside the courthouse. The things older sisters have to do for their little brothers sometimes!
Grandpa using his trunk to make sure Danny's suit is on straight. Danny got tons of compliments on how sharp he looked. Thanks again, Shannon! Don't you think he could pass for a guy twice his age?
Waiting to go inside the court room with Grandpa. Danny was laid back & happy as usual.
Here we are, all official! In case you're wondering, the proceedings went like this: our lawyer was there to present us to the judge, who had already read the documents the lawyer and case worker had prepared for him. The judge complimented our case worker on doing such a wonderful job & stated that he had never worked with LDS Family Services before but that we all had left a great impression. I wouldn't want to embarrass him, but I think the case worker had to try hard not to cry when he heard that. He told us later he had had a placement fall through the night before & was going straight to the potential adoptive couple's home for grief counseling. This was a huge boost for him to do what he needed to do!Anyway, the judge then asked us some questions like, "Are you fully aware of the rights and responsibilities Daniel will have as your adopted son?" & "Do you feel as though you can provide all that he needs as his parents?" He took it pretty easy on us because it's obvious we still love Kaelah even if she's 2-years-old. (; The judge also complimented us on being willing to learn Chinese & Polish. Made me want to re-learn Mandarin! The icing on the cake was that the judge had purchased two soft plush teddy bears to give as presents to Kaelah & Danny. I thought it was so kind of the judge to give Kaelah & Danny bears to "adopt" too. Not only were they a big hit on the ride home in the car, but also this whole weekend. We truly have so much to be grateful for this Christmas.
My happy Dannys. I am soooo blessed.
Comments
Cass, I had no idea you had a blog. I'm going to have to start online stalking it now. (;
As to the Polish & Chinese: Dan served his mission in Poland & I served mine in Taiwan.