COURT DATE

Smiling boy before court

Today we had the adoption finalization hearing!  It is a really wonderful feeling that this part of the adoption process is over.  Adoption will always be a part of the life and a journey in our life as parents, but the legal process is complete.  We were so happy to hear the judge say that he would be signing the order for the adoption.  We will soon get a birth certificate that lists us as Ty's parents.  We have felt like Ty's parents from the time we brought him home, so it is more of a formal process.

Waiting for the judge to arrive

The court hearing itself was very short at about 15 minutes.  Both Matt and I provided testimony that we promise to care for Ty as if he was born to us.  We also answered some general questions about our jobs and home.  Poor Ty he was so tired as he did not get an afternoon nap and was a little fussy at the beginning of the hearing.  Overall, he was very intrigued by the new place he was in.  My parents came to the hearing and were able to help some of the pictures and stayed for dinner.

Picture with the judge

After the hearing

Legally a family!!

Ty with grandma and grandpa Lampe

Ty is sure a blessing to us in so many ways.  We truly feel that we have been entrusted as parents to the most perfect boy for us.  We are so thankful we trusted our hearts to proceed ahead with adopting.  There were some nervous times, some times were doubted we would be parents, and had to deal with some (very few) naysayers about us adopting.  It was worth everything we experienced to have this little boy!

Happy Boy before court

Leaving the courthouse

Now on to fun things.  We will spend the next weekend getting ready for Ty's adoption party and baptism the weekend of Sept 11th-12th.  We then leave two weeks later for a vacation to the Smoky Mountains and Ty's first experience on a plane.  Our lives and heart are so full!