Today we went to court to finalize Mini’s adoption. To officially stand before the judge and witness his official signature on our petition. To be officially named as Mini’s parents forever and ever.
It is, therefore, official.
Our attorney, who is extremely nice and wonderful, wrote in a letter to us that we should feel welcome to invite family and friends to the court hearing. We did.
The courtroom seats behind us were, oh my goodness, filled (!) with loved ones who gave up an entire weekday morning to show their support. The court reporter was noticeably surprised to see so many (she came in and said “woah!”)
The hearing took all of about 5 minutes. The judge was stately and quiet but said a few words about what a privilege it is to see families choose adoption.
Poor Mini, she was ready for a nap and didn’t find the court hearing to be an acceptable replacement of her lullabies and crib. She let out fussy squeals and screams but the judge said she was going to grow up to be an opera star and moved on quickly.
When he signed the documents and pounded his gavel, the courtroom erupted in applause and we were invited up front to take a few pictures. It was really fun to share these special moments with our friends and family!
Afterwards, we went back to our church to celebrate the occasion with, what else? Food!
Our AMAZING friends, who adopted two children through the same agency in Colorado, catered the whole thing for us. I was thinking “yeah, okay, let’s have some bagels and coffee. Maybe some cream cheese, too.”
They said, “oh, we can do so much more!” They made (yeah, MADE) the most delicious spread you have ever tasted. I was so taken back by how much they did for us.
Aren’t friends like that amazing?
It was a wonderful Adoption Day and a perfect end to a great week of celebration for us.
And now, here are some pictures.
Walking to the courthouse. Max has a Calvin & Hobbes book in his hand.
Let’s not talk about Mike’s expression. Clearly he is tired of me taking pictures even before we enter the building. But look at Mini’s tongue sticking out!
Pops & Nana arrived before we did. They left their house at 6 a.m. to make it on time for the hearing. On the way, they heard there was a multi-car accident which closed the highway just after they made the exit.
Mini was in a great mood – which is usually the case right before she hits the tired wall around 9 a.m. When was the court hearing scheduled to take place? Yep, 9 a.m.
I wasn’t thinking about that at all. Do you buy that?
Here we are right before we entered the courtroom.
And here we are with the judge after the hearing.
My mom and Mike’s dad with the sweet (but very sleepy) princess.
Friends at the party. You can tell Mini just. wants. her. nap.
YUM! YUM! YUM!
YUMMMM!
Bruce (the chef) is telling all these kids what is what and giving delicious descriptions of ingredients. His wife was like, “Bruce! Get on with it!” 
He did a great job planning for both adults and kids at the buffet table. Everything was so good!
Our pastor holding a very, very, very sleepy Mini.
Ahh, finally!
Happy Adoption Day, Mini! Sweet dreams.
Ohhh what beautiful photos and a fabulous memory to share. It is lovely to think of the whole family celebrating this auspicious day and to think that Max got to see Mini’s adoption day which will make him think of his own.
This made me cry as I remembered our adoption day. Thanks for sharing this with us – it looks like it was an amazing day! God’s mercies are new every morning – and especially mornings like this!
Ohh that made me well up with tears too! Anna, this has been such an honor to read about. I have loved following your journey with Mini. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us. It can be so hard to stay committed to blogging, but you are doing a SUPER job! Thank you Anna!
yay!!!! and what an amazing journey it’s been!
What a wonderful to end the year of 2008! Mini was soooo cute, even if it was waaaayyyy past her naptime!
Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!! Even sleepy she is adorable and I can only imagine how grateful you are to have all the paperwork behind you!
Congrats!
What a big stop on this amazing journey!! Thanks for letting me be apart of it!!
Oh, and I love Mini’s dress…so cute!
Congrats! I am so happy for your family. what a great day!
Happy Adoption day to your entire family! I’m so glad it’s finally official!
Happy Belated Birthday and Anniversary! God is so good! May He continue to bless you, Mike, your marriage, and your kids!
Hello. I am one of A.’s best friends. I came to the hospital when Mini was born. I have been reading your blog ever since A. told me about it. Some of the things you have written brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad that A. and J. found you. Mini is so lucky to have you, your husband and Max in her life. She is such a beautiful baby girl and I am so glad that you came into her life in such a unique way. You and your family are amazing.
Kaylee
Congrats! What a big “official” day!!! So great to know the world recognizes you for what you’ve been since day one, her parents forever and ever!!!!!
I’m a lurker
but wanted to offer my congratulations! What a happy day. Our third son’s adoption (first domestic) was finalized Nov. 6 this year and we were so excited. So happy adoption day! What a wonderful blessing. You have a beautiful family!
Congratulations on Mini’s adoption day!! I’m so happy for your entire family!
Congratulations!! I am so happy for you and your adoptions stories are priceless and what a blessing. I am so happy to have read about them. I didn’t know what was involved, so very thrilled to come across your blog. The family is beautiful. May God continue to bless your family.
OH YAY! Congratulations!