We've waited for this day to come for many months; being told it was going to happen back in early spring, then June and after that, we stopped guessing when we'd actually get a court date.
In all the waiting, I went through two Adoption Day shirts and finally decided to make the summer top work for the raining day we had this week regardless if it was too small or cold. I was not going to give any reason to push back our court date and refused to get another picture perfect shirt made. As it was, all the adorable and poised Pinterest photos failed because we have entered the realm of terrible, busy two's that don't work well for those "sit still" smiles.
Distraction number one: Stairs.
Distraction number two: Fall Back time change has the Little's waking up at
5am making the 9 o'clock hour almost nap time.
5am making the 9 o'clock hour almost nap time.
Distraction number three: Mommy asked me too and that prompts an
immediate opposite response from toddlers.
immediate opposite response from toddlers.
I thought taking some pictures before the court room would solve some of these issues, but clearly this was all too much to ask. I have to laugh looking at this picture because Myriam, out of the kindness and helpful hands she has, offered to hold the sign for Baylee who was adamantly against such a thing resulting in what now looks like Myriam being the child adopted from foster care.
{ Pinterest fail. Family win. }
When we were escorted into the courtroom, we had a brief wait before the judge and all our family were present. This created a time of contained chaos for a little one who at this point was beyond tired from said distraction number two. Baylee found her cousins, benches, jury seats and requests to sit still as reason to make our family look like a circus. Good thing I switched back from the granola deodorant to my usual anti-pit-out roll on otherwise I would have been fashioning some wet stains. I have given up stressing over these situations, but when you're about to sit in front of a judge, you would like to present your family as having it together through organized parenting and having controlled children.
Baylee turned into something rather crazy, embarrassing me with her lack of calm and inability to get her to sit quietly. You just have to laugh.
Baylee turned into something rather crazy, embarrassing me with her lack of calm and inability to get her to sit quietly. You just have to laugh.
When the judge walked in, I was a little surprised to see the first thing he did, being attaching his oxygen tube into his nostrils. I've been in many courtrooms over the past almost two years and have never seen an oxygen tank enter the room. This was the first time not having the same commissioner on the stand for all of Baylee's case.
Keith Bode began reading through the adoption paperwork while Baylee sat in the jury seats; I guess determining if she thought we were suitable parents to raise her for the rest of her life. At one point she even let out a happy scream. In a matter of minutes, we raised our hands and done. Very anti-climatic. Baylee was ours and the paperwork was being filed.
Keith Bode began reading through the adoption paperwork while Baylee sat in the jury seats; I guess determining if she thought we were suitable parents to raise her for the rest of her life. At one point she even let out a happy scream. In a matter of minutes, we raised our hands and done. Very anti-climatic. Baylee was ours and the paperwork was being filed.
{ Yes. Of course we do! She's been ours from the day we read her bio. }
{ We tried. }
{ It didn't work. }
{ Official. }
When we got our picture with the judge, Tim and I had to remind the kids not to step on the O2 hose and cut the airflow off to the Judge. Baylee was all about blowing kisses to the family who were attempting to get smiles back at their cameras. I think my nephew thought it was funny face photo time in our group picture. These are the things you can't make up or plan for. These are the things that made our day memorable. This is what makes us real.
{ Our attorney Keith Bode & Adoption social worker, Anne Davila. }
We were largely blessed by having an amazing social worker that was with us through the entire first year until Baylee became legally free. Kristi was my rock, became a friend, supported us through normal life bumps and prayed for us when Traci passed. I celebrated with her when she became a grandma and saw Kristi beam with love for her own grandchild. She was missed in court due to the growing need of other kiddos in care she represents and fights for.
We are thankful for the family that was able to support us Thursday morning.
This gal. Baylee's Tummy Mommy.
Naomi and I have an unconventional relationship that most make a double take when I shared she'd be at court with us. Naomi has become an incredibly strong young woman and we are extremely proud of her for the growth we've seen over the past couple years. She consistently says that she had Baylee for us; lucky that we read her bio and brought her into our home. We were overjoyed when she asked us to adopt Miss Bee last September. It's hard to understand how a mother can sign off to her rights. What Naomi understood was that she gave Baylee life; Tim and I gave her a home and family. Something Naomi respected from the day we met and wanted Baylee to have herself.
We gave Naomi a necklace that had the symbol of adoption on it; a triangle surround by a heart representing child, bio-mommy and forever mommy.
Naomi now has a little man, Carson, that she is a wonderful mama to and fiance who adores her. We are excited to see good things to come for her life. It was an honor to introduce our family to Baylee's Tummy Mommy. Special moments indeed.
{ Celebration treats at Rocket Donuts. No worries; Dutch Bakery is still our favorite. }
About two minutes into the car ride home, Baylee passed out into a deep sleep. The kind of sleep that has your mouth open and drool dripping from complete exhaustion. The rest of the day was normal with the older kids going off to school and me running back to Costco to prepare for our
little O'Fish-ally party later in the evening.
With friends and family present, we welcomed our third princess into our family.
Our adoption journey started when we read the book The Hole in Our Gospel. It compelled Tim into taking action, stating he could have a third child through adoption. I came to agreement shortly after and from there it was obedience in our faith that grew our family.
Whether it is through private domestic, international adoption or through the foster system, our family has been personally blessed by our little girls. Their stories are unique; special and treasured.
Do we have struggles? Absolutely, but God has given us tools and people to walk through the unknowns and a church that continues to pour into adopted families; our family. We can't imagine life without our younger daughters. They inspire me to become a better Mommy.
This month we celebrate adoption. I encourage you, challenge you, to ask yourself how you are supporting, celebrating or encouraging those who are physically walking this road of adoption in their families. Find ways to help out or simply pray for us.
We are all adopted into God's family and that should be reason enough to
acknowledge the blessing of adoption.
About two minutes into the car ride home, Baylee passed out into a deep sleep. The kind of sleep that has your mouth open and drool dripping from complete exhaustion. The rest of the day was normal with the older kids going off to school and me running back to Costco to prepare for our
little O'Fish-ally party later in the evening.
With friends and family present, we welcomed our third princess into our family.
Our adoption journey started when we read the book The Hole in Our Gospel. It compelled Tim into taking action, stating he could have a third child through adoption. I came to agreement shortly after and from there it was obedience in our faith that grew our family.
Whether it is through private domestic, international adoption or through the foster system, our family has been personally blessed by our little girls. Their stories are unique; special and treasured.
Do we have struggles? Absolutely, but God has given us tools and people to walk through the unknowns and a church that continues to pour into adopted families; our family. We can't imagine life without our younger daughters. They inspire me to become a better Mommy.
This month we celebrate adoption. I encourage you, challenge you, to ask yourself how you are supporting, celebrating or encouraging those who are physically walking this road of adoption in their families. Find ways to help out or simply pray for us.
We are all adopted into God's family and that should be reason enough to
acknowledge the blessing of adoption.
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