Unfortunately, our hearing was scheduled right when Isaiah was due for a nap, so he was a little cranky. Being that it’s family court though, they understood and things moved pretty quickly.
Adoption Day Selfie |
We went into the court room with our attorney and it was just us, the magistrate, and the court reporter. We decided months ago that just the three of us were going. Our families were a bit disappointed, but it’s something we wanted to do. Joshua and I had to take an oath that we would raise Isaiah to the best of our abilities, that we would care for him, provide an education for him, and love him (how could we not!?). We each had to answer a series of questions about where we were born and if we followed the specific procedures of the adoption case. And just like that, we were done. It was faster than our wedding ceremony.
With dad before court. |
First time wearing shoes. |
If only cakes had autocorrect |
The emotional reaction from me didn't come until the next day. We went to the library to pick up some books I had on hold and when we got to our last name, I almost cried telling Isaiah that it was his last name now too. Then when it was time for me to put him in bed, I didn't want to. I just wanted to hold him forever. I cried because our Decree of Adoption says that we, the petitioners, filed to adopt "Infant Male." I hate that he didn't have a name, and even now that he does, it feels so wrong for a child to not have a name, let alone that name. I cried because on the last page it says that "Isaiah is to be given the same rights as a biological child and heir," because that's what he is. He is our child. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever experienced.
The realization that this ten month journey we've been on is finally over is crazy to think about. We've been on pins and needles most of the time, and now we're a family of three. Forever.
I've also thought a lot about his birth mom since we finalized. I feel sadness for her along with my happiness for us. I often wonder if the bittersweetness of adoption ever goes away.
So now we all have the same last name, and the paperwork to prove it. It took us three years to get to our permanent family, but here we are. We took a completely different path than we expected, but we wouldn't change a thing about it.
What did you do to celebrate Adoption Day? If you don't have an Adoption Day, feel free to celebrate with us!
Yay!!! So happy for you guys! :)
ReplyDeleteO you always have me in tears as I find all of this so wonderful and Isaiah is the luckiest infant male to have you two!!
ReplyDeleteHe is so cute! What a monumental day - very happy for you! Love your story
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It's here, it's done, it's awesome!!! So excited for you all!
ReplyDeleteI love reading about what this day has meant for you guys! Isaiah is so lucky - and so are you guys, I mean he's pretty cute! You make a wonderful family and I couldn't imagine it any other way, so perfect :)
ReplyDeleteI love this, I love your story, and your love for that precious baby just radiates through your blog (and Instagram!). Congrats!
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