Anniversary of the big day

Two years ago today the kids and I got up early and headed downtown. We were dressed in our "Sunday best" LOL. We got the to judge's office a little early but quickly noticed that my mom was already there waiting for us. We were soon joined by my lawyer and Beth's last DCS case worker. The judge had had a new grandson born the day before but she was just a few minutes late arriving. She was all smiles (and in possession of a few baby pictures to share) as she ushered us into her office.

And then, after exchanging a few pleasantries and oohing and ahhing over her pictures, we became a family. The judge thanked us for starting her day on such a good note as she said the rest of her day was to be spent in criminal court. The whole thing took less than 20 minutes, including waiting for copies of the adoption decree. Kind of anti-climactic after the years of fostering ups and downs, but it still felt good...it felt right.

My mom left and went on with whatever she had planned for the day. The kids and I sat on a bench across the street from the courthouse and planned the rest of our day. (My lawyer had just called the afternoon before and asked if we were available to do the adoption in the morning. We had zero time to plan or include others.) One of Alli's friends called while we were talking and we convinced her to skip her college classes and join us. She was more than willing to do so. We went on to Elvis' regularly scheduled therapy appointments and then to the kids' photo studio in a local mall. We had pictures taken in all sorts of combinations and then went to a late lunch at our favorite Chinese buffet. After a quick return trip to the mall to pick up the pictures we ordered, we headed back to our hometown.

That evening we met friends and extended family (and anyone else we could dig up on such short notice) at the skating rink. We had cake and continued celebrating. It was a good day. It was a good time in our lives. Despite our differences and our struggles, I'm so glad we did it.

And, of course, this day means so much to me but neither girl seems to even remember the special date. Typical, I'd say.