It's Official!

Bethany's adoption is finalized!

Prior to finalization, Bethany was under the legal guardianship of our adoption agency, and we were essentially her foster parents for the past 8 months 2 weeks and 3 days. As of this afternoon, all that changed within mere minutes inside the judge's chambers.

Being sworn in.

 

As soon as Judge Henning signed the adoption order for Bethany, we were not only granted permanent and legal custody of her, but she also became a citizen of the United States, gained an American name and took on our family name. Talk about the power of the pen!

 We also left bearing two gifts from the courthouse. No pun intended. :)

It was definitely a day to celebrate, so we had a mini-celebration back at home.

We've been really conservative about giving her sweets, but I figured I'd let her go to town on this very special day.

Surprisingly, she just daintily picked at the frosting and decorations, so big brother had to step in and show her how it was done.

It would be an understatement to say that she enjoyed it.

Happy finalization day Bethany!

You have been my daughter from the very moment I saw your referral picture, and now it feels good to know the courts acknowledge it too. :)