Ivy's adoption was finalized on Wednesday, July 1st. We've been an authentic family since the minute we took her into our arms on November 26, but the finalization hearing officially puts our names on Ivy's birth certificate and grants American citizenship. (This is a simplified explanation of the process.)
I've been focused on being a mom to our 16-month-old toddler and really didn't spend a lot of time pondering the significance of the hearing, so I was surprised at the tears of happiness that welled in my eyes as Kevin, Ivy and I sat down in the courtroom with my parents, sister, nephew, niece and Tantes Kimi & Mimi. I was glad that they were all with us on our special day. Ivy happily played with my necklace throughout the 10-minute hearing.
Judge Ebert finalized our friend Natalie's adoption in April and we were glad that we were assigned to him, too. July 1st was his last day serving as a Dane County judge before his retirement and he was thrilled to spend some of his morning with us. He gave Ivy a giant teddy bear that she absolutely adores.
July 1st is an important day; not only is it Ivy's adoption day, but it's also my parents' wedding anniversary and Tante Kimi's birthday. We gathered up our dear ones and enjoyed a celebratory lunch at our house after the hearing. There was so much to celebrate and my sister surprised us with lovely little handmade dolls that look like our family. Readers of previous blog postings might recognize the clothes that the artist painted on each doll.
Thank you to everyone for all the support and love you've given us these past 14 months.
5 comments:
Congratulations! We remember being surprised too by the emotion and happiness of the day. I'm so glad you had a memorable and celebratory day! And how great that Natalie and Ivy had the same judge. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the memories of a very special day.
happy day, happy family!
I still remember Ellen's "Forever family" day--what a celebration! The judge who presided later went on to preside at her sisters' weddings! Much love and happiness to your family--
congratulations!!! and i LOVE the dolls! :)
So perfect to have so much happiness and a great community of support for your family! Ivy will grow up knowing she was loved by so many! She and her parents are so lucky. Congratulations!
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