I've been putting off this post because I know that it will by hard for some of you to read, but I want to remember and I want my children to remember these special days.
It’s hard to explain how those first six months feel. For those of you who don’t know, in most states, including Utah, an adopted child is technically a “foster” child. You have physical custody of the baby, but LDS Family Services had legal custody. Then, after 6 months, you have to go to court and if the child is bonded and things are working well with the family, you are granted legal custody and then birth certificates can be changed and things like that.
Our 6 months were finally up on September 13, 2010. Josh’s mom represented us. We are so grateful for her and what a wonderful memory and connection she has now with her little grandson. Josh’s mom first questioned our LDS Family Services case worker and then she had to ask Josh a lot of questions. She asked him if he felt that he had bonded with the baby. He got a little teary-eyed and said, “Of course, he’s my son.”
The judge loosened up a little after the papers were all signed and the bailiff mentioned that we wanted to take a few pictures. The judge said, “Well, we have a few rules about taking pictures in the Utah courts. We allow it during adoption finalizations, but only if the judge gets to hold the baby.”
It’s hard to explain how those first 6 months feel. I wasn’t scared or anxious that he would be taken away from us. I guess, for me, it was more that I needed that piece of paper to truly solidify our family. It was a great day, one that I will never forget. To hear the judge say that the adoption is final was a relief, but mostly I am just so, so happy that I get to have this little guy in our family.
It’s hard to explain how those first six months feel. For those of you who don’t know, in most states, including Utah, an adopted child is technically a “foster” child. You have physical custody of the baby, but LDS Family Services had legal custody. Then, after 6 months, you have to go to court and if the child is bonded and things are working well with the family, you are granted legal custody and then birth certificates can be changed and things like that.
Our 6 months were finally up on September 13, 2010. Josh’s mom represented us. We are so grateful for her and what a wonderful memory and connection she has now with her little grandson. Josh’s mom first questioned our LDS Family Services case worker and then she had to ask Josh a lot of questions. She asked him if he felt that he had bonded with the baby. He got a little teary-eyed and said, “Of course, he’s my son.”
The judge loosened up a little after the papers were all signed and the bailiff mentioned that we wanted to take a few pictures. The judge said, “Well, we have a few rules about taking pictures in the Utah courts. We allow it during adoption finalizations, but only if the judge gets to hold the baby.”
It’s hard to explain how those first 6 months feel. I wasn’t scared or anxious that he would be taken away from us. I guess, for me, it was more that I needed that piece of paper to truly solidify our family. It was a great day, one that I will never forget. To hear the judge say that the adoption is final was a relief, but mostly I am just so, so happy that I get to have this little guy in our family.
Matching ties...AWW
Poppa Rog
Auntie Leeann
If looking at my shiny face hurts your eyes, please feel free to look away...Then, on Saturday, September 18, 2010, we were able to go to the temple to be sealed together for time and all eternity, to truly become a forever family. It was an amazing day. Mikayla and Gweny were able to be in the room with us and it was such a special thing. I will never forget their angelic little faces as the three children came into the room.
I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. I am grateful for forever families. I love my children and my husband so much and I can’t imagine how different my life would be if I didn’t have the knowledge that we can be together forever. That knowledge gives me peace and the ability to live life to its fullest, because no matter what happens, the Lord’s plan for us will always be fulfilled. I love the gospel. I love my family. I love my girls and my little son. What a happy day for us!
Thanks to all of our wonderful friends and family who shared these special days with us!
7 comments:
Congratulations. I'm so happy for you guys.
LOVE those last pictures, and your face is beautiful.
We love your family and are praying for you all--I just the MacCabe clan is the best.
Thanks for letting Nate & I share your special day with your family. We love you like family!! It was so great to be in the temple, your girls looked gorgeous, and LJ was SO sweet just looking back and forth between his mom and dad!! Love you!
I got all teary jut reading this. I too am glad your children have been sealed to you both and that your family is forever. John and I can't get over how great it is to be parents and to live with our daughter (and soon son). Families truly are the center of Gods plan.
I am so very grateful for the wonderful people you are! Lucas and your girls are truly blessed to have you for parents. =) I could not be happier for your sweet little family!
-Emilee =)
What a wonderful experience!! Your family is so beautiful!
I just read this post. I got a little teary too thinking about Josh's reply to the judge and how cool it must have been to have your two beautiful girls enter the room at the temple. So happy for your little family. I love you all.
kelly
Hooray! I love these pictures. You all look like angels...shiny faces and all. I'm so happy for you guys!
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