On August 22, 2012 Darryl and I were officially and legally named the adoptive parents of Claire Elise! Though her birth mom lovingly signed away her parental rights in the hospital, it still takes several months for all the paperwork, signatures, and state documents to go through the court system. I almost felt like this was my "labor" day in a way. A day where I knew that this baby would be ours and nothing or no one could take her away from us. Darryl and I have always considered her ours since day one, but hearing it announced by a judge and taking an oath to love her, take care of her, and treat her as our own in front of family and friends made the adoption seem complete. I think Darryl and I can truly say that this day was the greatest day of our lives!
Our good friend Tammy came to witness this special event and documented it through pictures! Enjoy!
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| Our little Claire spent a lot of time crawling around the waiting hallway. |
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| Claire and Auntie Pam |
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| Our little cutie patootie! |
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| Our dear friends Matt and Melanie with their son Hunter (aka...Claire's future husband) Haha! Matt and Melanie have been with us since day 1 of this journey. They spoke with us about their first adoption experience when we were thinking of adopting, they were at the hospital when Claire was born because their adopted son Hunter was born on the same day at the same hospital, and then for the big finale....they closed their adoption on the same day at the same courthouse! We love them and they have been such a blessing to us! |
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| Claire and her Auntie!!! |
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| Awwwww! She loves her Auntie!!!! |
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| Mommy signing the adoption papers! |
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| Daddy holding a sleeping Claire and signing the adoption papers! |
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| Our wonderful Judge telling us our responsibilities as adoptive parents and Claire bear starting to wake up. |
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| Yay!!! She's awake!!! |
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| Picture perfect moment! |
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| One happy couple with their...uh....tired baby. :) |
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| Us with Grandma and Grandpa! |
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| When we all entered the courtroom, the bailiff said, "No,no...this is just one adoption going on at this time", and we had to explain that yes, we were all here for that one special adoption! :) |
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| I'm awake! |
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| Another picture with our fabulous photographer! Thanks Tammy! We love you! |
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| Us with the Aunties, Ma, and cousin Audrey! |
Thank you for all of you who have been praying for us throughout this journey! It finalized with lots of happy tears and an overwhelming sense of joy! We will continue to blog about Claire's childhood and any future adoptions. *Darryl has already picked up the paperwork from Bethany and seems to be wanting to get back on that list ASAP! :)
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