12/2/2008 He is officially ours!

So, while in our hearts he has been ours from March 31st, today marks the day that he is officially and legally our special little boy. Now he is ALL Ours - ok and God's too. For God is the one who gave him to us. Paul Joshua is his new legal name. It is sort of bittersweet though as his name is officially changed. I felt the same changing Lacie's name.

We met our attorney and Paul's attorney at the courthouse at 8:25 a.m. Paul's attorney, the court appointed guardian ad litem, said that Paul is his youngest client yet. I honestly hope that Paul never needs a lawyer again, of course unless it is for a good reason, like an adoption.

There was one case in front of ours and they were running a bit behind. There were many people standing around the lobby outside the court room - but no chaos. When it was our turn to sit before the judge, the sheriff came out and announced our name, "BLOGSINGER!" Lacie yelled in reply, as she began to run in his direction, "We're coming!" There was a bit of a chuckle by many as we walked by. Even the Sheriff seemed to appreciate her enthusiasm.

When we were sworn in, Lacie also held up her right hand and said, "I do/I will." We have been so proud of her.

The proceedings went very fast - they asked us questions like where we live, if we were married, will we love and treat Paul as if our own biological child, etc. BY THE WAY - I do not know if I could love my children any more if they were my biological children. I do know that they are definitely "MY OWN." And it was declared by the judge as official - he granted the adoption.

This is when I look at my children and think: How much they depend on adults to make right and correct decisions for them. They really have no say in their own lives. They do not ask to be in the position to be adopted and/or leave their own birth countries. They are just innocent little children - it is our duty to make sure that the privilege we have to raise them is always just that - a privilege. It is not a right.

OK - then we took photos and got certified copies of our petition to adopt and the judgment. We were done. My mom was there to help with the kids and to take pictures. She then treated us to brunch. What a special day it is today. Here are some photos of our morning:

In the Lobby waiting for our turn with the judge:
Can you tell that she LOVES her brother?

With the judge:


After the hearing with the attorneys:



Today Paul also had a speech evaluation - since his only spoken word is still Mama. More on that later - but I will say that he has had a HUGE Day!

Blessings!

Vonda, John, Lacie and Paul