Family

I interrupt our vacation posts to bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY for our little family!

July 18th our world changed forever.  Five months later, we celebrate our Forever Family Day as Millie Janalee legally became forever a part of our family.  Today we watched on as the judge signed the Final Judgment and Decree of Adoption.  Today we applied for her birth certificate that will forever list Russ and me as Millie Janalee's parents...just as if she were born to us.  Today was a special day filled with joy, tears, and one happy little girl!

We traveled to Jackson last night and stayed with our dear friends, Pat and Felicia.  We woke early this morning and prepared for a day that marks the end of a journey.  And the beginning of a new one.  We arrived at the Chancery Courthouse around 8:30...thirty minutes early.  We walked through the metal detectors, handed over our bags to be checked, and were allowed to bring our camera for the big event.  We walked into Courtroom 3 with Karen (our Bethany worker and friend), my family, and our attorney once everyone arrived.  When we were called back to the judge's chambers, our entourage followed.

Judge Owens went straight for Millie Janalee.  She introduced herself to Millie Janalee, held her hand, and talked to her.  Then she met the rest of us.  She was so happy to see so many family members joining us as we celebrate such an important day.  Our attorney asked us all the official questions, and Russ answered them quickly and concisely.  Judge Owens looked at me and asked two things: 1. Are you sure you don't want to change your mind? (Ummm...no!  Hurry and sign before YOU change YOUR mind!  Ha!)  2. Forget about the education fund! Have you started saving for the wedding??  Everyone started laughing loudly, and Millie Janalee let out the loudest cackle she's ever made!  Perfect timing.  I wish we had it on video, because it was the most delightful moment! This was such a personal time for our family, and I appreciate Judge Owens making it even more wonderful.  After reading through the attorney's paperwork and Bethany's paperwork, she did it!  She signed the papers!  No turning back.  Millie Janalee is legally and forever ours!

There were a few tears, but mostly smiles all around.  This long awaited journey came to an end.  A perfect closure as we begin our new journey of parenthood.  As we all got up to leave, Judge Owens asked..."So, I'll see you back here this time next year?"  To which I answered..."As soon as Russ says we can!"  Haha!   Judge Owens walked around her desk and reached out for our daughter.  Our daughter with our last name.  She held her, talked to her, introduced her to a few other ladies, and walked around her office with her.  The whole time, I was praying Millie Janalee didn't spit up on her.  Ha!  Success!

Me, Judge Owens, Millie Janalee, Karen, and Russ

Judge Owens and the whole crew! (Notice the spit up on my shirt.  She saved it for me!  Thank you, Lord!)

Karen, Paul (our attorney), me, Millie Janalee, and Russ

 After our processional out of the courtroom, we gathered in the lobby to visit, hug, and take a few more pictures.  Paw Paw and Susu presented Millie Janalee with a very special gift for her very first Family Day.  Russ and I have been talking about how we can celebrate this day in a special way, and Susu and Paw Paw read our minds! 

They presented Millie Janalee a beautiful gold chain with a single dainty pearl.  Each year, on December 18th, we will add a pearl to her necklace to celebrate this day.  The day we legally and forever became a family.

My heart is overwhelmed!  Russ and I are so blessed to be a part of this journey.  We are so thankful that God chose us to parent Millie Janalee...this precious angel.  We are so grateful for our family who traveled hours and canceled plans and took off work to join us on this day.  We are overwhelmed with love for family.  No matter how God built it. 

Millie Janalee was sacked out after such a big day!  As she lay her little head on my shoulder and my chest, I thanked God for this little life.  This little life that was perfectly planned.  This little life that has changed hearts and homes.  This little life that has wrapped us around her tiny finger.  Thank you, God for your beautiful blessing and answered prayers!  To Him be the glory FOREVER!

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.  

~Barbara Bush

Thank you to our families for putting your arms around us through this journey.  Thank you for being there in person and in heart.  We love you and we love your love for us.  We are so grateful for the love you have for Millie Janalee and our little Party of Three!