It's All FINAL!!!!!

Back row: Dad, Mom, Steve, Attorney Todd Moody, Joanna, Judge Pomrenze, Caleb, Carrie, Rodney
Front Row: Taeko, Tyr, Brayden

Today we went to Family Court and finalized Caleb's adoption.  We were assigned to Judge Pomrenze and our appointment was at 9:30 am.  We had been told by our attorney that this process would only take about 10-15 minutes, but our friends Kamie and Dustyn had finalized their adoption in Utah a few weeks earlier, and theirs took 45 minutes.  Their judge was extremely thorough and asked lots of questions and checked every piece of paperwork with them there.  We hoped ours would be a little faster, but we were still a little nervous.  After our family members that could come had arrived (see above picture), we were taken back to the judge's chambers.  Rodney and I were sworn in and our lawyer asked us some questions making sure we understood what would happen when the adoption was finalized (we accepted full financial responsibility, we would be his legal parents on all documentations, etc.).  After answering those questions the judge said she agreed that it was in the best interest for Caleb to become our legal child and signed the paperwork.  Then we took some pictures.  Overall it took about 10 minutes and went well, except for Caleb being a little fussy and making noises.  Also while we were taking pictures he reached up and kind of smacked the judge on her face.  Luckily she was very nice and didn't mind. 
We had to wait about 15 minutes after the court hearing for our attorney to file the paperwork.  Then my parents, Rodney's mom (Joanna), Taeko, Tyr and Brayden joined us for a celebratory lunch at BJ's.  Then we came home and just enjoyed the rest of the afternoon relaxing and doing some small chores around the house.  It was a great feeling to know that Caleb is now officially ours and that he is now our son in every way.  I love Caleb and am so grateful for the blessing of adoption!!

We gave Caleb a couple of little gifts to recognize this special occasion.  It is a tradition we plan to continue every year on this date.