Cody's Adoption Dec. 19, 2011

Cody's adoption....well, where do I start? The adoption was suppose to start at, I believe one o'clock. Chris and I woke up early, got the kids' breakfast, we all showered, and got ready for the BIG day. Cody had been asking about this day for about two months. Unfortunately, Cody thought that the adoption meant he was moving onto, yet, another home; we tried and tried to convince him otherwise. So, the day was a little unsettling for Cody, but for the rest of us, it was a day that we would finally get Cody as a part of our family...legally.

In the morning, we awoke to a GIANT stork on our front lawn holding a baby! I was so confused, I thought, "wow, somebody got the wrong address for that stork." I finally looked out the window a little better, and it said, "Cody Jay ....., Adopted December 21, 2011!" I was so tickled. Since I have never been able to have a baby naturally, I missed out on some of the normal things that people get when they have a baby. For instance...signs announcing the birth. My friends, Becky and Judi, thoughtfully rented this stork to announce the "arrival" of Cody into our home; it was a very touching gesture I will never forget.

We finally were all dressed in our best and ready to go to the courthouse! Chris and I were told to be there early to fill out papers and sign court documents so we got there around 12:40. We had many dear friends and family that showed up to give us support for the day. We felt much love and appreciation that day.

The Judge was dealing with a stressful case and we didn't get into the courtroom until 3:00! Many children, and adults, were beyond tired of waiting...but nobody complained and the kids were wonderful. Jenny our wonderful caseworker brought crayons and coloring pages for the kids...we love Jenny.

Finally, we were able to get into the courtroom, and we were so anxious! Riley later told me that she was so nervous that the Judge was going to tell us that Cody had to leave (like J and S our other foster kids). Our wonderful lawyer Wes took right over and did all the hard work for us. Chris and I were honored to stand up, sit on the witness stand, and tell how much we love Cody (formerly Sawyer), and promise to take care of him. We had to take an oath (some parents I know should have to do that!)

Santa Claus even showed up! Imagine that! Riley was so nervous about Cody leaving she wouldn't leave the table; sweet Riley. Santa brought a stuffed animal for Cody to take home, but Santa couldn't resist Cody, so he ended up with around 10 stuffed animals (which he later shared with Riley); spoiled kid! Santa brought candy cane suckers for all the other kids in the courtroom. Our lawyer Wes has done over 800 adoptions and has never had Santa show up, he said, "I will never forget this adoption!"

It was a wonderful day, and we let Cody pick where he wanted to go to lunch...and he picked, yes, McDonald's; it was his day so we gave in.

Later that night, Chris and I gave Cody his adoption gift...nothing much, but we know how much he loves "Cars" the movie and I found a really neat book that held cars in the book for him to play with, while he reads. We bought Riley a Sesame Street pop up toy...and it brings back found memories of adopting her, so every time he plays with this book I will always remember the day Cody became my baby boy.

Here are some pictures from the day: