The amazing day - Four-ever family day!

I'll back up and give some info on how everything came to be. We had completed more paperwork and initially it looked like Grace's finalization would be on Tuesday, December 23. There was a mix-up with some signatures that we found out about on December 18, so we knew it was off. Adoptions are finalized on Tuesday's in Grace's home county, so our next option was Tuesday, December 23.

Needless to say, it was a roller coaster waiting to see if it would be on. There are so many people who need to put their 'stamp' on all of the stuff for all to come together. We planned to go down to Papa Ron and Nana Jane's the day before. We packed and loaded up this past Monday and still didn't know if we were a 'go' or not. When the six of us hit the road (the four of us, plus Papa Chip and Grammy) we still didn't know. We were almost to St. Cloud before we got the word that it was pretty likely all would be a go for the next morning. Whew!

We had a very special evening at Papa and Nana's house. It was wonderful to show where Grace lived and was loved during her journey. She certainly remembers their home and it was adorable to watch her find her drawer in the kitchen to play in, her toys, etc. She also showed off some of her new tricks, as she can now tell you where her nose, ears, eyes, mouth, hands, tummy and feet are. We had a yummy meal and enjoyed each other's company so much. We had a surprise visit from Uncle Dave and Cousin Sam too! Soon it was time for bed and we made plans for the next morning and snuggled down for the night.

Tuesday morning dawned with snow and a lot of it! We had planned to leave St. Cloud for Little Falls no later than 8:00 a.m. Now we shifted to trying to leave by 7:30. Reports of nearly 8 inches in Little Falls made us nervous. With some hustle and bustle, we were on our way (not before we left Papa and Nana's house looking like a tornado had hit!!!).

We made our way to Little Falls (the six of us, Papa Ron, Nana Jane and their daughter and family - Dave, Rebecca, Sam and Will). The roads were awful. Being the calm person that I am, I could hardly breathe. We were all thrilled to see the signs for Little Falls. We got to the Courthouse, trudged in through the snow and changed Grace out of her pj's into her dress and tights right in the lobby of the courthouse. Thankfully, the Judge didn't come walking through at that minute to provide an opportunity for him to change his mind!!! We made our way through security and then we waited. We made it with about 10 minutes to spare.

Soon we were called in to the court room. Our family of four took our place in the area where the lawyers typically sit (yes, I watch too much Law and Order). There is perhaps a name for this space, but thankfully don't frequent court rooms enough to know the specifics. Soon Judge Freeberg arrived. Travis and I were sworn in. By now, I had started to cry. Not little tears. Big tears with a few sobs. I was so overcome with emotion. We were truly going to be parents to this amazing little girl in every possible way. And her precious big brother was right next to us and was so excited too. Thinking of God's hand in this all was so overwhelming and powerful. So, I cried. A lot.

He did ask everyone in the courtroom to state their name for the record. Carson was ready and so proud. He spoke right into the microphone!

The Judge, seeing the state I was in, chose to ask Travis 'the questions' first (smart Judge). He stated his name, where we live, when we got married, etc. He asked me the same questions next. Judge Freeberg asked Carson if he wanted a sister and Carson replied 'Yep!'. Next, the Judge asked both of us if it was our desire to become parents to this little girl and to have her as our daughter. Both Grace's Guardian Ad Litem and Social Worker spoke in support of the placement. He asked if anyone in the court room was in support or opposition and Nana Jane gave her support. Not sure some of the others could have spoken based on the emotion in the court! Soon, he decreed her name be changed to Grace Victoria Kitch and declared the adoption was finalized. It all went very quickly and I remember thinking in awe "it is really done!".

Judge Freeberg came down from then bench and shook our hands and greeted everyone. We took a bunch of pictures with him and family. He welcomed all of the kids up to sit in his chair. Carson declined (things were perhaps a bit too overwhelming for him) but he did help Grace up there. Grace and Elmo hung out in the chair for a bit. When she started eyeing up the paper, we knew it was time to go!

As an aside, Elmo was a mainstay of this trip and he is her official companion everywhere. It is Carson's 'Tickle Me Elmo' from seven years ago and she loves him to pieces. So Elmo got checked over at security and was with us every step in the court room.

Trav and I took care of some paperwork at Court Administration - we got several certified copies of the adoption decree and ordered new birth certificates for Grace. We got an update that we won't likely see her birth certificate for 12 - 14 weeks, as there is a backlog right now. Good to know as we plan to get a passport for her as soon as the copies arrive. We're hoping to get up to Swan River next summer and want all in place! As we were waiting at Court Administration, the Judge walked through and commented that was the most fun he had had in his court room in a long time. Travis told him we were glad to oblige!

Next we had some paperwork to take care of in the Social Services department to wrap up Grace's case.

We were finally done. It was such a special morning!

While our excitement played out inside, the snow was still falling outside. We loaded up and went to the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls. It was the perfect setting for our gathering. We enjoyed a meal and cake. We can't thank Papa Ron and Nana Jane enough for setting it all up (and the patience of all involved with the arrangements and the on-again, off-again, on-again nature of it all).

The six of us packed up and got on our way. It was a longer trip home with the roads, but the kids slept part of the time and the roads and weather got a bit better the closer we got to home.

We were happy to be home - our four-ever family!

We celebrated Carson's anniversary that night too - we always light his anniversary candle and say extra prayers for our donor family.

As we settled in to bed, we couldn't believe we were truly the parents to two wonderful and amazing miracle kids! What a special and meaningful day!