December 18th

Here is a long overdue account of our Adoption Day:

Rachel and I started off the morning nervous and quiet. Rachel wasn't to interested in eating and my stomache hurt. Being the first to arrive we sat watching strange people talking outside the courtrooms to their lawyers about their DUI charges and court ordered medication until it was about 10am and some agency people started showing up (social workers, our therapist, CASA worker, adoption home study lady and an in home counselor). That relieved the tension a bit until all at once our family and friends arrived. My brother and his girlfriend surprised Rachel... she thought they had finals that day and couldn't make it in time. As soon as she saw them and the rest of the family she relaxed and started having a good time. My family and the 5 friends that came, along with all the different workers there made up the largest group. There was a feeling of celebration in the air. Everyone started introducing themselves to one another and as people chatted away while the other adoptions were going on (we were last on the docket) we were so loud the balliff had to come tell us to quiet down. Everyone showered us with cards, flowers and presents and lots and lots of hugs. The excitement was tangible. Rachel was excited along with everyone else and when things got quiet for a minute she entertained everyone by doing a hunchback immitation down the hallway.

Once we got in the courtroom Rachel and I sat next to our lawyer infront of the judge where the plantiff sits. Then the judge instructed everyone else that they could sit the jury box. The judge was relaxed and said "this is the best part of being a judge." We were sworn in and then the lawyer asked me questions about my willingness and ability to take care of Rachel. After that he asked her if that was ok with her. She agreed by saying "sure" and rolling her eyes. That was pretty good for her. Then we signed the paperwork and the judge said some words that made it official. Then someone asked if they could do the wave... and they did! We went out to lunch afterwards but it was pretty mellow. We were tired from the emotion of it all.

Rachel do the hunchback

The jury box full of our supporters

Sitting in front of the judge

Some of my best friends showing their support!

My dad and sister Autumn with Rachie

My mom and I

Rachel with some of her Family Care Network people

Family and Friends

Surprise! David and Angela made it after all!

Our friend Tanya-Bolanya

Rachel and Grandma

The Cones

Aunt Autumn and Rachel... two hot girls!