The Perfect Valentine's, February 14, 2012! I couldn’t imagine a better day to make our family official. Although Emme has felt like ours since the moment I picked her up in the nursery the first time making it official has brought added emotions. In the state of Utah an adoption is not final for 6 months to ensure the placement of the child is the best for the child.
During the last six months we have watched Emme grow, talk, sit-up, sleep, and gain her little personality. Our love for her has continued to grow. She provides so much joy! Emme is a fabulous baby, she eats well, sleeps well, plays well, and will go to anyone! She has a calm demeanor but loves to laugh and talk with anyone that will listen.
We didn’t know what to expect today, so we were grateful for our family that was able to come and support us. We are appreciative of our case workers, Jacci and Annalee, and everything they did along the way to support us. I was especially grateful that there was another couple that was
finalizing an adoption today, and they went first!
finalizing an adoption today, and they went first!
So this is how it works…basically. Today the judge was, Judge David M. Conners.
Everyone, including us are sworn it. That was a first…besides mock trial in middle school!
The caseworker goes up on the stand, our attorney asks some very contrived questions. Like do you know Brandon and Courtney Bills? Have you reviewed their home study and find it to be correct? Do you have the proper paper work from the birthparents? Etc, Etc.
The judge then asked her if she felt we were fit parents and could provide a loving home for Emme? Yes, and Yes!
After which the Judge then proceeds to ask Brandon and I questions. This is where we were grateful that the other couple went first. We had some time to think about our answers. First he asked me…
“Do you love Emme as if she were your own?” “She is ours.”
“What do you notice about Brandon now that he is a father?” “He is so loving and would do anything to take care of both Emme and myself.”
“Do you agree to take all responsibility of Emme, including the care of her health, financially, and any other needs that she may have?” “Yes”
Then Brandon’s turn…
“How long has Emme lived in your house?” “6 months and 3 days”
“What do you notice about Courtney as a mother?” I always knew she was always loving but I have seen that even more.”
“Can you love Emme as your own?” “Yes since day one.”
He then asked me to introduce our family that was with us. Then he said some legal stuff that makes it all official. Then we were allowed to go take pictures with our family and with the Judge. What an amazing experience. When we walked up to have our picture taken the Judge said, “she looks so happy and at home. I can tell she is loved.” What comforting words to hear from someone that has only seen us for a few minutes. Emme is loved and she is where Heavenly Father wanted her.
We are blessed that her birth mom, Kayla, was willing to make such an amazing sacrifice. We wish the best for Kayla, her family, and her other children. We will continue to love, nurture, and support Emme as she grows.
