Sunday, June 28, 2015

forever family

Oliver's adoption was finalized!!!

We had Oliver with us now for eighty-four wonderful days from placement to finalization.  To prepare for finalization, we finished our adoption education and had two home studies.  Home studies have to be done every four weeks to check on how we were adjusting to the adoption and make sure there are no problems.  In the state of Texas after the second home study our social worker can recommend we finalize which has to happen before the next four week mark.  We went to court on friday, June 26th to finalize!  

I was very anxious about going to court, however it ended up being was a beautiful celebration of our adoption.  Finalization took place in Lubbock, where Oliver was born.  We met with our social worker, the head of the agency, and the judge to answered questions about Oliver and how he fits into our family.  Bryce and Zoey were even involved in the process which was wonderful for them.  The entire process took about fifteen minutes and ended with the judge finalizing the adoption!

It was a great way to celebrate the last eighty-four days but I couldn't help think of Oliver's birth mother.  It makes me sad that she doesn't know this beautiful little boy.  I admire the strength it took to chose a life for Oliver that she was unable to provide and we will forever be grateful to her.  I will always pray for and think of her, she gave us a great blessing.

We are so happy to be a forever family!  I didn't realize how much stress I had held on to until Oliver's adoption was finalized.  One year and two days before going to court our home study was approved and we were a family waiting for a child.  It is amazing the difference a year can make!  Finalizing is an exciting moment in the adoption journey...one that families anxiously wait for.  It means this adoption journey is over, it is exciting!!!  Welcome to this family, officially, Oliver!  We love you!!!
.katherine.