So now that we are private it is time to tell about the adoption. We traveled out to Duchesne for it. We went a few days early so we could spend some time with our families out there and make sure we missed any freak storms that would arise.
I want to spin a tell about how we got up at the break of dawn and packed our drowsy children into the car for the long journey. Since that wasn't the case I can't. What did happen was that we got up fed and clothed the children. We packed our stuff into the Yukon and there started our travels. We drove almost all the way to Duchesne and stopped to visit with a long time friend. Her name is Kim. The kids were a little shy about going in but once they spied all the toys they forgot all about their nervousness. Kim's daughter Ruby was excited to have visitors until they took her toys to play with. Then she wasn't so sure this was a good thing. Les and I sat with Kim and caught up on life. One thing about Kim is that Les and I both became friends with her but we did know each other until right before we started to date. I have known Kim since high school. She first became friends with my sister Carolyn. When I started hanging out with them I quickly came to like Kim. She graduated and headed off to College. A few years later she moved back and I moved off to College. We kept in touch. It was while I was away that she met Les. So while we sat there we not only talked about what was going on in our lives but also reminised a little. Then she fed us lunch. It was super good.
Then the time came where we had to go. We made it to the courthouse with plenty of time to spare. We chatted with our lawyer, Les' sister and her family, Les' dad, and Les' Aunt and Uncle. The had all come to help us celebrate. We had been told that there was going to be a review of Khole's case before the actual adoption. Turns out the Judge was excited to get on with the adoption. So we did. Khloe came and sat up front with us. She was all smiles and even giggled a little. In that small span of time I saw our family at peace. No one was fighting, pouting, or crying (well kind of). Emma and Sammi were a little concerned that they were seperated from us. In less than 20 minutes it was over and Khole went from our niece to our daughter. We also had tthe spelling of her name changed. It is now spelled Khloe. Now people will stop calling her K Hole or Cole or even Cole with an e (held out) sound at the end.
So as of January 5th she is legally our daughter. Some have asked us how it feels to have her offically ours. Honestly, nothing has changed. The only difference that I have felt is the weight on my shoulders from knowing that DCFS isn't constantly looking over my shoulder. Have you ever noticed that when someone is constantly watching you to make sure you don't mess up that you end up being your worst? That is how I have felt. I should save those kind of changes in our family for another post.
After the adoption we planned to make the long trip home. At the last minute Les' sister asked if we could help get a fish tank from Les' parents into the back of the truck. So we put off the start of our journey to head in the opposite direction. Turns out it we should have left from the courthouse. Les' dad didn't know they were planning on taking right then so it was still full of water. So that had to wait until later when it can be taken apart. Also so the fish and coral could be transported safely.
That is when we turned around and headed home. It has been nice to put it all behind us and to be home together.
I know this post didn't have a whole lot about the actual adoption. That is because we were asked questions and then the guardian ad lidum (sp?) was asked if he had any questions which he didn't. Then the AG representing DCFS was asked if he had any questions (he didn't) and it was done. We signed some documents and walked out of the room with a new (but not so new) family member.
3 months ago