ITS FINAL!!!!!

He is officially an Owensby! We can hardly believe it. Today, July 9, the adoption of our precious, happy son is final! We were really expecting the judge to tell us that we needed to take some further steps to make it all final. We had done things a little different as far paperwork with the birthfather goes...but it went off as planned. We stated our names, introducing ourselves and then we were sworn in (something neither one of us has ever done). Our attorney asked me several questions; ie: will you state your full name, date of birth, date of marriage, if Steve was my husband, please state your address, the date we received our son, if we were living in the same place we were when we received him, if I was related by blood to Z, and if I believed adoption to be in his best interest. He then asked Steve the final two questions and if what I had stated was correct.

That last question was hard for me, sometimes especially after spending last weekend at Lake Powell with Norma and my parents; I see her as being able to be one of the most capable mothers. In fact, she would be more than capable, she would be great. The fact that she has sacrificed so much of herself to see he has everything she has always dreamed of for him proves that point even more. I can only hope I would do the same for someone I loved that much.

Having everything go so well and maybe because we are still a little tired from The Lake we both just started to tear up as the judge was saying, "All legal paperwork has been filed correctly and meets all requirements for the state of Arizona. The state of Arizona recognizes the adoption of ZPO (he stated his name) as final on this day the 9th of July, 2009." We looked at each other with tears in our eyes and then at our little boy who sat in daddy's arms quiet and content to look at whomever was speaking.

We were there with only our attorney and caseworker so we just hugged them and cried. Again I was overcome at what a miracle this has all been. Us, Steve and I as parents, officially now, it seems almost unreal. Even though the everyday routine of having him has pretty much set in now (it has been over 5 months) it is strange to step back and believe we are really here. Parents, what does that mean? Its overwhelming to think about at times.

We went out to lunch with our bundle and walked into the restaurant telling everyone we were "parents." Then we had to explain that our adoption was just made final so they would stop looking at us with that weird look. We just sat at the table with tears in our eyes, kissing over the table throughout lunch, and making plans for his blessing and trip to the temple!!!

Can I just say that after all the waiting we did, there are SO MANY exciting things you get to do when you adopt. It's like the celebration just keeps going and going! I am thankful for the bits of down time in between but for anyone who knows me, I always love having another party or reason to celebrate!

Just a little peek at Zad's first trip to Powell!