Monday, September 27, 2010
Boo's adoption has been finalized!
The day we've been waiting for for approximately 2 1/2 years, give or take a month or two, finally arrived!

We recently finalized the adoption of Boo and she is now legally our daughter! Of course, we've considered her a part of our family pretty much from day one but now it's legal. There is no longer any threat of her being taken away from us.

As you all know, this has proven to be a much more difficult journey towards adoption than we expected. We entered into Foster Care training rather naively. We were quite optimistic in the outcome of adoption through the Foster Care system, believing that we'd have a child adopted within a year.

We also believed that we'd be adopting a child from unfit parents that had had their parental rights forcefully terminated by the State. In some ways, perhaps it helped us feel less guilty about wanting to adopt again, because we believed we'd be adopting a child truly in need of a loving home...a child right within our city.

Baby Bug was our first placement and we lost our hearts to her quickly. She was reunited with her parents 8 1/2 months later and, although we supported that decision because we knew how hard they worked to get her back, we grieved A LOT. I still miss her and I had to grieve all over again when her parents chose to end all contact with us a second time.

Our continued journey through the Foster Care system with Boo was very little like we expected. We were lied to by the initial social worker, who told us what she thought we wanted to hear, in order to get Boo placed in our home. It wasn't until I attended the next court hearing, a couple of months after her placement, that I realized how much the social worker had lied and kept information to us.

We tried desperately not to get our hopes up about adopting Boo, as we waited to see how things would pan out with her bio mom who was incarcerated. We waited, and waited, and waited for the judge to make a decision, either way.

We did our best to be "good" foster parents, attending all court hearings, filling out all necessary forms, speaking up inside and outside of the court and advocating for Boo's needs along the way, being careful to follow all guidelines put forth by the foster care agency we were licensed through.

After many months, we got the severance ruling that we had prayed for, due to the instability of Boo's bio mom and her criminal lifestyle. But then, against all odds, the Court of Appeals overturned that ruling on a technicality and threw the case back to the Juvenile Court system and told the new judge to "start over". That's when talks began in earnest of having Boo transferred out of state. It seemed that our state wanted to "wash their hands" of the situation, regardless of what that meant to Boo.

We had to hire our own lawyer to gain "party status" in the case and fight even harder for Boo's rights.

In the end, Boo's bio mom made the difficult decision to admit that she was incapable of offering Boo the stability she needed and deserved and voluntarily severe her parental rights so that we could adopt her. Everyone involved in the case felt that we would've gotten another severance ruling again, even had she not come to this conclusion on her own, but we didn't trust "the system".

The events leading up to Boo's adoption have been nightmarish. We lost a lot of sleep, our marriage was strained, our finances were strained with unexpected legal fees, our family struggled, we doubted ourselves. But, we hung in there, we fought for this precious little girl, and now she's forever an important part of our family!

Boo's Adoption Day was glorious! We had a private adoption ceremony, with the same judge that finalized Snuggle Bug's adoption and the same lawyer too! Many of our family members and very dear friends were there to witness this amazing event. There was much joy and celebration! And there was an unexpected bonus to all of this...Snuggle Bug was a part of it all and Boo's adoption finalization helped him to understand a bit more about his own that took place when he was only 3 months old.

Afterwards, we had a party in a nearby splash park for Boo. It's one of her favorite places to be and she had a grand time! She got an Adoption cake, many thoughtful gifts, lots of hugs and kisses, and many well-wishes.

It was an emotional day for me. It was perfect! There are moments when I still find it hard to believe that we actually made it through to the other side.

Shortly after Boo's finalization, we notified our foster care agency that we were closing our home. Ornozo and I thought long and hard about that decision. It wasn't an easy one to make. But we both feel that it's best to focus on the raising of the two beautiful children that we have been blessed with.

Maybe one day again we'll foster. I'm sure we'll find other ways to help children in need. It's a passion of mine.

Thank you for all that have followed this journey. Your support, encouragement, and prayers have meant the world to Oronzo and I!

Don't think that you've seen the last of me though. I may not blog as often as I used to, but I'll still pop in now and then to discuss issues related to being an adoptive parent. And I hope to hear from you as well!

I'm a bit uncomfortable posting our family picture on here, but if you've been following our journey and you'd like to see one of Boo's adoption day photos, leave me a comment with your email and I'll oblige!

Take care!

Labels: , , , , , ,

8:52 PM
31 comments


31 Comments:
At 4:26 AM, Blogger Carey said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you and your family! Its been a long journey, with a very happy ending!
I would love to see a family photo, if your comfortable sharing.
crygibb at yahoo . com
I look forward to hearing how your journey continues.

 
At 5:15 AM, Anonymous Erin said...

Yay! Congratulations :)

I would love to see the photos too!

momtowidget @ gmail . com

 
At 10:46 AM, Blogger Leah Wentzel said...

i have been checking on you often and am so GLAD to hear it is finally DONE.

we have our own little "boo" we are fighting for thru foster care. your story gives us HOPE.

i would love to see the pic if you feel comfortable sharing

haelww@comcast.net

 
At 11:30 AM, Blogger Lisa said...

I've been waiting and praying for you. I'm so glad for your family and for Boo that this whole thing is settled once and for all! Would love to see the family pic! cook1137@gmail.com

 
At 12:45 PM, Blogger Amy from Occupation: Mommy said...

I don't even remember how I found your blog, but I've been following along ever since Boo came into your lives. My third daughter is about her age. I would love to see a picture! Congratulations!

occupation_mommy at yahoo dot com

 
At 12:51 PM, Blogger lightshines said...

Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and your family.

Of course I would love to see a pic.

banosteph@yahoo.com

 
At 1:07 PM, Blogger Monique in TX said...

Hurray! I have been watching the calendar and checking back frequently. I'm SO happy to hear that Boo is finally home for good and firmly a part of your family. God bless you all most thoroughly!

 
At 1:41 PM, Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

God is so good. This just brings tears to my eyes! I understand completely that you want to focus you energy on your family. You have been through so much.

Check my blog... LOTS of changes with us as well. A new grandson, a wedding coming up... :)

 
At 1:53 PM, Blogger Kelli said...

HOORAY!

I am so incredibly happy for you guys! I Would love to see pictures of your special day, and celebrate God's special blessing!

So, so happy for you.

Hugs to you and you growing family.

 
At 4:09 PM, Blogger MommaofMany said...

I'd love to see your beautiful family! I pop in about once a week looking for news!

miller clan at clear wire dot net (without all the spaces)

 
At 6:43 PM, Blogger Michelle said...

I've told you already, but its worth saying again - congratulations! I'm so happy for your family that this part of the journey has finally come to an end and you can go on raising Boo as a legal part of your family! Whoo hoo!

 
At 11:32 AM, Blogger So Incredibly Blessed said...

Wow! Congratulations to you all!!

My husband and I are getting close to having a finalization date for the adoption of our "Ladybug" who we've fostered for the past 2 and a half years (she's 3 and a half yrs old now). When I read your posts I can truly relate to how you're feeling.

I'm so happy this joyous day has finally come for you! I'd love to see the family pic :) Congrats again.

dmk0305@comcast.net

 
At 4:51 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you all!

 
At 12:16 PM, Blogger Thalia said...

Fantastic news, congratulations to you all. Please do send me the link to the photos.

 
At 1:49 PM, Blogger StarfishMom said...

Would LOVE to see pics!!! Congratulations XOXOXO :)

hut31999@aol.com

 
At 7:15 PM, Anonymous chelle said...

I have been reading so long ... I remember reading through your first adoption!

Congratulations to you and your family!

 
At 8:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

MANY CONGRATS!! I was delighted to see that you posted and then extatic to read your post to hear everything has been finalized. God bless you all. Blessings for a lifetime of love, health and happiness to you all, Jennifer

Would LOVE to see pics -
olsons01 @ gmail . com

 
At 8:14 AM, Blogger Amy said...

I have been following your story ever since I found your blog and praying that all would end well with Boo's birth mom. I'm so very happy for you! Prayers answered, for sure!

I'd love to see the pic, too, if you're ok with that:
amymcgs AT woh.rr.com

 
At 11:48 AM, Anonymous superpaige said...

Hooray, Hooray, Hooray! Congratulations. It's been such a long journey, and I'm so happy for you!

 
At 3:53 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

My life has been incredibly busy lately and I haven't checked on your blog in a while. I am so happy that you finally got the adoption that all of you so much desired and Boo needed. I would love to see a photo from adoption day if you feel comfortable with that. I remember when she was placed with you and have read every thing along the way.
My e-mail is manyblessing@gmail.com

 
At 8:15 PM, Blogger Jacquie said...

Oh my goodness I am behind =)
How very exciting for you all!! A big congratulations!!
I have followed Boo's story and would be honored to see pictures(if you are still willing to share)
bjmkcollins @ hotmail.com

 
At 7:39 PM, Blogger ParkerMama said...

Yea! Congratulations!


Tammy and Parker
www.prayingforparker.com

 
At 6:11 PM, Blogger Michelle said...

Jumping up and down with joy !!! So happy for you al...

 
At 6:32 PM, Blogger Catherine said...

I prayed for Boo when you were going through your darkest time. I prayed you would not lose her and that everyone involved would have her best interest at heart.
I would love to see her picture.
Congratulations!
cbertossi@gmail.com

 
At 6:07 PM, Anonymous Mike said...

Have a great Thanksgiving.


Mike
www.mikeleonen.com
Photo ideas? 100 Portrait Ideas

 
At 5:46 PM, Blogger Andrew McAllister said...

What a wonderful milestone in all of your lives. Congratulations!

 
At 2:40 PM, Blogger Carey said...

Just popping in to wish you and your family a Happy New Year!

 
At 11:49 AM, Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

Hey Lady! It's time for an update! Hugs!

 
At 10:14 AM, Anonymous Dawn said...

oh that's so awesome!! We too have adopted two kiddos through the foster system. (You found my blog that way a couple of years ago... and I just came across some of your old comments from then!) I remember our boys' adoptions too and how happy we were that it was finally OVER. We closed our license a year ago, after 9 years, 22 foster kids, 2 adoptions, and 1 broken heart situation. And now we are just focused on the ones we have her permanently. We are so thankful for the ability to adopt! What an experience it is though! :)

 
At 2:33 PM, Blogger Carey said...

Just stopping by to say Hi! I hope you are doing well.

 
At 3:13 PM, Blogger Ms. Kathleen said...

Update? How are you doing? What is happening? Keeping you in prayer!

Kathleen
kogrone@gmail.com

 

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Name: Overwhelmed

My complete profile

It wasn't supposed to work this way...Parts 1 through 10

(the story of the private, domestic adoption of our son)


(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
(Part 4)
(Part 5)
(Part 6)
(Part 7)
(Part 8)
(Part 9)
(Part 10- Adoption Finalization)

Fostering isn't for the faint of heart!

(our journey to adopt again through foster-to-adopt, the good, the bad, & everything in between)


Adoption #2- considering the State
More Adoption #2 thoughts
Adoption #2- Back to considering the State
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 1)
Adoption #2- The Paperwork (Round 2)
Family Foster Home Licensing Prep Checklist
Adoption #2- Long overdue update
PS-MAPP class homework assignment
Our preliminary home inspection went well!
Adoption #2: Licensing update
Adoption #2- Foster Facts
Adoption #2: I love it when things go my way!
Adoption #2- The home inspection
Adoption #2- We failed our home inspection!
Adoption #2- We passed the follow-up home inspection!
Adoption #2- Still waiting
Adoption #2- We're getting closer
Adoption #2- An update & a lead
Adoption #2- The lead that didn't pan out.
Adoption #2- We're licensed!
Adoption #2- We have a tiny baby here!
Adoption #2- Update on this precious little girl.
Adoption #2- Quick update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is staying longer!
Adoption #2- Baby Bug is growing!
Adoption #2- Overdue update on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- The latest on Baby Bug
Adoption #2- Shopping spree for Baby Bug
Being a Foster Parent Does Not Make Me A Saint
Adoption #2- Another Placement Call!
Adoption #2- Placement Meeting- UPDATED!
Adoption #2- We have Boo at our home!
Adoption #2- Meeting Boo
Adoption #2- I'm angry on Boo's behalf!
Adoption #2- A Birthday Party for Boo
Adjusting to three 3 and under!
Stressful moments in fostering.
Adoption #2- Update on our foster daughters
CPS Workers Jerking Our Chain!
It's getting much worse!
Fostering: Update on Baby Bug
Fostering: Update on Boo
The effects of fostering on Snuggle Bug
The time is drawing near to let go of Baby Bug.
Good conversation with Baby Bug's dad.
Boo has a Permanency hearing coming soon!
My heart is breaking!
Bittersweet news about Baby Bug.
Next Friday is going to be tough.
Packing up Baby Bug's belongings
It's done- Baby Bug is gone.
Working on finding peace, one day at a time.
Referral to the Early Intervention Program
Baby Bug update
Home Inspection for re-licensing
Parole granted for Boo's bio mom
Baby Bug is turning 1 year old soon.
Day 2 of Boo's permanency hearing
A prayer answered today!
Attending Baby Bug's 1st birthday party
Foster news
Good news for Boo's case
Boo's bio family visits
Termination Trial date set!
A new caseworker for Boo
I've been asked to testify in court.
Court hearing for "John Doe"
Contested termination trial begins tomorrow afternoon
Boo's adoption has been finalized!

There's a whole lot of adoption talk going on in o...
The ball is rolling and picking up speed!
Relinquishment paperwork has been signed!
No paperwork signed yet.
A Time To Mourn
In case you're wondering...
Snow Day
Severance ruling overturned for Boo's case.
Baby Bug's 2nd birthday
I'm home from surgery!
























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