The FINAL step of the adoption process

Almost 3 years ago we started the official adoption process. Of course we had been talking about adoption and visiting different agencies for years before we actually started. I would have never thought that it would take 3 years from start to finish, no wonder our first social worker laughed at me when I asked if it would be under or over a year to complete. Of course I didn't believe her when she said it would take a few years.
We got our letter from ICAB saying we could officially adopt Shella May on Feb.26th, very close to our 6 month mark. I hadn't finished the paperwork we were supposed to turn in because I saw no urgency during the past 6 months. So it took me a couple of weeks to get all the paperwork finished, notarized, etc and then mail it to our agency. Our current social worker was on maternity to leave and was coming back the next week, so it sat on her desk for a week or so also. When she came back to work, she looked over it one last time and mailed it to the county court house. She mailed it on a Wed. and we had the paper saying we could file on Sat. I guess our county moves fast, too bad they didn't work in other areas of our adoption process. I called yesterday and made our appointment with the judge for April 29th. We could have gone next week already, but Ryan's mom will be in town and my dad will be home from FL then.
What a big day it will be. Of course Shella May knows it is important, but doesn't get it all because she is said she is already a part of our family (which is true). She would like to wear her purple dress and that is a big deal because she doesn't like wearing dresses.
So...July 2007 to April 29, 2010, so worth it all.

Everyone loves a good duel

I don't know if Shella May was a Star Wars fan before she was part of our family, but she is now. They have been chomping at the bit to play light sabers all winter, so when spring arrived they were out in full force. They ran around and played for hours in the warm temps. I'm sure we'll see more light saber battles when spring break begins next week.

One year ago

One year ago today I was on cloud nine because we received our referral for Shella May. Today I told her the story of how we found out and how excited we were.

Well, last night we got an email from our agency telling us that we received our official Affidavit of Consent to Adopt from ICAB. Now I just have to complete the paperwork that I have been procrastinating on for the past 6 months. Then when that paperwork is all done we get to go to court to finalize our adoption. We already told the kids that it will be a big special day in our house and we will celebrate!

Thank you for all of you love, support and prayers throughout this part of the journey.