Today started out pretty normal. It was loud outside, but the skies were bright blue. The morning was warm, but there was a constant breeze. My first thought was that today was going to be a great day. Part of me thought, "Today is the day!" I tried to guard my heart, but prayed so intensely and often that we would receive good news. Later in the day, Brent told me he had the same feelings.
Instead of really getting up and at 'em, the four of us let Brent try to sleep in and we moseyed to the front of the apartment. The kids ate scrambled eggs and watched Toy Story 2 while I leisurely cleaned up the kitchen and did some picking up around the apartment. We put on comfy clothes, did puzzles, colored, had school, sang songs, and read books while Brent got some work done. At 10:30 I sent a text to my mother that today must not be the day, but there was always hope for tomorrow! I assumed we would hear something early in the morning if there was going to be any news from the courts.
Boy was I wrong! I was about to put lunch on the table, when Brent came in the kitchen smiling from ear to ear! The judge had signed the sentencia, which is the official adoption decree! We needed to be at the court by 4:00 in the afternoon. What glorious news! Brent couldn't stop smiling, and I couldn't stop crying. Our prayers were answered! We called and texted our families, then sat down for lunch.
During the midst of all the commotion and celebration, Samuel had his first two major injuries. He has gone six entire weeks without any real "ouchies," and waited for today when we would be seen by a judge to hurt himself. The first injury occurred when he rounded a corner a tripped over Lilly Grace. He bonked his head and got a nice goose egg smack dab in the middle of his forehead. We put ice on it, and he seemed to be fine. Then, he decided to do a forward roll on the couch while nobody was watching. (This is a trick the kids have repeatedly been told not to do, by the way). He rolled off the couch and hit his head on the corner of the coffee table. The impact was so hard it made him bite his tongue, and hit the side of his face as well. The tongue and face were fine, but he has the biggest goose egg Brent and I have ever seen on his head. Since he takes a baby aspirin every day, we have been a little worried, but he appears to be doing great. We are watching him closely, but he hasn't passed out, been dizzy, thrown up, or acted out of sorts. He just doesn't like when we touch it. Poor guy! It truly was so sad, and he keeps telling us that he got too many ouchies today. So true, kiddo!
After naps we headed to the court in a neighboring city of Itagui. It only took about 25 minutes to get there, and the area was interesting. It reminded us of China Town because there are buildings about 5 stories high close to the street, small businesses everywhere selling food, groceries, and knick-knacks, and people are everywhere! We walked into the court house, and everybody was so cheerful. The attorneys and secretaries and other workers were all casual, mainly in jeans and Polos, but smiled constantly. Then the judge walked in and met us. He was one of the kindest people we have ever met. He talked to Samuel the most, and some to the girls. Brent and I signed the official document, and then we went to another room for a fiesta!
We got tons of photos with the judge, and he jotted down his e-mail so we could forward him the pictures. The attorney, whom I assume was the state attorney, thanked Brent over and over for adopting Samuel and giving him opportunities, love, and family. It is bizarre being thanked for adopting a child when we are so thankful that he is part of our family! After the very unprofessional but exciting photo session, it was time to party! We had chocolate cake and coke, and celebrated being a family of five.
We didn't stay long, because our driver Cristina has her driving restriction Tuesday and Thursdays beginning at 5:30. They do this in Medellin to try to minimize traffic. It really isn't helpful, and traffic is still horrendous. Thanks to traffic, it took us almost an hour and a half to get back, which is a long time in a car with three children that are hungry and tired.
It was dinner time when we finally made it back to the apartment, but we had planned on going to Parque Lleras for dinner. We gave Samuel some ham and cheese and the girls some peanut butter to remedy their low blood sugar attitudes, then took a taxi to the park surrounded by gobs of restaurants. We ate at a hamburger place, and all had fun drinks to celebrate. Alex had natural lemonade. She loves the sour flavor, and guzzles it down without any sugar in it. Samuel and Lilly Grace had virgin pina coladas, I had something like a Shirley Temple, and Brent had a Tom Collins. The food was so-so, but it was a fun atmosphere. Before we left, the kids danced on the stage.
Now we are back at the apartment. The kids have long since passed out, and Brent and I are relishing in the fact that all of the waiting and wondering is over. We have a son! A precious, loving, fun, compassionate, amazing son! Now, we must do laundry and pack. We have a flight for Bogota booked for Thursday morning. It has been a truly amazing day filled with the joy of answered prayer!
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| The kids with Blanca, our attorney, outside the Courthouse |
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| Samuel smiling with the judge |
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| The entire family with the judge |
Congratulations!!!
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