Thia's Gotcha Day: May 15

GOTCHA DAY!!!

We went on the weekend of May 15th up to Columbia, SC for Alethia's final adoption hearing. We were so blessed to have a mid-morning appointment. So we got up at our normal time and did not have to rush. We made it to the courthouse by 10 am. In adoption hearings not only do the adoptive parents have an attorney, but the babies being adopted have an attorney as well. I met Alethia's attorney on the phone, but we met him in person that morning at the courthouse. We also met with our attorney to sign some papers before we went to the courtroom for our hearing. Our judge was the Honorable Judge Donna Stromb. Both the girls were in the courtroom for the hearing. Our lawyer asked me to go first on the stand. I answered a number of questions about Alethia's attachment and whether we understood that adoption was for life and we could not give her back. (Like we ever would if we could!) My questioning lasted for about 5 minutes. Then Page was brought to the stand. He was asked if he agreed with all my answers. He then was told he was excused from the stand. His questions lasted all of 30 seconds. The Judge Stromb then said she was pleased to grant us full guardianship of Alethia. She then came down off the stand and wanted to hold her. She held her for the next 10 minutes while we took pictures and her bailiff went to go find toys for the girls.  

Our family with Judge Donna Stromb immediately after the completed adoption hearing.

Judge Stromb really enjoyed holding Thia and talking with both girls. Karis and Thia had on identical dresses from Children's Place. I thought the day deserved new dresses for the girls. I like that I can dress them in colors I could never wear!

The bailiff went searching all over the courthouse for gifts for the girls. He said that Judge Stromb enjoys giving the adopted kids toys to remember their adoption days.

Judge Stromb giving Thia her gotcha day toy.

Karis decided she wanted to sit in the Judge's chair. Who knows, maybe we have an Honorable Judge in the making. As she likes to sing at the top of her lungs "I am a great big bundle of potentiality."

Thia has been spending time on her tummy. She does not like it very much, but she has started rolling over.

She has started sitting up in the Bumbo seat and seams to really like it.

Easter was very fun for us. We had a good day as a family. Karis enjoyed her Easter basket. She received a monkey puppet, a few books, lacing cards, play dough, and a few other fun things. Thia received a giraffe puppet, a book, an outfit, socks and a few other things. I think, Karis enjoyed the Easter grass as much or more than any of her gifts.

One of Karis's favorite meals is pancakes. Karis likes to help me as I cook. Nana gave us matching aprons for Christmas. We like to wear them every time we cook together.

Karis is a good look cook. She likes to have her own bowl and spoon so that she can stir just like Mom.

Karis 2nd Birthday was on April 28th. We had her party on the Saturday before. She is really enjoying Winnie the Pooh right now, so we had a Winnie the pooh themed party with a few family members and friends.

One of Karis' favorite friends is Cru. They had a wonderful time eating lunch, playing in the sand, opening presents, and eating cake.

Karis is eating really well with a fork. If she can't spear the food with the fork, she picks up the food and places it on the fork and then in her mouth.

All of us made hats by sticking on Pooh stickers. They were a lot of fun. Thia even wore a hat for a little while.

Karis received finger paints for her birthday. I thought you might want to see her first work of 

art.

Karis is now in a big girl bed. She has been very excited about her bed. I have been excited because she has had no trouble staying in her bed. She slept all the way through the night and is taking great naps in her new bed.

We gave Thia cereal for the first time a few days ago. She rolled it around in her mouth a little and spit it out. She then looked at us with a look which said, "I don't know what you are trying here, but can we get back to the formula?"

Th pool opened this week. Thia had a great time swimming for the first time and Karis enjoyed walking around the baby pool all by herself.

I just thought this was a great picture.

Hope you enjoyed these pics. I will try really hard to get better at posting pictures and commentary.