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."