Finalization: The Real Event

...as opposed to just the preview (see last post)...

So Charlie's finalization court date was today. I was actually half-way dreading it. Now, of course I love Charlie. I was and am excited for him to legally be a part of our family, which, technically, prior to today he was not. However, neither I nor any toddler in the entire world has any patience for waiting. We had been told that court involves a lot of waiting...hence the dread.

I have to say that the whole experience was quicker and better than I expected. We waited about an hour after we arrived for our case to be called. We were then before the judge for only 10-15 minutes, and after another 20-30 minutes or so of waiting for our official paperwork, we were done. Two books, about 5000 Cheerios, a sippy cup of water, and countless walks up and down the hall was all it took to keep Charlie entertained. Well, a few screams too (Charlie's, not ours).

Meet the United States' newest citizen, Charles Jin-yeong:

Me with Rose & Lucy as we were leaving

this morning to go to the courthouse

Me with the kids in the courthouse just

after we arrived (Ella is with my parents in

Illinois, so she missed finalization)

Sheref with the kids on our way into the courthouse

All of us after our appearance before the judge.

There were 3 families finalizing adoptions today.

One of the other dads offered to take our picture.

Sheref with the new American citizen as we were leaving

Me with Mr Chuckles afterwards

This picture cracks me up.

Let's just entitle this photograph

"America's Newest Citizen Needs a Nap"