Yea for Adoption!

As of about 1:40pm on November 25, Jonathan is officially adopted and officially a Franklin! Woohoo! We've taught Jonathan to say "yea!" every time we say the word adoption so that he can share in our excitement, even if he doesn't understand it all yet.

Our hearing was scheduled for 1:30 and lasted a grand total of about 10 minutes. Just some swearing to tell the whole truth and answering some really basic questions. The best part was when Janelle was on the stand and Jonathan insisted on sitting with Mommy. We were trying to hold him back when the judge said, "Let him come up here. This is his day anyway!" So, Jonathan waltzed up to the stand with Janelle and played with the microphone while Janelle answered her questions!

Last night, we had a party with a bunch of friends and family here in Odessa to celebrate. We probably saw around 40 people, and had a great time. And like a stressed, unthinking parent, I didn't even think about taking any pictures until afterward. I guess we'll have to remember the night according to all the gifts Jonathan got, including a really cool Tonka Dumptruck. We now measure how tired he is according to how quickly (or slowly) he pushes the truck around the house.

Here are a couple pictures from yesterday:

Us with the judge - Judge Bobo (Yes, that's his real name). And I'm leaning on the back of his chair, not chilling on his shoulder.


Outside the courthouse, after it was all done


After his adoption party at my parents' house



Thanks to all our friends and family for all your prayers and support. You have been a blessing and help through the whole process.