There was about 25 other individuals sitting in the back of the court room (didn't know we would have an audience). We raised our right hands, and swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, then proceeded. The lawyer asked Brian about 10 questions, then asked me if I agreed with all of Brian's answers. He then declared to the judge that Natalie's name be officially changed to 'Natalie Jade Weir' to which the judge granted. (We both teared up here) Then the judge turned to us and officially declared us fit to adopt her, and that she was ours! (I fought back even more tears here). The judge handed us a Beanie baby toy for Natalie. Too cute!
We waited in the hallway for about 30 minutes after that for our lawyer to bring us our official adoption decree papers. He will file for Natalie's birth certificate which will come in about 4 weeks. Once we have this, we can file for her social security number.
This sweet girl was a part of our family within hours of entering this world, but it sure feels good to get "the other stuff" taken care of for good! Now to get ready for the next one..............=)
