It's Official...

This adorable little angel is totally, completely, entirely, fully, utterly, absolutely, whole heartedly, FINALLY ours!! We had our last court date yesterday, Feb 24th, and it could not have gone more perfect. Brett and I were sworn in and then proceeded to answer our lawyers questions in front of the judge. He began with Brett and just a couple questions in, I completely lost all control of my emotions. The judge and her assistant were even wiping away tears. I think only women can understand the love of a mother to her children. After our lawyer finished his questions with Brett, it was my turn. I think I should have gone first because I couldn't even speak. The question that really did it in for me was "Do you think it is in the best interest of Raylee to stay in your home?" I wanted to yell my answer, but through my tears I simply said "yes". Through this whole adoption process Brett and I have been asked many times, "Do you love this child as your own?" How could we not, when you have loved and cared for them 24/7 and given everything you have. Brett's response is "how do we know any different...these children ARE our own." After the conclusion of the questions, the judge proceeded to say, "After hearing your testimonies and have read over your home studies, interviews and your social worker's review, I think you are even more qualified to take care of my children than I am." This made everyone laugh and she then concluded, in so many words, by saying "Brett and Donnie Flaherty I find you fully responsible and capable of adopting this child and I hereby deem you as adoptive parents." She threw her hands in the air and said, "That's it, all done!"...music to my ears! As my father-in-law said "This is the best day I have ever spent in Holbrook!"

Me and the kiddies left on Saturday to spend some time with my parents before the court hearing on Tuesday, so here is Bradock and Raylee after church on Sunday. Bradock loves his little (not so little anymore) "sissy", but sometimes he gets a little wound up if she tries to touch him. Here he is telling her "No Sissy...No touch". She is obviously not listening to him and thinks it's hilarious.

Bradock finally being himself and giving us that cute smile of his. This is my favorite pic.

Hanging out at "Nana's" and "Bompa's" house with the Cabezas. Bradock is such a little poser in this pic.

Sarah and Chance at the Holbrook court house having fun with the "star of the day" before our hearing began. Things were running behind, but it was well worth the wait to have such great news afterwards.

Brett and I are so thankful to have such supportive family and friends. My Uncle Gayle and Aunt Velma live in Holbrook, so they came to the hearing as well.

I think Raylee was loving all the attention she was getting from everyone...she kept that grin on her face the whole time we were waiting.

Bob and Terri drove up with Brett on Monday evening, so we could all enjoy this day together. Thanks Kiley for not having your baby yet! We would not have wanted to miss that.

Ever since Raylee was a newborn, Bob has always made her laugh hysterically. She loves his scruffy face and those crazy eyebrows of his.

Raylee had managed to scratch Bob's face with her "much needed to be trimmed" nails.

The new "official" Flaherty family right after the court hearing. We took this pic right behind the judge's desk.

Here we are with the sweet judge...could not have asked for better!

The judge was dying to hold Raylee, so I am so glad we got a pic of them together.

After the court hearing, we decided to head home. On our way, just outside of Holbrook, Bob pulled over to the side of the road because he wanted some "Holbrook wood", so he could make a pen to remember this day. Bob has no idea I was taking pics of him scavengering for some wood. He's such a funny guy, but we sure love him.