FAMILY

What a great day! This morning we met with the judge to file our petition for adoption papers. Robbie, Nikki, Jack, and I met up with our attorney (Lorie Whitby - she is fantastic!) at 9:30. She took us up the the judge's office, where he had been looking over our paperwork. We each raised our right hand (even Nikki) and swore to tell the whole truth. Lorie took us through our testimony, basically our background and how we came to know about Jack. She asked Robbie, then me, if we understood that adoption meant that we are parents to the child for life and if we thought Jack was supposed to be with us. Then she asked Nikki if she wanted to be Jack's big sister. Nikki, of course, said, "YES, YES!" so excited. The judge told us congratulations and we took a picture with him. After we got back downstairs, we took a picture of Lorie, Jack, and Nikki. Lorie told Nikki that she was now Jack's big sister for good. Nikki asked her, "Does that mean Jack can stay with us forever and ever?" Lorie said, "Yes, forever and ever." Nikki shouted with joy and had the biggest smile I have ever seen on her face. It was a moment I will treasure forever and never forget. What a blessed morning!

This afternoon, Nikki and I took Jack to school since the teachers were there without students today. Nikki was so excited to show everyone her new baby brother. She told everyone that we went to adoption today. She also made sure to correct anyone who called him beautiful ("He's a boy; he's handsome.") She told them that we are all the Kaufman family now. I don't know any better way to put it.

Blessings to all!