Our “Happily Ever After” Begins

Today is our long awaited day!  The finalization of the adoption of Izze that has been nearly a year in the making.  It feels so surreal….  I am overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude and feel so indebted to the many family members and friends who have supported us over the last year.  It has been a long journey and we are glad to close that chapter of our lives and begin writing our “happily ever after”.  The most difficult part of our journey (other than just the sheer time involved) was the 48 hours that we lost her to the birth mom – and yet, that was the very event that finally allowed the court to see the birth mother’s true colors and the beautiful bond that Sarah (our daughter-in-law) had developed with Izze.  It was the turning point for the judge and all those involved in making the final decision.  The court hearing today was beautiful and the judge was a true heroine for speaking so eloquently about the experience.  While I am stunned by how broken the system is – I was grateful today to witness justice finally prevailing.  We have our Izze and are forever changed as a family from this experience.  It seems that all that come in contact with Izze sense something very special about her – we will never be the same and for that I am humbled and grateful.  I seem to have developed the ability to love deeper, to look at people with more compassion, and to know without question, that God is in control and that He really does have this!  Eternally thankful….  Excited for the days ahead that I will not have to look over my shoulder any more and wonder…..  Life is beautiful….

Is it any wonder we love her so much?!

Happy, happy family!

Right after finalizing the adoption

Making it official with the gavel!

I have learned many lessons and have been blogging, but not posting because Izze was in “state” custody.  Watch for subsequent posts to learn more about our journey.  Thanks for stopping in – and for those of you who have been praying on our behalf – thanks for being part of our little miracle!  We truly love you!