And that's final!

     As mentioned earlier, Monday was our court date to finalize Spencer's adoption. After waiting in the courtroom for over an hour, we found out that the judge who was supposed to preside wasn't coming, so they pulled a substitute from another courtroom. During the proceedings, Spencer hammed it up a bit for the cameras, as usual. It was a wonderful day and now he's legally ours, although we've felt since the first day we met him that he was supposed to be our little boy. Now we can't wait until he will be sealed to us next month!

     Thanks to everyone who came to share our special day, and to those who couldn't be here with us but called or emailed to wish us well.

Here we are sitting at the table while the judge asks us a few questions.


After filling out hundreds of pages of forms over the last two years, we provide the final signatures.


The actual moment it all becomes official, captured for posterity.



Us with Judge Ochoa:


Everybody:


All the Southworths:


Us with the social workers for our case, Laura & Terri:


Spencer afterwards -- I think he approves: