I'm now officially a mom!

We had our finalization hearing yesterday...finally, after all this time. It went well except the DHS attorney forgot to get Kayla's consent in writing so we did not get the adoption decree yesterday but it's supposed to be filed today. We should be receiving it in the next few days. Kayla thought she would get away without having to testify but she ended up having to to give consent and I think it was good to have her say it out loud.

My parents were there and as it got closer to time to leave for the courthouse, Kayla got more and more excited. And there was a very noticeable sense of relief from her afterwards. We all went out and celebrated with Chinese food afterwards. It was definitely a momentous day in my life and I'm so proud to be the mother of this little girl...well, I guess she's not so little anymore.

Almost time

Tuesday we go to court for our finalization hearing. Kayla and I went shopping yesterday for her a new dress to wear and she's really starting to talk about it, so even though she won't say it, I think she is kind of excited about it. My parents are coming up to go with us to court Tuesday and then we'll go celebrate with dinner afterwards. I got Kayla a couple of gifts (a leather jacket she's been dying to have and heart necklace and earrings). I couldn't decide what to do so decided to go with one meaningful gift-the necklace-and the jacket is something she will think is "cool."

In the meantime, I am going to enjoy this rainy, cold Sunday and spend time with my daughter.