[tbmichals]

We are going to court March 17th to finalize our adoption, after 10 months. FINALLY
I was thinking about going to dinner with family for a celebration but was wondering if anyone else had anything more creative for this special occasion?

[snaps]

We are going to court March 22nd and I was wondering the same thing.

Snaps

[Karma]

MIL & FIL had dinner at their house for family (DH's and mine) and friends who supported us through entire process. Was great! We had quite a crowd. DD even received some presents although MIL said no presents. monogrammed blouse, engraved birth certificate holder, and charm bracelet with three charms which we will be able to add links and charms as she grows. Allowed everyone to share in our joy since they had been there for the hurdles, setbacks and continually prayed for us. Emphasized the love, support and acceptance our DD has from our family.


Karma

[LisaCA]

we played it low key, no one knew but our agency and facilitator that we were finalizing. since it was a day of mixed emotion for all of us, we just had a quiet dinner out.

[Shoshana]

After Xiomara's re-adoption day, we all (me, Xiomara, my parents, my bio mother, my sister that I grew up with and my sister that I found as an adult) went to a very fancy restaurant (NOT!) called Culvers for burgers and custard. It was still special, especially since Papa treated!

[ggman]

We have this thing we don in our family when ever a new baby is added to the family. We invite all of our family and close friends (usually in the past about 25-30 people show up) and we do a naming ceremony... I think it is of Hebrew origin?

Anyway, at the ceremony we plant a tree chosen for that baby. The father and grandfathers dig the hole and put the tree in and then anyone there can throw the soil back on top. (For my bio DD we planted a river birch as birch trees symbolize grace.) We sing a special family song called, "Welcome to the family." The parents and grandparents do special readings (some are Bible passages, some aren't... just whatever they want to do-- poems they love or have written.) The parents explain why that name was chosen for that child. THen the baby is passed around the circle and everyone whispers a blessing, a special thought, or just his or her name into his/her ear.

Writing it all down right here it seems kind of silly, but it is such a beautiful and special time in our family and I can't wait to do it when we bring home our new baby.

[MollyinSD]

We just had a celebration here with family and friends and lots of food. The next day we had him baptized and again had a party at our home with food and fun!