[waitinginnj]

Yesterday was readoption day in our house. I was generally thinking of this as one more process to finish up so that I am paperwork free until my 24 month post placement.

My parents came with us to make it a bit of a celebration.

Well - what a surprise - the judge and his staff really made this a special occasion. We were greeted by a staff member that immediately said to my daughter, " You must be Caroline - this is your special day!". The room that the hearings were held in was filled with stuffed animals. Something like 350 of them. All of the animals behind the judge were animated. Before the official proceedings began, he called my daughter to him and showed her an animated animal. She was so interested that he proceeded to show her all of the animated characters how they worked and what they did. The walked, sang, danced, lit up. She was telling him which ones she wanted to see next etc. He must have spent 15 minutes with her and the toys. We have great pictures of her interacting with the judge.

She then sat with Grandpa while the official proceedings began. They only took a few minutes. He then declared the adoption offical (again). He then posed for pictures with us. First he wanted a picture for his scrap book. He has a picture of every child he ever officiated for for adoption. He then posed with us for my parents and then with my parents, as his staff took pictures.

He finishes by allowing the kids to pick one of the stuffed animals to have to remember their special day. (just not the animated ones). We have a Clifford the Dog that will always hold a special place in our hearts.

It was so wonderful to have someone put so much caring and thoughtfulness into a rather mundane process. I thought that I would share.

I did use an attorney and he was flabergasted. He said that he has seen judged give lollipops and balloons, but never anything this special.

It is so nice to remember sometimes that we are not the only ones that recognize how special our children are!

[dvona]

Waiting,

I'm absolutely tingling! I'm so happy that you, the little miss, and your folks were met with such a warm reception. Something just seems so right in the world when you see people show such kindness and enthusiasm. You deserve it! I'm so happy for you!

SWEET!!!

Hugs,

Donna

[bratgirl]

That is the best readoption story I have ever heard! I was impressed when a friend told me that her son got some candy from the judge! What a great way to celebrate her special day!

[cbkiely]

What a great story! How nice that Caroline has another extra special memory day to look back on some day.

Can I readopt in your county??! I haven't heard about the same readoption hoopla in mine!

[ATwinkleofHope]

Congratulations!

I love your story. Thank you so much for sharing.

-Jo

Married: 05/02/98
4 years ttc & 2 failed IVF's
Sent in application - 10-03-03
Sent in I-600A - 10-24-03
Homestudy completed - 12/24/03
Homestudy received - 01/21/04
Fingerprinting for INS - 02/10/04
Received the I171-H - 02/25/04
Assigned to Astrakhan region - 03/08/04
Dossier sent to region - 03/12/04
Waiting for the CALL..

[Animalcrackers]

Tara,

What a wonderful suprise! It sounds like you all had such a special day. That is so great that the judge was that caring and has his own scrapbook. Congratulations on the event!

Melissa

[waxhawfamily]

I can't believe it. How wonderful.
I hope he knows how much it means to families when he goes the extra mile.

[skiboo]

Just going to chime in to say once more how thrilled I am that you and sweet Caroline got to enjoy such a special day yesterday... I loved the excitement in your voice when you told me about it tonight and your excitement continues to shine through in the post. This judge better watch out or all the NJ people will be scheming how to get their readoptions done with him... I can't wait to see the pictures and meet Clifford.

Just think... almost paper free... hurrah!!!!

[Mezzo1]

Tara,

That is just a wonderful story!! I'm wondering if that judge has a brother or sister who is a judge in PA (ha ha).

We need to do the same for Melody and Sammy. I'm so glad Caroline had such a special day!!

Hope to see you both again in December at the NJ event.

Mezzo

[ahnasmom]

What a great story! It's nice when others realize the importance of the entire process for the adoptive families!!

Congrats!!

[ncdoppler]

That's a wonderful story! It's great to know there are people that care so much to go out of their way and know how special this day was to you and you family!!!

[HelenAnita]

Thank You so much for sharing your story. With all that is going on in Russian these past few weeks. Also reading some of the stress and sadness on this website it is always great to read something so wonderful as your readoption story. Your Judge is a very special person and I am so glad he made your family feel special - Which by the way - you are.

Hopefully someday my daughter (SANDS), my SIL, and my two grandchildren will have the same joyful experience.

[emjay]

It does my heart good to hear your story. That judge is truly a caring, incredible person - and how extra special that made the day for you, Caroline and your family. A day you will all remember forever!

Thanks for sharing - congrats!

- Maura

[manon]

What a great experience! That's so wonderful, and so great for your daughter to see the judicial system in such a positive light!

I worked one year in the office of some trial court judges, and one of those judges was so delighted to have a kindergarten class come visit his courtroom on a field trip one day when there were no hearings scheduled. He had them take turns sitting in the jury box, the witness chairs, the counsel tables, the place where the court reporter sits, etc., and he answered questions from them.

In my state, state court judges are elected, although many of them first get into office by being appointed by the governor to finish out the term of a judge who either dies or retires or something before the term is over. Then the judge gets to run in the next election as an incumbent.

One of the kindergartners asked the judge how you get to be a judge. With a straight face, he answered pretty honestly I think "You have to be best friends with the Governor." The kindergartners accepted that explanation as completely reasonable.

So much of the work that judges have to do is about people's suffering and misery and deceit and criminality and inability to get along, etc., that I am sure it is refreshing to any judge to get a chance to be an active participant in something as wonderful as a readoption proceeding. I am glad that this judge took the time to make it even more wonderful for you and your family too.