Friday, January 8, 2010

And...It Is Finally Done.

Today is Friday. At 5:07pm last night we got the call that we have been waiting for...our papers were approved and our attorney scheduled an 11:00am court hearing.
So with only 18 or so hours notice all of these wonderful people showed up to share in our joy.
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We were quite the circus going through the security screening...We had to wait about 15 minutes for our case to be heard.
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Behind this door is where my baby went from being "Baby Boy S" to Camden Kiner Albrecht.
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The girls were thrilled to be there for many reasons, but I think missing the first half of school was number one.
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Here we are being sworn in...notice Seth in the background...
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This is our attorney pleading our case...
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This is Aric answering his questions.
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This is our judge.
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These are some more shots from the proceedings...
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When the judge asked if there was anything else we wanted to say, my emotions took over and I literally couldn't speak.
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There was so much I wanted to say. I thought about it all night but at that moment my words escaped me. Aric says that my silence spoke louder than any words I could have said. I suppose he is right.

So at 11:37am it was done.
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The judge was kind enough to let us go up and take a picture with him.
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Here we are after our hearing.  We are standing in front of the court house doors. We are officially a family of five now.
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Only one more door to go....
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We will be there next Saturday...

35 comments:

Lauren in GA said...

Oh, my goodness, JESSICA!!!!!!! Tears are streaming down my cheeks. (and Evan is standing behind me saying loudly, "What's wrong?! Why are you crying?!"

When I read his full name I really lost it...and then to see you overwhelmed with emotion I cried even harder. Many, many, many Congratulations, my dear. When I saw the temple I started blubbering and am now officially overtaken by, "the ugly cry."

This has been such a journey for your family. I am so happy for you. He's yours for eternity in just one more week.

I love that little Seth in the background. So funny.

jessica said...

Lauren...you are too much! I love you.

Jessica said...

Why is Lauren so hilarious?

I love how in every picture you can tell you are on the verge of tears. I must say, I was a little surprise at how emotional it was. (The temple is going to be a mess!)

Seth's a dork.

Anonymous said...

I saw the title and couldn't stop crying. Then i started reading and crying more and then i saw you crying and I snorted. probably a good thing i won't be at the temple:). Also a good thing i haven't put make up on today. It would have been cried off. I tried emailing you back and it keeps saying it is undeliverable. Know that i cried for you this morning, prayed for you at 11:00 and can't wait to see what you do with that pile of white fabric...much love!

p.s. that was pretty cute of seth:).

Anonymous said...

just read Lauren's comment, looks like we are two peas in a pod:)...sorry for being a copy cat lauren. we should have an ugly cry contest:).

calibosmom said...

I am bawling right now-a complete blubblering mess. I am so happy for you guys and you deserve every speck of happiness! Oh, how I wish I could hop on a plane and see you in the temple. That will surely be the best experience. Congratulations friend! Much love to all of you!!!

Nurse Graham said...

I'm so happy for you. What a trial this has been, but now it is done. Congratulations. Next Saturday will be so awesome! Just curious, do the girls get to go into the sealing room with you? I'll definitely be thinking of your family next Saturday.

chris jenkins said...

i'm a complete stranger but i am tearing up just reading your post - one of my nieces is adopted and it was a tough journey getting to the adoption and then to the temple.

congratulations to you and your family.

Shirley said...

SO SO HAPPY for all 5 of you!! WOW, you are all amazing examples of pure faith and love. Thank you! CONGRATULATIONS!

Randi Kay said...

Just like your other comments, I as well, was brought to tears by this post. Jess, I am SO happy for you guys. You deserve this so much. I love you and your family!! Congrats!!!!!

the wrath of khandrea said...

that is amazing. is your temple session already full? i would love to come.

Jean McKendrick said...

Oh my gosh! How exciting, congratulations!!!

Jenny Erazo said...

I am so happy for you guys! I will be thinking about you as you take your family to the Temple next week.

Lindsey said...

I don't even know the words. I am just so happy for you. I hope someday I can do a similar post.. not for an adoption (hey, but you never know) but just to finally be through our stuff too. I think it is going to take a while longer.. I am so happy and tears welled up for you. Much love to you on this special day!

Dave and Ash said...

I want to leave a comment, but I don't know what to say to convey sincerity. After all, we don't really know each other that well. But I like you and your family and we really are very happy for you. Out of anyone in Liberty Lake, we have felt most welcomed by you and I'm sure we'll always remember the Albrechts from when we lived in Liberty Lake. AKA: we heart you. Congratulations.

Ilene said...

Tearing up here...

Hoo-freaking-ray!!!

Love that baby boy. I'm so happy for you and your family. Dreams do come true.

Kara said...

SO happy for you and your family!! Hooray!

Ashley said...

Wow... I cried on Thanksgiving Day 2008, I cried this morning and I am crying again right now. I am so happy for all of you and am grateful to have been a part of such an amazing journey. Congratulations to your beautiful family of five and yes, I will cry again next Saturday.

just the five of us said...

Oh Jessica, my eyes are filled with water! (like everyone else) I am so glad you had a happy ending to this story! I really think this should be your next book. There are so many moms out there, who don't get your happy ending, and could learn from your process:) I wish we were closer so I could meet Mr. C. Maybe someday:) Hope to see more photos next Saturday!!

Leah said...

So I was already almost crying, and then when I heard Paul Mccartney...it just topped it off for me! I'm so proud to have an official new cousin in the family. Although, we all knew he was yours already anyway. I love you guys! Wish I could be there next week!

doodooguru said...

congrats. what an awesome week!

Mrs Ana said...

Reminds so much of my citizenship ceremony. My eyes are filled with tears of joy! Wish so much I could be there for such a precious experience. Jess, you carry the strength of a valient pioneer! Because of your faith and your "mother love" Camden will have a rich experience in this world. I would call you but I wouldn't be able to speak. I love you and may I say how handsome Camden looks. He looks like a little man. Cheers to the Albrects for fighting the battle and ended up winning the war!

Erin said...

Crying AGAIN for you...I am so thrilled for you!! (Biggest understatement ever!!!)

Elena said...

It is hard to believe this wonderful day has finally come. I never doubted, but it did take forever. I love that little Camo. I too am crying. It is overwhelming! He is only days from being what he was meant to be all along, ours for time and all eternity!. I'm so exited, and just can't hide it.... xoxo

Elena said...

P.S. I really like the pic where Camden seems to be reaching out to console you. What sweet moment! I didn't realize you were going to court the next day. I've had a few persons ask me. Now I have an answer. : )

Jon Dubyk said...

I am Lauren in GA's sister, and a long time lurker. But, I just had to say that I am SO happy for you! I know this was a long time coming, and I also was moved to tears because I am so happy for you. I know the temple will be amazing :) Congratulations.

Bethany said...

I am SO happy for you guys! When I heard the news I couldn't stop thinking about it all day. Whoever took the pictures at the courthouse did a great job of documenting the process. And your post succeeded in making all us readers cry. (Plus now you know you look great while doing the speechless cry- not very many people can pull that off!) Seriously great photos.
The temple will be great- what an awesome time for your family and the entire ward- the Primary will love seeing the pictures of everyone in white! Congratulations!

Leah said...

Oh my gosh!!! Congratulations is an understatement. I am so happy for you.

I think I need another Camden hug. Oh that was SO wonderful. I loved it!

kthom said...

What a fabulous post to read..thanks for that! 1st off...the musical serenades are killing me!!! 2nd, ONE tooth...that's just hilarious in and of itself. Not for the sleep deprived mother, but for this reader who sees one of the cutest, roundest faced kids with just one little tooth...I enjoyed that. Now on to the courthouse...I myself am just smiling. I think the picture of you, Aric, and dollhead where he is reaching out to you and Aric is your support is so authentic and beautiful. What a fun day...next week....ah gees~!

mrsmonje said...

Way to make me cry like a big baby! Thank you so much for including all of us bloggers in the journey of Camdens adoption. I felt like I was there too! I am so glad its all final and hes officially yours forever and ever!! Congrats

Rochelleht said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! That totally made me laugh and cry at the same time. A temple sealing/adoption is the best thing EVER!!!!!

Heidi said...

It must be so surreal. I know this whole process has been so long when you go clear back to the beginning when you first started this journey to add an new addition to your family. It is nice to know that even though it was hard and long your HF has not forgotten you. He just needed you to wait so that Camden could come to your family, and what a blessing he is. I am so excited to see your pictures from the temple. Congratulations, you deserve all the blessing you have received!

Becky said...

So, so, so, so happy for you! I love all of the pictures that you have to document the whole thing. Can't wait to hear about your temple visit!

Jen and Ryan Murphy said...

Hallelujah! I'm jumping for joy and crying for your happy ending! What a great way to start the new year...with some closure and a fresh start! Wish I could be there for the temple cermemony but I know you'll be bombarded with family and friends wanting to share in this special time. I'm sending you my love and prayers of gratitude!!!!! xoxox jen

Lindsay said...

Congratulations! Happy Happy family! We'll be thinking of you Saturday...

sidenote:Hey Jess! We live about 2 hours from Fort Myers. It would be great to see you...when are you coming? I love Naples beaches, it would be fun to meet at one maybe, if Aric's parents wouldn't mind sharing. Let me know! The beach I've been to that I liked is called Barefoot Beach. It's really pretty with a lot of shells for little hands to look at. Or, if you wanted to go do an Everglades airboat ride we could meet somewhere in between our towns at one...I think Shark Valley is in between, they do those airboat rides with alligators etc. I'll look into it. How're the girls? How's Camden? Thanks for the Christmas Card, loved it as usual!

Love, Lindsay