Readoption

Noah's readoption was finalized on Monday at the Forsyth County Superior Courthouse.  We waited over 3 months for the hearing and therefore had to make a trip back to Georgia.  It was a great weekend visiting both sets of grandparents, squeezing in a few old friends and worship at our former church and then we ended it with a not-so-fun 4 year well check for Noah.  In the next 8-10 weeks we hope to receive his new birth certificate and oddly enough will be listed as his birth parents.  Readoption is not required but strongly suggested for children that have been adopted internationally because it will make applying for a passport, registering for school, applying for a job and (hopefully) one day a marriage license MUCH easier for Noah.  We had the most amazing attorney ever who prepared the necessary paperwork and commuted from Peachtree City out of the goodness of her own heart; she's also an adoptive parent and a wealth of knowledge.  God continues to share His blessings in ways we are often unable to anticipate.  

Noah's 4th Birthday + Eight Months As A Family

Remember this kid?  He just celebrated his 4th birthday (and first one with a family)!  How incredible is it the difference that ONE year makes.  Every day we thank God for leading us to Noah but last week more than any other time in the past eight months, I really slowed down to reflect on this season in our lives and how faithful God was to our family.

His 4th birthday seemed to last many days with a small family party, preschool celebration and on October 6th presents and balloons from us, Noah's forever family.  He thoroughly LOVED every minute of attention and affection!  Noah told us countless times last week how much he loved us and was glad we were his; it almost felt bittersweet to celebrate with him something that can carry so many sad and empty thoughts for children that have been adopted.  We keep an open dialogue with him (and our other 2 kids) so he very much understood that this was the first time that WE were there with him on October 6th.

Here are a few moments with special people that came a long way to see Noah during his special week

And more of our 4 year old enjoying all the presents and once a year treats

And finally our always happy birthday King Noah who wore his crown all day :)