638 days

So apparently I'm all about putting numbers in my blog titles these days, but you can deal with it.

Today was the magical day (well, yesterday since I'm posting this tomorrow). 638 days after we brought Mac home, he is legally ours in the eyes of the state. It's a big day!

If you're not sure how long 638 days is, it's 1 year, 8 months and 30 days. Or, 21 months.

So the day was wonderful, but there weren't fireworks or trumpets blaring or anything like that. It was just another day with 4 hour drive and very brief court appearance. To me, this was the end-all, be-all of my life. Like a wedding.

You know how it is at a wedding... there's music. Everyone's in fancy dress and they're excited. It's a magical experience. But adoptions, which is also the marriage of a family, do not get such fanfare.

Our 9:30 court time was pushed back. The court house was PACKED. Amanda said they were doing a lot of TPRs today (termination of parental rights) - so all of humanity was in that room. You know what "all of humanity" means, right? I really try not to be judgemental, but really... it was kind of a scary room.

We were finally called back about 11:15. Amanda (adoptions social worker) was called to the stand and testified that we were the family chosen for Mac and that he was bonded to us and that adoption was best decision for everyone.
Then I was called up. I did really well and only teared up when they asked why I wanted to adopt. It was so cute because as soon as I was done, Mac came running up to me saying, "Momma!" Marshall was called up next and he answered several questions as well.
After that the judge looked through our book. He really lightened the mood by saying, "I see all this Clemson stuff and I really question your values here..." LOL! Everyone started laughing. If you're not familiar with Clemson and USC's rivalry, it's very strong. Very strong. But for a large number of people in South Carolina it's also very good natured. So the judge ribbed us a little bit about being Clemson fans and even pointed out a picture of Mac in a shirt that says, "I eat chickens." He also commented on how well behaved the girls were (SB & Carly) during the whole time.

Despite his not being so big on Clemson, the judge finally decreed that the adoption is granted and that from this day forth Mac would be known by his adoptive name! More tears and we all filed out of the room with hugs and a small round of applause!

So now it's done. But nothing changes. Honestly, not even his name. He's been Mac for 638 days. He's been my son for 638 days. And now he'll be my son forever.

I'm so happy. Thank you, Lord!

Mac high fiving the judge

Our family with the judge

And can I just share these two with you? This is Mac with his adoptions worker Amanda today and the day we brought him home...

Mac & Amanda today

638 days ago...

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