Today was our court hearing for the "finalization" of our adoption. It was way more emotional than I had planned on. You see, from the moment the doctor placed Max in my arms, we knew that he was OURS. However, when the Judge pronounced us the "parents of Max Thomas-Levanger Mink, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Can't explain it. Thought this would be more of a "legality" rather than a "moment". It totally caught me off guard. As he said the words, Max looked up into my eyes (I was holding him on my lap facing away from me) and smiled. Made me melt. Seriously, couldn't have been sweeter.
Then, right before he closed the hearing, he called Isabel up to his bench and handed her the gavel and asked her if she knew what it was and if she wanted to "close this hearing for her little brother". Of course she was thrilled. Just as she was about to say "court adjourned" he stopped her and said that she was "missing something". She just looked at him and was a bit nervous.... but he said "You need to wear this".... as he proceeded to take off his robe and put it on her! Couldn't have asked for a better moment.
Now we begin.... I guess today wasn't any different than yesterday or tomorrow.... but it feels different.
Sweeter.
