An Adoption!

Yesterday, while Sean was at a conference for work, Mom and the kids and I were able to go to Price, Utah, for an adoption.  My brother, David, and his wife, Karin, have been fostering little Ryan since last November.  His birth parents gave up their rights to raise him, and now he is officially a Watkins!  He's a cute, little, energetic redhead, and we have all grown to love this kid.  He is almost a year older than Maddie, but only weighs about a pound or two more.  He's had some problems with reflux, and hasn't gained much weight.  But since Dave and Karin have had him, he's been doing much better, and seems like such a happy boy.  We are glad to have him in the family.  This brings the total number of grandchildren to 14 for Jack and Vanja.  I wish these kids would have had a chance to know my dad, but I know they will all have that opportunity in the next life.  It will be great to have Ryan sealed to Dave and Karin in the near future!

The whole group. Nice nose pickin', Gabe!

Soren showed Brooke the "spotlight" from the skylight and she enjoyed dancing in it!

Cousins and friend, Spencer, playing around in the courthouse before the adoption

 I have never been to an adoption before, so it was a neat experience to be in the courtroom.  It only took about 15-20 minutes or so.  Karin and David were asked some questions about themselves (they had to be at least 10 years older than Ryan, which they are!), whether they feel they can support him financially, how long Ryan has been living with them, and why they want to adopt him.  Karin got choked up talking about him and that caused a lot of us to tear up.  Then they were asked to sign for the adoption in open court, which they both willingly and happily did.  The judge looked at David's signature and asked, "You call that a signature?" to which he responded, "I'm in the medical field."  That seemed to answer his question.  Anyway, the judge granted the adoption, as well as the name change to Ryan Robert Watkins.  I can't remember what his former last name was, or if he had a middle name, but that doesn't matter, anyway.  He's now a Watkins!  Ryan was very vocal throughout the process, and towards the end, he let out a rather loud, high-pitched squeal, to which the judge jokingly asked, "Have you considered having him de-barked?"  He was a really nice judge, and seemed pleased with the adoption.  At the end of the proceedings, the judge looked at David and Karin and told them he was very familiar with this case.  He said without them, Ryan wouldn't have a prayer, and he thanked them for adopting Ryan.  It's sad that so many parents won't take care of their kids, but hooray for a successful adoption in this case!  Welcome to the family, Ryan!

After the adoption, we went to a park to eat, play, and celebrate.  We had pizza and some delicious salads and cookies and other treats.  I ate waaaay too much, but it was so good!  We wish more family could have been there to share the experience.  Thanks, David, Karin, Jack, Caitlin, and especially Ryan, for letting us be a part of your important day!