Adoption Day!

 On December 6, 2010 a baby boy came to live in the Richards' home.  It was a rough start.  He cried a lot. We were excited for him to be there, but hearts were raw from our last foster child and we wondered what would happen in the next few months.  Days turned into weeks and weeks into months and this boy became a part of the Richards' family.  He didn't cry as much. We bonded and loved.  Now the only question was would he remain?

For a while now Ryan has been a part of our family.  He bonded with us quickly and despite our initial hesitations, we truly loved him from the beginning. In January of this year we knew he would be staying with us forever, but until today it was not "official" in the eyes of the world.  Today we had the great joy taking Ryan to court and making him an "official" Richards.  He woke very early today and was happy right from the start - almost as if he knew what was happening today (and we have talked about it a lot).  Grandma Gail and Papa Bill came from Tucson and Grandma and Grandpa O were also there.  We got to the courthouse early to make sure all was in order. Ryan danced and played around in the hallway.  He would run to Grandpa O and others - back and forth - so happy.  He knew today was important and special.  Sean was excited in his own way - but being 5 got bored waiting - so we let him play Angry Birds on Daddy's phone while we waited. Two happy boys - it can't get better than that.

The time finally came to move into the courtroom.  We got settled in and as we were placed under oath, Sean joined us in raising his right hand.  That got a smile out of the judge and he even made a verbal note of that.  Our judge was Judge Deister, who has overseen Ryan's case from the beginning.  Both boys wanted to sit on Daddy's lap and even fought over him a bit during the proceeding.  Even for the short 15 minutes it took, they both had a hard time sitting still.  Sean found that he couldn't resist the microphone on the table and we had to move it several tines out of his way. Ryan wanted his drink and refused to be still (no surprise).  Steve and I both answered a few questions and most importantly told the judge that we wanted to adopt Ryan.  Our caseworker answered a few questions and then the judge said a few things - mostly just official stuff about this situation and I don't remember anything that he said because the boys were really squirmy so I couldn't hear that well.  Just when it seemed that they were starting to get even more restless it was done. We are "officially" his parents (even though we became his "parents" on December 6, 2010). And his name was officially changed to Ryan Phillip Richards. The judge brought out 2 stuffed bears, which got both boys excited. We then got to take pictures with him and our families.

Afterward, we visited with everyone for a few minutes and got well wishes (others who were there besides grandparents were our two caseworkers and Ryan's two C.A.S.A. workers, who were so helpful during his case), then we went for breakfast at the Pufferbelly Station and then walked around downtown Grand Junction for a while.  

Even though he has been part of our family for so long and we have known for months that he would never be leaving, it was a relief to have this part finished and know that we don't have to worry anymore or fight through this process of bringing children into our home.  He is meant to be ours and he fits right into our family.  And even though we have called him Ryan for months, I don't have to worry anymore that I shouldn't be calling him that, or that when we go to the doctor or other public place, I will have to hear his birth name and remember to call him by that. His name is Ryan and it fits him.

Ryan was so happy that day from the moment he woke, like he knew it was a special day.  As we were leaving the courthouse, Ryan was hop-skipping all the way out!  He was so happy! It was a wonderful day. One of the best parts of the day is that we are now "officially" our own little family and we don't have to have any interference from the county, the state, caseworkers, or anyone.  No one can tell us how to run our house anymore.  We don't need permission to do anything for Ryan anymore.   It is a wonderful feeling to be complete and to see what this new part of our lives brings - as just us.

Sean and Ryan looking out from the 3rd floor window in the hallway outside the courtroom.

Steve visiting with his mom, Gail - Bill behind her taking pictures.

Ryan loved playing on the bench by the window while we waited.

Steve's dad Bill taking a picture of me taking a picture of him (we just couldn't resist)!

Sean was trying to sneak into my bag to get my phone and play Angry Birds!

This and the next 2 were me trying out the fast burst on my camera.  Ryan was so happy and was just dancing around the hallway.

Grandpa O'Dwyer and Ryan.

Grandma and Grandpa O'Dwyer and Ryan.

Judge Diester shaking my hand after with Steve and Ryan.

Judge Diester, and our Family! This was the first of many pictures this week and Sean would not have it - it was tough to get any smiles out of him. The Boys were holding the bears given to them by the judge.

Our Family with Grandparents from L to R: Grandma O'Dwyer, Val, Sean, Grandpa O'Dwyer, Steve, Ryan, Grandma Gail and Papa Bill Richards