On Friday September 4, 2009 we finalized Ellie's adoption in court. Ellie will of course always be South Korean but today she also became and American and a Germann! Ellie became an American citizen when we adopted her and although she has been our little Eliana for a long time she is now legally Eliana Yeong Ah Germann. For our part we had to swear that we would raise Ellie and take care of her as our own child. We were more than happy to swear to that!
Judge Debra Jacobson presided over the hearing. I worked for Judge Jacobson my first two years out of law school so it was very special to have her finalize our adoption. Lots of friends and family joined us to celebrate the very special day. I can assure you that court is not usually this festive (no balloons for bad guys) and that all people don't get to have a cake reception in the court room but there some perks to working in the court system. Although we are just beginning the long journey of parenting Ellie, we are relieved to be at the end of the adotpion marathon.
Dressed in our best waiting for the hearing to start.
Swearing to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
The brand new Germann family with Judge Jacobson.
Abby, Gabe and Ellie sitting in the Judge's chair.
Every good party needs a cake.
Ellie may not know what adopted means but she definitely knows about cake!
