It's Official!...Again

For those of you non-adoption people out there you may not realize that even though Madeleine's adoption was finalized in Ethiopia way back in March, our adoption paperwork is not yet complete. On Monday we went to the Superior Court in Everett to officially re-adopt her. The main reason to do this is to change her name to Madeleine Biruktawit Brock and get a Washington State birth certificate with our names on it. Also, if she is ever in need of a certified copy of her birth certificate it will be much easier for her to request one from Washington than Ethiopia.
The re-adoption process is fairly easy with more forms to fill out and several more background checks. I know what you're thinking: The probability is high that Jason and I would have turned to a life of crime in the six months after our last background check but truly, we're still record free.

Outside the courtroom, waiting for our turn to speak with the judge. Even though this should be a "no-brainer" of a case for him, he still seemed to enjoy making us sweat for a couple minutes with all his questions. "Yes judge, we do understand that adoption is a lifelong commitment and we're sure we want to proceed." - As if we'd send her back now! :) It's a good thing the judge didn't see these two criminals lurking in the hallway.

Done and done.

Oh, happy day!

After court we went out for a dual celebration lunch at Anthony's on the waterfront. It was also Isabelle's "real" birthday so it was a fun treat for her too.

Cheers!

Isabelle was delighted when the waiter brought her ice cream with candles. She truly believes that the waiter knew it was her birthday just by looking at her.

Four years old!

After lunch we took a walk along the dock. Here's Jason with his girls.

Enjoying the view.

Since Isabelle is now four we thought it was high time she start practicing driving.

We're so glad to have another part of the adoption process checked off. Now it's on to steps 1001-1003 - applying for U.S. Citizenship, obtaining a social security number and getting a U.S. passport. Hopefully the end is in sight!