Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Fancy Nancy Tea Party

Isabelle doesn't turn four until Monday but we celebrated with all of her friends today with a Fancy Nancy tea party. Isabelle has never asked for a birthday party with friends until this year. She's had fun at so many other parties that she really wanted to have one of her own and since Fancy Nancy and dressing up are her favorite things, that's exactly what she and 12 of her friends did!

So excited! The invite

The weather channel said it was supposed to rain right in the middle of her party today. Thank goodness meteorologists can't really predict the weather because it was sunny and 75 degrees!
Bonjour everybody! Isabelle is 4!

The Get Fancy Room Each of the girls got to choose a purse to decorate. You can find the pattern on Martha Stewart's website here.
After decorating their purses they got to choose a tiara and boa to wear - and clean their sticky hands with wet wipes.
Isabelle decorating her purse with Aunt Darla's help.
The girls working hard.
After crafts they all headed upstairs to Isabelle's room to play for a few minutes. Don't they look sweet?...
That's what you think! Definitely time for a diversion.
Ready to play Pin the Tiara on Fancy Nancy.

Emersyn taking a turn.
I think they did pretty well!
Time for the tea party! Our table of goodies.
Birthday cupcakes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Flowers
Raspberry Hearts
Little Ladybugs
Tiara Sugar Cookies

The girls chose a seat and were ready to be served.

They also had Sparkling Princess Punch with a lavender sugar rim on their glass.


Isabelle carefully selecting her favorite Magic Fairy Wand.
Yummmm!
Madeleine had a good time too, but she did sleep through the first half of the party. The girls couldn't wait for her to wake up. I know she was really surprised to find a gaggle of girls surrounding her crib when she finally opened her eyes. I wish I'd had my camera for that moment!
Deep in conversation
After treats it was time for the pinata.


Time for presents!
Happy Birthday to you Isabelle!