It's official!

Here she is--our daughter!

Blythe Isabella Barrus

Adopted 3 March 2010

Blythe officially became ours today in a sweet court session.  Grandpa and Grandma B and Grandpa De and Grandma Sue joined us in welcoming Blythe into our family.  During proceedings, Judge Bazelle put Kent on the spot by asking him when we were married.  He got that "deer in the headlights" look on his face and stammered out our wedding date.  We both cried as we shared why we wanted to adopt Blythe.  She is such a charming little person, happy and cheerful, funny and bright, and she brings such a sweet spirit into our home.  It has felt, from the beginning, like she belonged.  Now she does.  

  

Blythe with Grandma Sue and Grandma B

Brandt, ready for anything -- bored with everything.

And he's only three and a half.

During proceedings, the children cleaned their hands with hand sanitizer.

Repeatedly.

Who knew court could be so fun?

When all was said and done, we were invited to join Judge Bazelle on the bench.

Blythe was able to sign her adoption decree and make it all legally binding by rapping the gavel.  

Judge Bazelle then offered both Blythe and Brandt a stuffed bear.  

Blythe accepted both as Brandt very shyly would not take his.  

He has learned well the lesson about taking things from strangers.

Judge Bazelle and our little family.  Brandt would not look at the camera for any of the group shots, and Blythe has her eyes closed in this one.  We struggled to get a good shot.