What has been true in our hearts since May 1, 2007 is now legal and official! Since last May when we saw the first picture of Anya Rashi, we have thought of her as our daughter. With the help of Judge Nancy Krueger, and so many friends and family members who supported our adoption journey, she is ours forever.
Anya Rashi's grandparents, her Uncle Mark, and her big brothers were there to witness this special event. As our hearing began, she started out at the table with our family, then made the rounds from spectator seats to the jury box, to the bailiff's desk, to the stenographer's chair, finishing up at the TV/VCR used in trials. She was most disappointed that she couldn't get it to work!
Peter did most of the talking in the courtroom while I walked around with Anya Rashi. He (and I) teared up when the judge asked how Anya Rashi was adapting and fitting into our family. After two-and-a-half years of hoping and waiting, then finally having her home with us these past six months -- how could we possibly sum it all up in a few moments' testimony? She is a little tornado, a beauty, a million laughs, a bundle of new discoveries, and a joy.
Afterward, our judge kindly posed for a few photos with a squirmy new Leschke . . . And she let Aaron and Nathan sit in the witness chair and speak into the microphone! All the way back to the parking lot, all I could think was "She has our last name now!" The boys made up a little impromptu song in the van on the way home: "Anya Rashi is part of our family!!"
Now, the cake is eaten, the grandparents have gone home, and it's just the five of us . . . forever.
Anya Rashi's grandparents, her Uncle Mark, and her big brothers were there to witness this special event. As our hearing began, she started out at the table with our family, then made the rounds from spectator seats to the jury box, to the bailiff's desk, to the stenographer's chair, finishing up at the TV/VCR used in trials. She was most disappointed that she couldn't get it to work!
Peter did most of the talking in the courtroom while I walked around with Anya Rashi. He (and I) teared up when the judge asked how Anya Rashi was adapting and fitting into our family. After two-and-a-half years of hoping and waiting, then finally having her home with us these past six months -- how could we possibly sum it all up in a few moments' testimony? She is a little tornado, a beauty, a million laughs, a bundle of new discoveries, and a joy.
Afterward, our judge kindly posed for a few photos with a squirmy new Leschke . . . And she let Aaron and Nathan sit in the witness chair and speak into the microphone! All the way back to the parking lot, all I could think was "She has our last name now!" The boys made up a little impromptu song in the van on the way home: "Anya Rashi is part of our family!!"
Now, the cake is eaten, the grandparents have gone home, and it's just the five of us . . . forever.
12 comments:
Congratulations, everyone. I just had a good cry while reading about adoption day. I am so glad... sniffle sniffle... And to think Elisabeth comes home on a plane tomorrow with little Ellena. There is so much beauty in our world. Thanks for sharing a piece of it with me.
Congratulations on your adoption! Your daughter is beautiful! Do you go to the regular service or Ignite? I attend the Ignite service.
Heather
Love it!! Your ending to that post made me tear up (and that's not easy to do). :) Happy Adoption Day Leschke's!!!!!
Kristi W.
Congratulations! I am so happy for your family...the last piece gets put in the adoption puzzle and now you can just sit back and enjoy God's handiwork! Love the pictures! Thanks for sharing your moment with us!
CandiceS
WOW Nancy!! That is terrific!! What a joy she is...a little social butterfly even in the court room, huh??
Congratulations!!! I am shouting for joy for you guys!! I LOVE such good news...can't stop smiling--love the pics.
Love,
Cindy
Nancy, You are so blessed and so is she! What a sweet family! I love how your boys took their sister in so whole-heartedly! Another answer to prayer, no doubt! Congratulations!
Love,
Katy
Nancy,
That was a beautiful post!! Brought back wonderful memories or our own "day in court!" Sounds like Anya Rashi acted just like Micah did, ALL OVER THE PLACE!
I was so surprised by how emotional I was. I didn't expect that, but it was truly a wonderful experience.
Congratulations to you and your family!!
Yeah!! Congratulations! I am so happy for your family!
Sheri
Having the memories of our own adoption day still fresh in our minds, I could totally relate to the elation you are feeling now. When you said, how could you sum up 3 years in a few minutes of testimony...I hear you!!! As we plod along through the process you tend to forget all that went into what was meant to be all along.
Congratulations and smiles
Julie R
Having the memories of our own adoption day still fresh in our minds, I could totally relate to the elation you are feeling now. When you said, how could you sum up 3 years in a few minutes of testimony...I hear you!!! As we plod along through the process you tend to forget all that went into what was meant to be all along.
Congratulations and smiles
Julie R
I haven't checked your blog in a while but love all the new pictures. Love hearing about your days.
Happy Adoption Day!
Amanda
Hello We have just started following your blog,we are in the journey of adoption as we travel down the path for our daughter from India,your adoption day story gives us more hope and even looking to when we have our own special day. Your daughter is beautiful and best wishes. The Fenwick Family.
Post a Comment