Zoe's Legalisation

Friday, 20th November was the day our adoption of our sweet daughter became official. In our hearts our adoption of Zoe was final the first time she was placed in our arms, but now it is also final in the eyes of the law. After six years and a half years of being in 'the system' we are also finally free of the Dept. That in itself is a big deal! We don't have to be checked for anything, no more social worker visits, no more waiting for anything! Our journey is finally, officially complete!

Zoe and I waiting for the judge to arrive. Zoe was a bit out of sorts as she was a bit tired, but a muesli bar kept her happy throughout the hearing - you'll notice one in her hand in every photo I think! Zoe was wondering what all the fuss was about :)

Our judge was a friendly man who liked a talk and a joke! He rather looked like an 'ordinary' fellow as he wasn't dressed in his robe or wig like Seb's judge was. We didn't even have to stand as he entered - he just casually sauntered in (I'm pretty sure he was a real judge!). He was quite shocked at the price our dry cleaners in Mildura charge to clean shirts and thought we should set up business in competition to them!
Here he is doing his one minute 'official' part - signing the register, adoption order, and the Certificate of Adoption.

The judge handing over Zoe's Certificate of Adoption

And that's when things got really casual! The judge asked Seb if he was going to be a judge when he was older, and of course he said yes! The judge then asked for his robe and wig to be brought in and popped the wig on Seb's head. Seb looks like a pretty good judge doesn't he?

Then the dressups began! The judge insisted that Grandad get in the full gear. Who were we to argue with the judge who signed off on Zoe's adoption??? We weren't going to say no to him that's for sure!!!

Then it was Ian's turn...

Closeup of Judge Ian

Then it was time for Nanna to have a go :) We were wondering when the dressups were going to end so we could head out for a coffee! Thankfully the judge didn't request anyone else to put on his robe! It certainly made it a day to never forget. After we left we wondered if the judge had a bet with someone that he would be able to dress up three people in his full gear. If that was the case, he deserves his reward!

Out the front of the court with Zoe's Certificate of Adoption.

Totally worn out after a big day.

A big thank you goes out to everyone who came to share in Zoe's big day. Special thanks to Glen, Tamara & Noah who travelled from Bendigo, and Ben, Naomi, Tahlia, and new baby Chelsea for coming from Melbourne.

Our sweet, precious daughter and sister, how lucky we are to have you in our family. Our lives are better off having you in it. You brighten up every day and we love you with all our hearts.
Love Mummy, Daddy and Seb.