Oooh, this was like no other day I'd experienced. We got up early. We had to be in Seattle at the King County Courthouse at 1:30. I was panicked all morning. Lanny and my Mom were feverishly trying to help me get Myan's things together -- trying to get her dressed, packed -- get all of the paperwork together -- I'm sure that I wasn't much help. No, I know I wasn't.We got to the courthouse early. Thankfully -- because it took us quite a while to find a parking spot. It was cold -- and windy -- and rainy. Typical weather -- we'd planned for it. I think I yelled at a couple of other drivers, was pacing -- flipping out a bit -- I'm not sure why Mom and Lanny didn't just leave me there -- well, yes, I guess I know why -- for Myan. They were certainly finished with me for the day :)
We got upstairs and found our way to the 6th floor -- or 2nd, or 10th. Heck, I don't know. Besides the fact that Lanny coulnd't make it through the metal detector -- he had a switchblade on him -- (uh -- lanny? a little help here?) .....
Once upstairs -- my lawyer met us in the hallway and asked if I had all of the necessary paperwork in order -- I thought so -- I said -- and we waited.
At 1:30 the doors opened. We went in and sat down. At 1:35, our name was called. What? Us? Already? Oh, no.
We were motioned and moved to a closed door meeting room. Flags, God Bless America -- the works. Oh, and a judge sitting behind his 'i'm looking down on you' desk.
Great. This should be fun.
My lawyer started out requesting to the courts that I be able to legally adopt Myan -- this went on for a few minutes -- she read all of Myan's paperwork, etc. etc....
The judge then turned to me and started firing off questions.
What's her birthday? When did you arrive in Guatemala City?
Are you prepared to be her mother?
As you guessed, I got all of the questions right.
It was a blur--I'll tell you that. I just wanted it to be over with. I'm not sure how long it was (I'm told 20 minutes) and I'm not sure what my answers were (apparently they were correct) but . . . they finally granted me adoption rights and . . . well, we left.
We went back to the claims office so Lanny could get his switchblade (i could go on and on about what a hilbilly move that was to bring it to my adoption day hearing, but i shant)
We then drove to Pike Place Market for a celebration.
We took pictures -- ate -- and got Myan a beautiful hand painted mural for her bedroom to mark the occasion. It was a wonderful day -- in that I got the approval and paperwork.
The rest of it: a little stressful. I don't recommend doing it often.
During the court hearing...Can we get this over with, please!
Lanny, Myan and Me after the court hearing.
Three generations! (right after the court hearing..I look a little stressed, aye?)
Grandma and Myan after the court hearing.
The judge who finalized the adoption, and asked what seemed like 1000 questions...I find out that there were only 15. (101/2 months)
Myan talking back to the judge. Must have learned that from Uncle Puma. (10 1/2 months)
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