It's Official

So it's a month late, but it's official! On September 1, 2010, we flew back to Dallas to appear in court. We spent about 30 minutes waiting, and about 3 minutes in the courtroom before the judge. After all the pomp and circumstance, it was official. Rorey is officially our daughter, and her name is now officially Rorey Taylor Carruth (we got the official birth certificate a couple weeks ago... that was weird... in a good way). The best part was we got in there, and we both had to answer questions from the attorney, all the while, Rorey is blowing bubbles, making faces at the judge. We're pretty sure Rorey flirtatiousness got us the ruling in our favor.

Both Leigh's parents, Bob (G-Bob) and Jan (Lola), were there for moral support, to take pictures, and be official carriers of Rorey's continually growing diaper bag. We had a great attorney (David Cole, in case you ever need an adoption attorney in Texas) who took away a lot of the stress and helped us really enjoy the experience.

Later that week, Andrew's family came in from all over Texas and Japan and joined us. We always love having both of our families together, because for in-laws, we surprisingly get along really well with each other. On Saturday, we traveled to the Dallas, TX, LDS temple where the three of us were sealed for eternity. On Sunday, Rorey was blessed at the church in Dallas, by Andrew.

Saturday night we had a party with friends and family. We were so blessed to have so many people come out to celebrate with us this wonderful experience. One of our friends a few months back was talking to his mother about Rorey, and how blessed she is to be adopted into a family that loves her, and who are surrounded by more friends and family that love her too (pretty insightful thought from a 12 year old boy). We could not disagree. We are so blessed, there truly are not words to express that. We have continually been surprised by the generosity of friends and family of their time, resources, and happiness.

Rorey is our daughter, we are a growing family, and not a day goes by that we do not smile, knowing that there are some prayers that get answered, they may just take longer than others.

Rorey is ready for court... hopefully this is her only time in a court room!

Leigh and Rorey... not sure what they face Rorey is making is... who cares, it's cute!

In the courtroom, just after the judge ruled that Rorey was officially our daughter (notice the judge strategically placing herself in the shot... she was pretty happy for us!).

Rick, Andrew's dad, holding Rorey... yep, she's smiling now!

Andrew, Leigh, and Rorey outside the Dallas, TX, LDS Temple after being sealed. Yes we purposefully matched... we're THAT family!

Rorey singing to Leigh.

This is the continuation of a beautiful relationship! She's got him wrapped around her finger!

Rorey likes water, it seems to calm her when she's crying. Bob donated his fountain from the office... Rorey is still debating if it's good enough for her or not. :)