On Saturday we re-adopted Eleni under Arizona law. It was a formality, but necessary for her immigration status, and supposedly useful later in life in case she ever needs a US birth certificate.
On National Adoption Day 300 kids were adopted in our county alone - not to mention how many others around the US. The county lined up every judge and every available courtroom and did an excellent job of keeping everyone organised and entertained. We had a volunteer guide us through the whole process, and a professional photographer took a portrait of each family. Each kid got a balloon, a bag with a Sesame Street book, an engraved frame and a soft toy. It was fun to see the variety of families with kids of all ages and backgrounds!
I was a little worried that it would be a circus, but actually it was so well-planned that it was probably easier than going there on a weekday for our own separate appointment. Eleni did great - she kissed the judge and the social worker, and only melted down when it was time for cake. For most children, cake is the solution of a melt-down, rather than the cause.
A big thanks to my mom and sister, Laurie (LuLu!) for making the trip down the courthouse to give us support!
