Elijah's Adoption is Finally Complete!

"...and it is so."
The judge and Elijah swung the gavel and his adoption was complete on Tuesday, December 16th. We couldn't be more excited to have all the paperwork wrapped up and behind us. Elijah was always "ours" on a federal level, this court appointment makes it possible to obtain a state of WI birth certificate for Elijah with our names as birth parents on it. How exciting! This process has taken a lot longer than it normal. We will use a different local agency (NOT America World, they were wonderful!!) for our next adoption. However, that won't be for another year or so. :) We're enjoying every minute with Elijah, even as we approach the "trying twos".

These days, Elijah is testing every boarder physically and verbally. Discipline has been dealt out with tears in our eyes (mine and David's), clinging to the promise to "Train up a child in the way he should go... he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:3. I am really enjoying the encouragement from the Entrusted with a Child's Heart class I'm taking through church. What a blessing to be with other moms each week as we strive to be Godly parents.

Elijah is mostly a wonderful little guy. Some of the fun things he has said and done are mostly in the car. David and I will either be deep in thought or in light conversation when we hear coming from behind us "ELIJAAAAH!!" slight pause then "ELIJAAAAH DUUUUUDAAAAAAA!" Followed by "Dixie Duda", "Daddy Duda", "Mommy Duda". Or while holding on to his Pooh bear, we'll randomly hear him yell "NNNOOOOO! NNOOOOO Pooh, no bite me!!" Where does he get this stuff?? I have no idea. Pooh is then given a talking to with discipline. Oh my goodness.... what else will this little man come up with?

Christmas was wonderful. Elijah slept in (our gift) until 8A! That is short of a miracle for him. Then we gave him our gifts. Each year, we decided to give him (and children to come) three gifts on Christmas morning from us. This year, Elijah received a magna-doodle, a movie and a guitar (just like daddy's). Each were a hit! He's already done a few rounds of Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star, his ABC's, and I'm pretty sure he's catching on to the tune of Jesus Loves Me. He also will randomly sing Hallelujah. I still can't decide which song he's singing. :)

We are praising God for Jamie's surgery (David's sister) going well earlier in the week and that she is already home! We're looking forward to having Jude this weekend, to give Jamie some much needed rest.

We have so much to be thankful for this Christmas. I pray each and everyone of you had a blessed Christmas!