Forever Family

11-10-11 is the day Michael, Remi, and I became a forever family.  Remi's adoption was finalized with our family, including Rachael (Remi's birthmom), surrounding us.  It wasn't exactly how I imagined it would happen, but it couldn't have been more perfect.  It was just our family in a little room with the judge, the court reporter, and our lawyer...who is awesome, by the way.  Michael and I had to answer a few questions, the hardest one being how to spell Remi's full name out loud.  Remi is easy, Virginia not so much! :)  At the end the judge found us worthy of being Remi's parents.  Praise the Lord!  I was pretty disappointed when I found out we couldn't have cameras in the courthouse, but the court reporter was nice enough to take 2 pictures for us.  They aren't the best quality, but they are precious to me, a precious reminder of such a wonderful time!  Before we left, we got to spend some time with Rachael, which is always a blessing.  To top it all off, as we walked out of the building, it was snowing!  It was a beautiful ending to a beautiful day.  I wish I had better words to describe this whole event, but Michael and I are just so very thankful to know that Remi is now officially ours on paper, not just in our hearts.

Rachael, Remi, Mandi, Michael

Dan and Susie (Mandi's parents), Mandi, Rachael, Remi, Michael, Judy and Roy (Michael's mom and her husband), and Shelby (Mandi's best friend)

The 3 Rigneys

Oh happy day!