Grace legally became my daughter on January 18, 2008 in Guatemala and became a United States citizen the day we flew home together in March and landed in Houston.Today was another important day (how am I ever going to remember all these dates?). It is the day that we finalized her United States re-adoption, legally changed her name, and applied for an Ohio birth certificate. Other than the name change, the rest was optional although highly recommended. This way, Grace will have a US birth certificate and won't have to go through the trouble of going back to Guatemala in the future should she need an original birth certificate (like to register in school, apply for a marriage license, etc.).
It is only the beginning of this round of paperwork, though. Now we have to get a social security card, a new certificate of citizenship, and a passport (okay, that last one is not necessary, but if she has one it is another proof of identity and citizenship and we are free to travel wherever and whenever we want!)
Nana and Big Daddy came to court with us this afternoon where we appeared before the judge. There were three other families adopting children at the same time. The judge and clerk were very sweet and took time with every family, allowing as many pictures as we wanted. We went up to the front of the courtroom twice - the first time to talk to the judge about Grace and to affirm that I still want to adopt her (do you think anyone changes their mind at this point?) and then again near the end to put the county seal on the adoption decree. It was pretty cool to do that! 
Grace was as cute as can be the entire time. Kellie and Dawson sent us 4 American flags and Grace waved hers almost the whole time. And Nana gave Grace a huge lollipop....just like she got when Poppy adopted her 59 years ago!
We also realized a funny coincidence about this date....One year ago today, my mother and I were in Guatemala for the first time, meeting Grace who was 4 months old. Yesterday, we looked back at all the pictures from that trip and remembered how tiny she was.
Grace - September 22, 2007 (4 months old)
Grace - September 22, 2008 (16 months old)
6 comments:
It was a great fun weekend. Getting Grace "official" was the most fun. I taught her to tap herself on the head as a stamp of approval. Everytime I said Grace Catherine Villa "official" she tapped herself on the head and we all laughed and laughed. You had to be be!!
Love Nana
Congrate to you both!!!
gald it is all official now.
Welcome to America, and the family "officially". Glad to have a little niece. Love Brennan Family South
CONGRATULATIONS GRACE! You make such a beautiful U.S. citizen. Dawson and I both love your dress too! We can't wait to see you soon! Kellie
To me she was official the day I heard that she was to be my grandneice; I am also honorary second Nana!!! (is there such thing as GrandGodMother????) This just puts the icing on the cake. Wish I had been there.
Congratulations. This was certainly a big day and what a difference a year makes.
A lot sure happens in a week at your house. I can't believe that I missed all the excitement. Congratulations to Mommy and Grace
Love,
Aunt Jill
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