Finalization in Court

We were very pleased to find out this week that we have been scheduled with the court to finalize Claire's adoption. We finalize on December 18th! This is really great for several reasons. The most important thing is that this officially makes Claire our daughter forever. This is also when her name officially is changed from Mun Ji-na to Claire Ji-na Charlton. Also, she becomes a US citizen that day as well. The second most important thing about that date is that it is the last date the court is hearing adoption cases in 2008 so we barely made the cut off for tax purposes. Since we finalize this year we will be able to claim Claire on our taxes to get the adoption tax credit. The final thing is that the 18th is my birthday and it just makes the day really special to me that Claire is officially ours on my birthday. Some of you may remember that she actually arrived to us in Chicago on my sister's birthday.

We also found at that at the last court date of the year the Judge dresses like Santa and all the court clerks dress like elves. They give the kids gifts and have cookies and hot chocolate. It sounds kind of goofy but sweet too. This is assuming that it doesn't totally freak the kids out! We'll take pictures and let you know.

October Already??

Where have the last few weeks gone? Dave and I were realizing last night that Claire has been home almost eight weeks already. Things are getting better by the week too. She is just sweet as can be. She has even slept through the night for us a few times now. We have all four been sick with a cold Jack brought home from pre-school so sleep has been a good thing as we all try to feel better.

We have been keeping busy with several fall parties the last couple of weekends as well as a couple of trips with the kids to the orchard/pumpkin patch. It has been a beautiful autumn here so far and we are supposed to have a really warm and sunny weekend this weekend too. My college roommates are flying into Indy this week from LA and DC to hang out for the weekend and visit their families. We are having everyone around on Saturday evening for dinner. They will all get to meet Claire for the first time, which will be fun.

Claire and Jack are getting along a bit better too. Jack is still struggling with sharing with Claire, but she is starting to hold her own now and she protests, loudly, when he takes things from her finally. She is also cruising along the furniture faster all the time and becoming more curious around the house. The baby gates are back up now.

Jack is loving pre-school. Today they had a pajama and pizza party since they were learning the letter 'P'. He was very excited to wear his pj's to school. He has had another huge growth spurt and it getting really tall.

Alright, the kids are now quiet in their beds for their naps so I'm going to try to have a quick nap myself to try to get over this cold faster.


Claire's newest obsession!

Pumpkins!

Finding the perfect one was hard for Jack :)