Introducing Megan Joy DeWeese!!

The Judge, the Family, and our Attorney, Thom

Over 13 months after Megan came to live with us (on 5 Sept 04), we became official and legal parents of Megan Joy DeWeese on Thursday, 21 October 2005. Grandma Jane (Melody's Mom), Aunt Julie (Melody's sister) and her three wonderful girls, Hannah, Abbi, and Ella joined us just past midnight that morning. Grandma and Grandpa DeWeese had arrived the Friday before. Along with our great friends David and Jody, and many of the "players" in the legal process (hard working social workers Rick and Abbi, guardian ad lietum (Megan's lawyer!) Bob, Dr. Robertson, her psychiatrist (who verified that she was a perfectly normal little girl and not a girl with many mental problems in need of heavy drugs and who would have qualified her former care-giver for extra money), and Dave, the assistant attorney general who argued on behalf of the state) all joined us and our attorney, Thom for this wonderful event. I'm betting there aren't that many people in the rooom when most people give birth! The 30 minute hearing was quick and easy and had no hic-ups. Yes, that is easier than a hard delivery, but remember - we've been in a very hard labour for 13 months!! This is not the "easy" way to have a child - I promise you that. After the hearing we had cake and sparkling juice (no alcohol in the court room!) with those who helped make this day possible. Everyone is hopefull to have a second hearing for Dustin sometime soon. Keep praying for that.

The spread on the deck (with Dustin hangin out and looking towards the mountains) and in just to the right looking into the dinning room and kitchen (where hard working Mom and two Grandma's get thing ready!)

Afterwards, we had an open house at our home and lots of friends came by to celebrate with us. The new, finished deck was a big hit. Even on a cold October day in Alaska many of us enjoyed hanging out on the deck and watching the fading light on the lake and the mountains. Melody and the two Grandmas put in a lot of work, aided by Grandpa and Aunt Julie, and made quite a spread of great food and drinks. Everyone had a great time and were very happy for us.

So, what does this mean? Megan Joy DeWeese is now our heir! We need to get a will. We need to plan for college education! She will always be our forever daughter. It is such a wonderful thing.