Monday, February 23, 2009

Introducing...

The newest American Citizen
Paige Frances Li
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Today was a very important day in little Paige's life...one that has been a long time coming. She was readopted today. We were under the impression that she came home on the correct visa, as our agency wasn't giving us much guidance. We thought through the years, reading things and hearing all that people said, that we were in the clear. When my dad passed away and we spoke with a lawyer, man were we wrong. Since my dad did not travel to China, a readoption was in need. Our post placement worker never said anything. Chalk it up to naivete, I suppose.

What matters is, she's a citizen, she's ours and she isn't going anywhere! Thank GOD!

So you may wonder why I have a picture of a shirt on here. When my dad passed away, we started seeing hearts everywhere...oil spills on our driveway, on the storm door, in our eggs, and today...on my shirt. I washed my blue shirt last night so I could wear it today to look patriotic. When I pulled it out of my closet this morning, I saw a stain. I put my glasses on and there it was. My mom, Paige and I firmly believe that my dad is letting us know he is here. We don't care who thinks we are crazy...maybe we are, but today we felt him all around us. It brought us such joy.

As for the day...HILARIOUS! Sitcom stuff here, folks.

We had to be at court by 8:00. So we get there minutes before and my mom realizes that she has left all of her money in my car (blocks away). We needed money to pay court fees. So, she decided to take the chance to make a run for it...afterall, surely we wouldn't be the first name called, right? WRONG! Paige and I are sitting on the first row and the lawyer walks in and says, "Where is your mom?" Same time he is asking, the judge is calling our name to come up. So Paige and I walk up with our lawyer (courtroom packed with people) and I explain the situation. We wait and wait and wait and... finally, she shows up. We proceed with the festivities.

Story doesn't end there...the court clerk, the one in the pic wearing the pink, is my mom's best friend and Paige's God-Grandmother : ). She told us to definitely bring our camera. So after the judge asks Paige some questions, he says, "I understand Mrs. Brenda has instructed you to have your photo taken young lady" (Mrs. Brenda is our friend). Paige politely says, "yes sir". So we get up on a platform, Paige takes the judge's chair and the lawyer takes my brand new camera. The lawyer says, "Ok, on the count of three...1, 2, 3...3...3 uhhh, I don't think it's working". So, I get off the stand, go down there and low and behold I get stage fright...I can't get the flipping thing to work. So, Mrs. Brenda says, "We'll come back and have a private session another time". The judge laughs and we leave.

We get out to the lobby and my mom and the lawyer are talking and I am determined to get the camera working. After looking, I noticed the battery door wasn't closed all the way. I take a photo and the flash goes off in the lawyer's face. He is blinded and my mom is apologizing and Paige is laughing and I am thinking "YES! It works".

Sooo, we beg for another photo op. The lawyer sneaks back in to talk to Brenda and came out and said that yes we could do it again, but it would be about 5 min.

1 HOUR LATER...

We go back, the judge let's Paige sit in his chair this time and tells the entire courtroom that she is the newest American citizen and that she will be handling the docket for the day. That got a big chuckle from everyone. This time it worked!

Memories!!! My family never does things the easy way...we always have something to laugh about : )

No matter what, we love our girl and are tickled about her special day. She requested an "American" meal for lunch. Hamburgers, coke and apple pie...thatta girl!

28 comments:

Laurie said...

What a GREAT day! Congratulations Paige, on becoming an official citizen of the US- that's AWESOME!!! I loved the stories, Missy, and I think the heart stories are wonderful- you are not crazy- God is with you and so is your dad! :)

a Tonggu Momma said...

Congrats, Miss Paige, on your citizenship!!!!! You are now officially a MeiGuoRen (American).

Jboo said...

Awww -- that is so sweet!! Congrats Paige!! You look awesome sitting there -- I think you might want to think about a legal career! :) And Missy - definitely think your Dad was there with you -- what a great sign he gave you! :)
Janet

Gail said...

Congrats Paige on becoming an American citizen!!! What a day you all had. And I love how your Dad was right there beside you. Paige you look right at home behind that desk...

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Yeah PAIGE...she is an official citizen!! Sounds like an exciting day......and I loved hearing all about it....right down to the little hearts that surrounded you:)

Hugs,

Lisa

rgshrs said...

YAY!! Congratulations Paige!! Missy, I have no doubt that your Dad was showing you he was with you all today! Love the hearts! As for the camera, sounds like all the elements were there to make it extra memorable! lol hugs and loves! ;)

Heather

Sherri said...

Congratulations!!
Your dad was truly there...those hearts show up in the most appropriate times! I love it. I think your dad should tell my dad how much we would love to see some of that love.

I think you and your family are soooo sweet.

Michelle R Photography said...

Oh, Missy. I have tears in my eyes from reading about the heart. You Dad WAS there with you, today, Missy!!

Congratulations to Paige!!

Super Mommy said...

What a wonderful day! Congrats my fellow American!! Love the heart story . . . I'm sure your dad is there and watching out for you all.

Jodee said...

Congrats, Paige! I am sooo excited for you! I am so glad the heart appeared on your special day too!

Colleen said...

What a story! Love that heart on your shirt symbolized that Paige's daddy was there.

Jennifer said...

What a great day, a great picture, and a great story!!! I totally believe that was your Dad with you.

I always have a good story and a good laugh too. It makes life more fun...doesn't it!!!

Jen

Anonymous said...

Congrats! What a beautiful day and I totally believe your dad was there too. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to Paige! And the rest of the family, too, of course.!:)
What a day you had! I can picture your Mom running like the wind to the car and back again.
I have dreams about things like that happening to me. What am I talking about they do happen!!:)

Take care,
holly m.

Kerry said...

Love seeing Paige sitting behind that bench- she looks really at ease- give me a call when she is looking at Law schools!

And oh so funny about your day at court. Well- you need a funny story to make it memorable! You got the photos- that is what matters most. Hugs.

Your dad surrounds you- how wonderful that you know he takes part in your lives then now and always.

Donna said...

That's fantastic that everything is official now...congratulations, Paige!

LaLa said...

YAY...didn't know the "non citizen" part...crazy! Glad you had a wonderful day and that your Dad was there with you!

Nicole said...

Congratulations Paige!!!! Woo-hoo! What an exciting day! I love the heart! Very cool!

Nicole said...

Congratulations Paige!!!! Woo-hoo! What an exciting day! I love the heart! Very cool!

kerri said...

A big "Congrats" Paige on becoming an American citizen!
Such a beautiful day for you and your family!
I believe the hearts are a sign that your Father's love is surrounding you, so beautiful...

Lauren's Nana said...

I truly believe the hearts are your Dad's way to let you know he is with you and your family and he is always watching over all of you.
Congrats Paige, you do look very comfortable at that desk:).

The Byrd's Nest said...

Congratulations to all of you!

I too, love the heart stories and how you have made him a part of everything. Love you!

Green Family said...

I LOVE the hearts!!!!!!! And...congratulations on Gotcha Day Part II. I know it's a huge day and worthy of enormous celebration...especially since there isn't near the paperwork of Part I :) I hope all is going well out there for you. I bet you are looking forward to Spring Break!

Take care ;)
Kelly

mommy24treasures said...

yea for Paige:):)

Rydley said...

Congrats to Paige and all of you! And I knew straight away that was a heart from your dad...right on your heart no less!

Colleen said...

Congratulations to Paige!!! What great photos! She is just the prettiest new American citizen!
Your Dad was there feeling this proud moment with all of you!

3 Peanuts said...

Congratulations!!! This is so exciting. I cannot tell you how insanely jealous I am....We readopted Kate in Virginia right before we moved....and her court date was right after we moved here...SO I could not go...none of us could. I cannot even begin to tell you how very sad it makes me.


Anyway, I am glad your Dad was with you (the heart). I love that story.

Kim

Julia said...

Congratulations Paige!! I hope you emailed Meisi and let her know, I know she'd be so excited for you! How wonderful to see another special heart sent to you from above on your special day, I agree with your big sis that it must be sent from Heaven.

Missy I loved reading about the comedy of errors, specially because it is so like something I'd do!