Introducing...

The newest American Citizen

Paige Frances Li

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!