We are family!!!

[gymmommy]

Guess what we had today? After lurking on the boards for two and a half years, a few posts and a very long protracted court process which was contested all the way, we finally had our CELEBRATION HEARING today and are a family!!!! It was a very surreal thing, but the Judge was lovely. DC was happy to sit in Judge's chair and pose for pics and receive a name certificate. We had a lovely meal and celebration cake afterwards with the friends and family that came to the court, then out to a play area with other friends. DC was super good all day which made it even better. I really thought at points we would never get to this stage and feel like a ton weight has been lifted. Now, as a wise mumsnet poster told me, to enjoy family life free of SWs, HVs, panels and assessments hopefully.

I don't think I would have got through it if it hadn't been for all the information posted on this forum. It really is a fantastic form of support. Thanks everyone, even if you are completely unaware of how helpful you have been

[PacificDogwood]

I know nothing about you, gymmommy, and was about to go to bed, but big massive congratulations to you and your family !!

I'm sure it can't have been an easy or quick process, but I wish you all only the very best for the future.
Sounds like you celebrated a momentous occasion really well and now the future is yours

[Isabeller]

Congratulations

[Lilka]

CONGRATULATIONS

I'm so happy for you Glad you had a wonderful day!

[gymmommy]

Thank you all. Sorry all a bit cloak and dagger due to BP's possibly recognising posts. Mainly was a big thank you to all those that post questions and answers keeping the boards active, it really helps get through everything.

[FamiliesShareGerms]

Congratulations!

[Kewcumber]

Huge congratulations.

I never thought the final order would make a difference as DS had been with me 2.5 years by then. But it does doesn't it? Its hard to explain how but it just feels settled and free at the same time.

[Italiangreyhound]

Congratulations.

[Solo]

Happy Happy Family Lives to you all. xx

[CiderwithBuda]

Many congratulations! How lovely.

[SavoyCabbage]

I was in tears halfway through your second sentence. Congratulations to your family.

[MumofWombat]

Congratulations! xx

[gymmommy]

Yes Kew, it does feel settled and I'm looking forward to making decisions without having to consult SWs . DH wasn't bothered if we had an AO or not as he said DC was his from the moment he saw DC but I wanted the legal bit so much. Especially as we thought one of the appeals might go in BP favour (involved with IJ and JH) and it was horrendous even thinking about losing DC after being with us for so long. The day of the AO was tinged with sadness for BPs even though we knew they could not parent but the Celebration hearing was a pure celebration. Haven't felt this happy since introductions

[Picklesontoast]

Congratulations gymmommy, so lovely and to many many happy family times for you all!

[prumarth]

Congratulations! I'm thrilled for you and your lovely family. Wonderful news

[excitedmamma]

Fab

[MerryInthechelseahotel]

Wonderful! So pleased for you all

[RhinosAreFatUnicorns]

Congratulations :)

[aprilanne]

congratulations to you all .becoming a mummy is a wonderful thing .no matter how it comes to you

[Devora]

Lovely news! Huge congratulations.