Sara Lynn Hanks

When we came home from Guatemala with Sara...we decided that just like each of the other children, we would file for a "re-adoption" here in Kentucky, and we would also legally change her name at that time. We knew that technically it wasn't necessary... but we had done this with each of the other children, and we like to keep things consistent. :)

Our process was interesting, to say the least. I will refrain from naming names of any other attorneys (Guardian Ad Litem...)or the exact details. However, I will say that it has been a joy to go through this process with an attorney that has been through an international adoption personally. Jimmie Orr, our attorney, has a daughter named Molly that was also born in Guatemala and has been home for about 6 - 7 years now. So he can not only appreciate the frustrations that we have experienced with the entire adoption process, but he is intimately aware of the circumstances that are unique to Guatemala.

Our judge this time was Judge Tamara Gormely. She was very kind, and when the process was finally complete - she brought out some really nice blankets that some of the ladies at the Methodist Church in Georgetown made for each child adopted in her Courtroom. Judge Gormley was kind enough to allow each of our 4 children to select a blanket that day, making it a truly special day for Sara - as well as each of the other children.

Sara was given the option of keeping her name exactly the way it was - or selecting a new middle name. In the end, true to her sweet nature, she decided to take her Aunt Jamie's middle name. (what a brown-noser....) It's very fitting since her final adoption day is also Chuck and Jamie's anniversary date. (Last year on this day I think Rachel was having her surgery... whew!)

So as of today, April 9th, 2009 she is officially and forevermore:

Sara Lynn Hanks.