ADOPTION REFINALIZATION

 Today was Ruben's big day, he just didn't know it.  We have been back 7 months now from Colombia. Today was our "refinalization of adoption" court hearing.  The preceedings went very fast.  We left smiling, and that is more then I can say for the lady coming out of the courtroom before us in handcuffs. Colombia requires that familes refinalize their adoption in their home state/country.  Also, in Colombia, the child takes the mother's maiden name at the end of their name.  Ruben is now known as Ruben Levi Miller.  This is the shortest name he has ever had.  In Colombia he had about 5 names total.  Ruben has been adjusting well and loves his new life and family.  Especially his sisters.  Ruben loves the outdoors, and cry's when dad has to do yardwork and doesn't take him with him.  You can't take your eyes off him, or off he goes.  Part of this is due to his age, and the other is purely just Ruben. Ruben loves balls. In fact, he can dribble a regular basketball with his left hand for a full minute.  It is quite something to see.  I'm not sure I could do it for that long. Our lives has changed quite a bit since adding Ruben to the family.  Adoption has been a great experience for us.  Tracey and I just wish we were 15 years younger, so we could keep up easier.