Rose Family Adoption

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” -Shakespear

Please help me congratulate the Rose Family. Tristan has been Jimmy's son since he was an infant--but it's finally official with a new last name. This adoption has been ten years in the making.

Jimmy came into Chelle and Tristan’s lives when Tristan was only three months old. They were introduced by a mutual friend and have been together for the last decade. They welcomed a son into the world over four years ago, they bought a house, they’ve fostered many cats, and completed hundreds of LEGO sets. But this may be the biggest and best thing they’ve celebrated together.

Chelle inquired about family photos as well as photos during the adoption hearing. I was immediately on board. Prior to having my own children, I worked in the social work field and attending adoption hearings was one of my very favorite things to do.

We opted to do the family photos before the actual adoption hearing, so we had optimal lighting. It was so fun to see the entire Rose family and get caught up on their lives. Tristan is going to be in the 5th grade in the fall and Miles will be in preschool. When I first met the family, Miles was a newborn baby!

I love how adventurous this family is! There was no hesitation in climbing the fallen tree over the lake. Luckily, I was wearing my hiking sandals, because I was fully in the lake for some of these photos.

The day of the actual adoption hearing, the family wore their specially made adoption shirts--which I absolutely loved. Initially, Chelle had planned for the family to wear those during family photos in May, but there was a delay with the postal service.

Tristan had a large group of family to officially welcome him into the Rose family--include both sets of grandparents and aunts and uncles.

Miles struggled to stay occupied during the hearing, but Jimmy's mom was able to distract him by allowing him to help "film" and "photograph" the proceedings. I don't think there was a dry eye in the courtroom when Jimmy described why he wanted to adopt Tristan. He stated that he loves him and loves spending time with him--from Boy Scout activities and LEGO sets. That hug after the judge declared Tristan a Rose still gives me the goosebumps.

Afterwards the family went the A&W then a nearby park to get a few more photos.

Chelle stated that she was too nervous to eat before the hearing, so the stop at the A&W afterwards for ice cream and chicken strips was very welcomed.

I was so honored to be included in this family's special day. I absolutely love these moments and I'm glad they have photos to remember the day.

Parenthood requires love, not DNA. - Unknown