It's official! Maria is a Tackett!

Yes it's true. Maria is officially our daughter! And yes, she is a Tackett! In Panama, the Mother's maiden name is part of your legal name and is listed last. So, Maria will be legally - Maria de los Angeles Skinner Tackett! As in the States, the Father's surname is normally used, but the Mother's maiden name is still technically part of your name. The Judge was really nice, and expressed her frustration that Maria hadn't been placed with a family sooner, especially since we've been trying since 2006. The Judge has no part or say in the adoption process until the very end. The whole thing is very political, and very frustrating. But for Maria, it is over. She has a family forever! We know the road ahead probably isn't going to be easy, but we will face it together as a family. We just want to be all together as a family now, today! But that isn't going to happen. The adoption decree takes 3 days (by law) to become official (in case anyone wants to raise any objection). That will be Friday, then on Monday the attorney has to go back to Santiago (hopefully without us) to finnish the process of changing her name, etc. Then on Tuesday, we will get her passport, submit everything to the Embassy, get her medical exam and Lord willing, only wait 2 days for them to get her Visa issued. So we're here another 9-10 days. We miss Hannah, Adele, and Lilly more than we can stand! But we will make it. We have a great deal of support and faith. Maria is doing great - she is so smart and funny! She is a handful - the good kind - and she is picking up some English. Oh an interesting note - we were cold all day today! It was raining and cool and the air conditioning was freezing us - imagine that - being cold this close to the equator! Actually, we've only had one really hot day - the rest have been humid, but cloudy with a breeze. Keep praying for us and all our girls!