Adoption
Okay, so Emma's biological father lives in Washington. I met Brian right before Emma's first birthday. He is the only father she has ever known. After we had been married for a while, Brian adopted Emma. Unfortunately, the Navy didn't forward the paperwork on to Indiana so her name would be changed. Emma just finished 2nd grade. For these first 3 years of her education, the teachers have waffled between Emma Gwinn and Emma Grimes. Legally her name is Emma Gwinn. That is the name on her birth certificate. Saturday, we finally received the adoption decree from Portsmouth, VA. We faxed the paperwork to Indianapolis and received a phone call about 10 minutes later saying that the changes had been done and her new birth certificate would be available for pick up anytime! Yay!!!
I have spoke with Brian at length about when we should tell Emma. I really feel that this name changed that has finally went through is an excellent opportunity to explain to her why some of the papers have Gwinn instead of Grimes. Finally, we will be able to tell her everything and answer any questions that she has. She hasn't really asked about the name discrepancy yet. Brian is nervous about the conversation, but I am excited as well. The thing that I am most nervous about is that her biological father does have 2 other children. Emma has a half-brother and half-sister. They live on the other side of the country. I don't know if she will want to call them or what her reaction will be.
Wish us luck!
I have spoke with Brian at length about when we should tell Emma. I really feel that this name changed that has finally went through is an excellent opportunity to explain to her why some of the papers have Gwinn instead of Grimes. Finally, we will be able to tell her everything and answer any questions that she has. She hasn't really asked about the name discrepancy yet. Brian is nervous about the conversation, but I am excited as well. The thing that I am most nervous about is that her biological father does have 2 other children. Emma has a half-brother and half-sister. They live on the other side of the country. I don't know if she will want to call them or what her reaction will be.
Wish us luck!