Families Look Forward To Court For National Adoption Day

By Jeff Todd

DENVER (CBS4)- It wasn't the normal kind of court business in Denver on Friday. Fifty children were adopted by 32 families to kick off National Adoption Day.

"He's thrived since we got him from the hospital," said Perfecto Vazquez about his new son. "It's been 17 months and been wonderful so far, can't wait to see what happens now."

Events are planned for other Colorado counties through the rest of the month.

"We thought we'd enlarge our family," said Beverly Nielsen who along with her husband Ralph adopted their granddaughter Isabel.

"I've been with her since the day she was born every single day and It's just a joy, I just love her more and more I didn't know I could love anyone this much," said Beverly.

"Since she was our granddaughter and she's family there was not much of a debate," said Ralph.

"We didn't even talk about it we just knew. Her birth mother said, 'Will you take her home?' and we said 'yes' and there was no going back," said Beverly.

PHOTO GALLERY: National Adoption Day

Many of the families told CBS4's Jeff Todd while the legal process has been lengthy, the real journey with their children in a permanent home can start.

"Just taking her home and knowing she's ours," Beverly said about the best part of the adoption. "We have great support, friends and church family."

"I congratulate and commend all of the families who are stepping in and stepping up to welcome adoptive children into their home and their hearts, "said Denver Human Services Executive Director Don Mares. "Adoption Day is a celebration of these new, permanent bonds. It is also a reminder of the dozens of children in Denver who still need warm and loving homes and the opportunity we all have to change the life of a child through foster care and adoption."

CBS4's Ed Greene hosted the event.

LINK: The Adoption Exchange

Jeff Todd joined the CBS4 team in 2011 covering the Western Slope in the Mountain Newsroom. Since 2015 he's been working across the Front Range in the Denver Headquarters. Follow him on Twitter @CBS4Jeff.