Dressed to Impress
When the family was finally expected to be in court, they were very nervous. But, they were also excited to hopefully finally seal the deal and make Hunter a member of the Palmer family. Everybody made sure to dress their best, and baby Hunter looked absolutely adorable in his sweater and dress shirt.
His parents were hoping to put everything behind them and finally be able to move on with their lives as a family unit.
Whatever It Takes
When the family finally had their court date, they had already been together for 17 months. While this may not seem like a long time, when you're a parent creating a bond with a baby, it feels like way more.
The thought of having to give up this child whom you've spent over a year caring for is unbearable. However, Tyler and Mandi were a power couple and they were ready for whatever it would take.
The Best Cure
Tyler was still dealing with symptoms of PTSD from the time he spent serving in Afghanistan, and Mandi was still battling her own issues.
But for both their physical and mental pain, Hunter was the best medicine. He was “both of our reasons to fight the health battles that we have been given,” Mandi said.
Making it Official
“It was very emotional, in a good way,” Mandi would later say. “We had all of our family and friends there. At the end of the court process, the judge announced Hunter’s new legal name.”
But, this wasn't the only emotional moment that would happen for the family, as Hunter would also want to have his voice heard, with all due respect.
Hunter Shares His Thoughts
As the judge read the adopted decree and the parents were becoming Hunter's official parents once and for all, Hunter looked up at Tyler and yelled "Dad!" He began clapping and made audience members cry. It was a meaningful and heartwarming moment for all. And best of all, it wasn't scripted. Mandi shared “It was very emotional, in a good way.
We had all of our family and friends there,” Mandi says. “At the end of the court process, the judge announced [Hunter’s] new legal name. And they read the adoption decree and that’s when Hunter looked at my husband and he said, ‘Dad!’ “