TRAVERSE CITY -- Matthew and Jasta Wermuth were all smiles as they prepared to officially welcome Leanza, 15, and Simone, 11, into their family.
The Leelanau County couple served for more than a year as the girls' foster parents, and the bond between parent and child grew strong.
"We fell in love with Leanza and Simone, they've become part of our family," Matthew, 35, said. "We got to the point where we wanted to make it official."
The deal was sealed Tuesday by Family Court Judge David Stowe, who along with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver presided over Michigan Adoption Day in Grand Traverse County. Ten area families adopted a total of 14 children.
"A lot of times these kids have grown up not knowing what they can count on in a day in terms of the structure, the routine and the people they're involved with," said Janet Kronk, family services case manager for the 13th Circuit Court's family division. "To enter a stable, loving family home they can count on forever is worth more than anything to them."
It's fun living with the Wermuths, Leanza and Simone said. There are other perks, too.
"The food," Leanza said, gesturing to Jasta with a grin. "She makes really good food."
Stowe's courtroom in the Robert P. Griffin Hall of Justice was decorated with balloons and Beanie Babies. The adopted children and their siblings were invited to slam a gavel in front of Stowe and Weaver to finalize each adoption.
Peninsula Township residents Scott and Heather Jaworksi adopted Elijah, an infant given up for adoption by her mother, Marisa Menchaca. Both families were present at the adoption, and both vowed to remain close-knit throughout the child's future.
The Menchacas and Jaworskis were at first nervous about an open adoption, but met each other and grew close. The adoption was facilitated by Catholic Human Services.
"I seriously can't think of anything better than having them adopt my son," Menchaca, 20, said.
The Jaworskis have four children of their own, but they always knew they'd eventually adopt. They're happy the Menchacas will remain connected to the child.
"First and foremost, we all have Elijah's best interests in mind," Scott Jaworkski said.
Long Lake Township couple Jim and Juleen Whall adopted Ty, a South Korean toddler. They previously adopted a baby from China, and were happy to welcome another child into their home.
The Whalls gave Ty a caring place to live, but the process is about more than what they're doing for Ty.
"It's really the other way around; he's doing it for us," Juleen said. "There's just a hole in your heart that's not filled until you see these children."
