Emi’s Day in Court

Emi’s Day in Court

Today was a great day, celebrating God’s providential goodness in brining Emilia Ann Capranica into our home.  It’s official, she’s a Capranica. When Emi came to us, it was just after losing Lizzy.  We took her in, being told that it was highly likely she would only be with us a short time.  She’s now family.  What a joy. Once again, we packed out Commissioner Bradley Snell’s courtroom in Temecula and heard him tell us that under the law she is viewed as our natural born daughter with all the rights, duties, and responsibilities as parent and child. Here’s the video (the volume is bad, you’ll need to turn it up): Many family and friends could not come today – we missed you more than you can know.  We’re so thrilled with those who could.  Perhaps the video will give you a taste of our joyful day.  Thanks to all who made it to the court, to all who have prayed and encouraged, and to all who stopped by to celebrate afterward. Here’s all of us singing “Happy B-day” to Emi (her birthday is next week – 2 years).  Brie was just as excited as...
A New Addition

A New Addition

[YouTube Video] On Tuesday of this week we received a phone call regarding fostering a 2 day old little boy who happens to be Brie’s half brother.  Gladly we picked up little David Andrew from the hospital and brought him home.  Oh yeah, and it happened to be my 40th birthday.  Pretty great gift. So, we begin the process again of fostering a little one who may actually become a part of the family.  The Lord’s will be done for his glory.  Until we know, we’re enjoying every...
Finally a Father

Finally a Father

Yesterday I became a father. The road to fatherhood for THE CAPRANICA was a tad different than what many experience. Our daughter was born at 3:25 a.m. January 15, 2007. A year and ten days later, I finally became her father. Unfortunately, I did not go to the hospital when she was born. Actually, no one told me that she had been born. I didn’t find out for seventeen days after her birth that she had arrived. I never had the privilege to see her through the glass window where they take the newborns for ecstatic fathers and family to smile and stare. We took no pictures of mom, dad and infant in the delivery room after her birth. No family was present when she entered this world, and within hours, the woman who gave birth to her would even walk away. She was sick and needed ten days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to detox from the methamphetamines and marijuana that were found in her blood as well as to be taken off of the ventilator and oxygen necessary to sustain her life. Even after little Brie was allowed in our home, the authorities would not allow me to be considered her father. In fact fatherhood for me and Brie would require months of paper work, court hearings, conversations with multiple social workers, lawyers and other state mandated and sanctioned organizations. Prior to Brie’s birth, my wife and I were required to attend over thirty hours of classes, just so one day we could actually be allowed to officially be called her parents. Multiple social workers had...

Altrogge Interview on Adoption

Mark Altrogge, a well-known Sovereign Grace pastor and song-writer gives an interview about his experience in adopting both and infant and an older child.  You’ll find great comments here about the gospel’s impact in parenting. from hope to reality » Blog Archive » Interview with Mark Altrogge: The Gospel and Adopting Older Children | the adoption blog of carolina hope christian adoption...