After the longest 19 months of waiting the Langford family of Hatch Bend, can ever remember, Annie, who has a smile that will melt your heart is officially their daughter.

Her adoption was finalized by Lafayette County Judge Harlow H. Land, Jr. on Wednesday, May 11. Land told those in attendance that the placing of children in good homes is one of the most rewarding things he does as a judge in the Third Circuit. Land has served as judge in Juvenile Court for Lafayette, Columbia, Taylor and Dixie counties throughout his 20 years on the bench.

Land commented on the long process and shared his obvious joy that Annie’s adoption had come to a close with a happy ending.

The action was carried out in the midst of adoring family members, dad, mom, older sister Tiffany and grandmother R.V. Stephens, the family attorney J. Daniel Marsee, Rana Montoya of Children’s Home Society and Shirley Meade, Guardian ad Litem.

Cindy said Annie won their hearts the moment they laid eyes on her when they were called to the hospital as her foster parents when Annie was two days old.

Allen and Cindy recalled that first night with Annie, “We were called to the hospital to pick her up and we rushed to get her even though we didn’t have any of the million and one things that a newborn requires.”

“No one in the Langford house slept very much that first night as we watched over this tiny six pound baby girl that had come into our lives so unexpectantly,” said Cindy.

The Langford family left the judge’s chamber with a light step and a smile on their faces as they made their way to the clerk’s office to record the birth certificate declaring that Annie Diane Marie Langford is now and forever their daughter.

Cindy said, “it’s a moment of incredible joy that we wanted to share with others that have watched the long journey.”

As Allen, Cindy, Tiffany and grandmother R.V. gathered Annie close to them it appeared the journey was forgotten as they shared the present with the newest member of the family.

As for Annie…..her grin said it all, she was home to stay!