On National Adoption Day, 12 families grow in Pierce County courtroom

Kim and Tony Baumann knew they couldn’t let go of 12-year-old Tahlea Garcia, their foster child for the past nine months.

“I fell in love with her,” Kim Baumann said. “She stole our hearts.”

In Pierce County Juvenile Court in Tacoma, Kim Baumann pledged to love and care for Tahlea, to see her get married some day and have a child of her own.

The Baumanns adopted Tahlea, who with the approval of Judge Thomas Felnagle officially became a Baumann on Friday.

Surrounded by balloons and cakes, 12 families gathered for the observance of National Adoption Day and to finalize the adoptions of 15 children.

“This is a story today about happy endings,” said Juvenile Court administrator Shelly Maluo. “We all know that if kids are in happy homes, they thrive better and are more successful.”

Tahlea, who’s been in foster care for two years and doesn’t know the whereabouts of her birth parents, said she likes her adoptive parents.

“They’re nice,” the seventh-grader said.

The Baumanns have been foster parents for 12 children at various times over the past 10 years. They have four grown children of their own from previous marriages. And they have a 17-year-old foster girl living with them at their home in Graham.

But Tahlea was their first opportunity to adopt.

“It’s our way of giving back,” said Tony Baumann, 47.

“And it’s rewarding,” said Kim Baumann, 54.

The celebration was a combined effort with partners including the court, Children’s Home Society of Washington, Wendy’s Inc., and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, named after the Wendy’s founder.

Nancy Sutton, of the state Department of Social and Health Services, praised all those waiting in the court lobby at Remann Hall to adopt.

“It’s an incredible commitment,” said Sutton, a regional administrator for children’s services. “You are making lives better today.”

Felnagle said there are about 1,500 children in Washington who have legally lost their parents and are waiting to be adopted.

About 10,000 children in the state are in foster care.

“We need to let people know there is a crying need for adoptive parents,” Felnagle said.

National Adoption Day, which occurs today, spotlights that need and the good that can result.

Dottie and Grant Cole of Olympia waited patiently Friday to adopt Grant’s brother’s two daughters, Harley, 3, and Hailee, 2. The Coles have been foster parents for their nieces for two years.

“Mom and dad were not able to take care of them at this time,” said Dottie Cole, 51, who has two grown sons from a previous marriage.

She said she wanted to adopt the two girls “because I love children.”

“I feel wonderful,” she said, taking turns holding the girls in her lap. “I have my two little girls, and they’re healthy.”

Inside a courtroom, the Baumanns and Tahlea raised their right hands to be sworn in. Friends, family and case workers teared up as Kim Baumann promised to love Tahlea. And Felnagle asked Tahlea if she agreed not only to be cared for but also to care for the Baumanns some day when they are old.

Tahlea agreed.

Those who’ve worked with the Baumanns praised them as parents.

“I have to say this is one of my favorite families,” said Jo Rash, a social worker with Social and Health Services. “Tahlea has blossomed under their care.”

Felnagle gave Tahlea a framed certificate and had her pick out a teddy bear from the bench, near blue balloon bouquets.

He then let her officially seal the adoption by pounding the judge’s gavel and pronouncing, “Court’s adjourned!”

After finishing the paperwork, Kim Baumann said to Tahlea, “Now, I suppose you want to go to the mall.”

“Yeah,” Tahlea replied.

“It feels good,” Kim Baumann said. “It feels like it’s meant to be. Like the journey’s just beginning – again.”

Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647
steve.maynard@thenewstribune.com
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