ALFRED — They’re family ”“ and with each pronouncement Wednesday by York County Judge of Probate Robert M.A. Nadeau, their relationships were further strengthened by the legal bond of adoption.

A total of 16 children were adopted into 10 families at the probate court as the county marked National Adoption Day.

It was a day for laughter and hugs, and in some cases, for a stray tear as a family member recalled the lengthy path on the way to adoption.

Inside the courtroom, the adoption pronouncement was precise and serious and the mood rather quietly joyous ”“ except, of course, in an instance or two when the exuberance of infancy made itself known in a high pitched wail or shout.

Babies will be babies and toddlers will be toddlers. And now they ”“ and their older counterparts ”“ are legal sons and daughters of families who have chosen them.

Not all adoptions Wednesday were of young children. Kaleb Dell, now the legal son of his Nana and Papa, Donna and Norman Dell, is 14 years old and soon to be 15, and like many his age, awaiting the time when he can start driving. The family lives in West Newfield. 

“It’s been a long process” to adoption, said Donna Dell. 

Kaleb has lived with his Nana and Papa for about two years, and had lived with the couple when he was younger, she said.

How’s Kaleb feeling about the situation?

“Good,” he said.

The Grant family of Buxton was feeling good, too. It was the day when they legally welcomed Khloe Sophia, 3, into the clan. She has lived with Shannon and Jason Grant since Jan. 31, 2013, when she was 16 months old.

Khloe was the couple’s first foster child; they have two biological daughters, Lauren, 22, and Haley, 14. 

“Immediately we knew if it were possible, we’d adopt her,” said Shannon Grant, moments before the official adoption ceremony was to begin.

“I can’t wait,” said Jason Grant.

Khloe may be the couple’s first foster child but she isn’t their only one. The couple fosters Jezzie, 14, as well as a 13-month-old girl and a 16-month-old boy.

“It’s like starting all over again,” said Jason Grant.

What’s home like these days?

“Madness,” he said, laughing at the antics that come with a house full of children.

The adoption ceremony is the legal bond that comes after much work. Prospective parents must pass background checks, provide references, undergo home visits and a host of other requirements.

Nadeau said some children in the adoption process come from what he described as very sad circumstances, and through the efforts of those who work with the Department of Health and Human Services, are adopted into loving homes.

“This is the culmination of a wonderful transition for these children,” Nadeau said of the adoption ceremony.

Nadeau said the court hears adoption cases throughout the year, but tries to schedule a large number of cases on National Adoption Day. York County Probate Court began observing the special adoption day in the late 1990s, when it was first instituted, he said.

National Adoption Day falls on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, but is marked on various days by various courts before or after that day. Cumberland County held National Adoption Day last week.

York County Manager Greg Zinser pointed out that more than 100,000 children across the country wait for families in foster care, and said 26,000 annually “age out” of the foster care system without a legal family. 

“I want to encourage you to make a difference in the lives of these children who so desperately need and desire families,” he said. “Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to consider foster care adoption.”

Staff at the Registry of Probate saw to it that there was a celebratory feel in the air following each formal proceeding ”“ an anteroom was filled with balloons in colorful hues and festive home”“baked treats.

Asked how she felt about the proceedings, Khloe’s oldest sister, Lauren, looked over at the blonde, little 3-year-old, who wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about.

“I love her,” she said.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324”“4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282”“1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.