13 heartwarming photos of children getting adopted

Every year, approximately 435,000 children in the U.S. are in foster care and 110,000 need adoptive homes. The process is often long and emotional for everyone involved. So, when the big day arrives when an adoption is finalized in the court, it’s definitely a cause for celebration.

Each of these moments are special and touching in their own way. We want to celebrate these new families, because we can’t get enough of the love and joy they share through social media. We’re sure these photos will capture your heart, make you smile and maybe even make you grab a tissue.

The ‘Official’ Family T-Shirt Photo

What better way to celebrate adoption day than a new family picture with totally cool family t-shirts? The Cooper family of Pennsylvania couldn’t wait to show off their new son and their growing family after the adoption was finalized.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZEKRQwBzY3/?tagged=adoptionfinalized

Sharing A Legacy

Adoption photographer @reksphotos captured this gorgeous moment for the Sexton family. Their beautiful daughter’s smile shows her excitement, pride and love. What a lovely moment!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeGyENaAyYI/?tagged=adoptionphotography

Love At First Sight

Sometimes, a photo captures a moment so emotional, it makes the heart melt. Photographer Joanna Ballentine was there when adoptive mom Ashley met her infant son for the first time. This is the embrace of a mother who has been waiting years to share her life and her heart with her child. Stunning!

https://www.instagram.com/p/zm9uwOl5Me/?tagged=adoptionphotography

Emotional Airport Reunion

A little boy from the Congo was clearly excited to be reunited with his papa back in the U.S.! His adoptive mom brought him home to stay, and dad was waiting for them at the airport. Tomorrow’s Memories Photography was there to capture the reunion. What a beautiful memory preserved forever.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeGQXxchfSr/?tagged=adoptionphotography

Waiting Is Hard

There’s a lot involved in the adoption process, right up to the official adoption day. This little guy is waiting for the hearing to finally end and make him an official member of the Jones family. We bet it was worth the wait!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcS4HwaB4fX/?tagged=adoptionphotography

And Baby Makes Five

Lyschel and Garren Burket had four children when they decided to become foster parents. When their prayers were answered, baby Miles came into their lives and they knew he was meant to be part of their family. They went through the adoption process and you can see how happy the entire family is to welcome Miles to the “Burket Circus.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYgrGpxgdR6/?tagged=adoptionphotography

Super Seven

Remember the story of the “super seven?” Josh and Jessaka Clark of Georgia adopted seven siblings! With a three-year-old son already at home, they grew into a family of 10 overnight. Talk about a house full of love.

Courthouse Cheers

Photographer Sarah Mariel captured another courthouse celebration when little Ben cheered after his adoption was ruled final by the court. Aww, that smile is just too much.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXHCZXcBm96/?tagged=adoptionphotography

When Grandparents Become Parents

Jennifer Sue Photography was at the courthouse when friends of hers finally gained full adopted custody of their grandchildren. The little girl hugging her new daddy is pure love.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLPVW3KjNrK/?tagged=jennifersuephotography

Family Love

Sophia Grace Davidson clearly has a mom and dad who adore her. After 567 days in foster care, the adorable little girl got her forever family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWOrpgTANwP/?tagged=adoptionphotography

A Disney Adoption Surprise

What better place to celebrate an adoption than at Walt Disney World? Well, how about it being a surprise?

You may remember the story of Courtney and Tom Gilmour, who waited three years to get word about adopting their foster children, Janielle and Elijah. Well, the couple got some exciting news before leaving for their trip and decided to surprise the kids. The rest, as they say, is viral history.

A “Grand” Introduction

There’s an undeniable, special connection between a grandmother and her grandchild. And, when they meet for the first time, well, it’s magical. Photographer Melody Battista was there to capture that first moment for a family when mom and dad brought their adopted baby to meet grandma.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXy-a9HAyZs/?tagged=adoptionphotography

Tissue Time

Some pictures just don’t need much description. An amazing, poignant moment for a new family. Thanks to savvysistersphoto for sharing this gem.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH0WElOAOo3/?tagged=adoptionphotography