Adoption Day builds families
Twenty-one-month-old Parker Katherine Seyler officially gained three brothers Friday.
The tiara-wearing toddler was one of 28 children who took part in Adoption Day at the Butler County Courthouse.
The group ceremony is a tradition started by Judge Kelley Streib, who said there was nothing like this in the county when she adopted her two daughters in 1999 and 2004.
“This has been a day of miracles,” Streib said. “There were so many tear-jerking stories. Like there was one woman who adopted a daughter here at the Butler County Courthouse 30 years ago and she adopted another child here again today ... I saw grown men brought to tears today because they were able to adopt their child.”
Strieb said she believed the celebration — which included food, activities and gifts for the children — was the largest in county history.
Strieb said more than once during the day she overheard court staff say, “We’ve seen angels here today.”
Parker was adopted by Kayla and Greg Seyler, who live near Chicora.
Kayla Seyler said the boys in the family are biological children. But the family felt it had more love and room to give to another child.
As a surprise to everyone, when Parker arrived first as a foster child, Kayla found out she also was five weeks pregnant.
That child, now 1-year-old Koah, 5-year-old Holden and 3-year-old Ezra each donned a T-shirt at the event that read: “Parker Katherine is happily ever after.”
