Lynn family involved in National Adoption Day

SALEM – There were smiles abound at the Essex County Juvenile Court Friday morning as 11 local foster families, including one from Lynn, took the final step in welcoming a new child to the family on National Adoption Day.For Lynn residents and long time foster parents Thomas and Mary Ciulla, the momentous occasion meant that 5-year-old Stormy Anne officially became their daughter after having lived with the couple for three and a half years.Stormy is one of 11 foster children the couple has taken in over the years, and while Thomas has a 38-year-old son from a previous marriage, Stormy became the couple’s first child Friday with the signing of an official decree.”My wife hasn’t had the experience of having a biological child,” said Thomas Ciulla. “We have taken in 11 foster children over the years, but when Stormy came along it gave us the opportunity to add to our family and raise a child.”The hallways of the juvenile court in Salem were filled with children and families for the occasion Friday, as kids tossed around miniature Frisbees and compared balloon animals while their eager parents mingled over a light breakfast.With adoption officials at their side the Ciulla family was finally called into the courtroom just after 10 a.m., and the couple beamed with joy as Stormy was called up to the judge’s chair to make the adoption official after a brief session.Donning a pink balloon hat and a toothless smile, Stormy patiently posed with anyone and everyone who wanted a picture, and looked ahead to a day of celebration with her new parents. The Drewicz Elementary School kindergartener said she was “excited” and that she “felt good” about being adopted by her new family before the ceremony began.For Thomas and Mary Ciulla, the responsibility of taking care of a young child later in life has its challenges, but giving a second chance to Stormy is something they are looking forward to in the years ahead.”There are many ups and downs, for me, I haven’t had a little kid around in 35 years,” said Thomas. “But the process of watching her grow has been a day to day experience for us.”Overall, 209 children were officially adopted by 165 families in the state of Massachusetts Friday, including 11 from the Greater Lynn area.Of the estimated 510,000 children in foster care across the country, officials estimate that 129,000 are still awaiting to be adopted.