Forever Home: 13 Children Adopted By 9 Oakland County Families On National Adoption Day

PONTIAC (WWJ) - It's a big day for hundreds of young children and families across the country — including in metro Detroit.

At a National Adoption Day celebration in Oakland County Circuit Court, 13 kids were adopted by nine family amidst pronouncements, applause and tears of joy.

"Today is the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one for our family," said Chandra Harris who, along with her husband, adopted Jayden Antonio Otis. He'll join three siblings and a dog in his new home.

"We get to move forward like we've been; loving on him and watching him grow. He's come so far."

Josh Redder was choked up as he shared the emotional story why he and husband Justin adopted Lilly Mae and Jay.

"Well, my husband grew up in the foster care system," Redder told WWJ's Mike Campbell. "And he actually aged out of the foster care system at age 18. He is a foster care worker and a social worker, so...we had to. How could we not?"

"It's completion," he added. "Our family of four is finally complete."

Ryan and Elizabeth Gebbs adopted Bentley, coincidentally on his birthday. He's the fourth child adopted by the Gebbs family.

"We've been blessed to have Bentley for two years now and we're finally able to finalize the adoption and have him permanently in our home," Ryan Gebbs said.

Bentley was shy when asked about the big day but did say he's looking forward to Chinese food for lunch along with chocolate cake to celebrate.