Dozens Of Philly Families Expanded On National Adoption Day

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia celebrated National Adoption Day on Friday, ceremonially creating dozens of "instant" families.

A Mummers band played and the new families smiled as 30 foster children were officially adopted into new families.

Sheena Johnson was planning a celebratory dinner to welcome tw-year-old Malachai to the family.

"Finally," she sighed.  "I've had him since he's a day old, so today it just made it official.  I'm so happy, so blessed -- he's brought joy to our lives and I'm so happy."

Brenda Cohen's partner adopted Cohen's 8½-month-old daughter Jaquilyn, making them the family they always wanted to be.

"It's awesome, it's finally official," Cohen (at right in photo) said.

The celebration in Philadelphia Family Court featured face painting, balloon artists, pizza, and too many smiles to count.

Reported by Lynne Adkins, KYW Newsradio 1060.