Green Bay Packers star receiver Jordy Nelson is used to big things happening on Sundays, but this past weekend may just prove to be the biggest yet for him and his family. Prior to playing the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nelson and his wife Emily finalized the adoption of their daughter, Adda Jo, in San Antonio, Texas.
According to his agent, Nelson and his wife first brought their daughter home to Wisconsin in March, but Texas law requires a child live with his or her adoptive parents for at least six months before the process is finalized. On Friday, baby Adda Jo legally became a member of the Nelson clan, and presiding Judge David Canales shared the sweet news on Facebook.
Among the many things I get to do as a judge, one of my favorite is presiding over adoptions. Today I was blessed to…
Posted by Keep Judge David A. Canales in the 73rd District Court on Friday, October 6, 2017
“Among the many things I get to do as a judge, one of my favorite is presiding over adoptions,” the judge wrote. “Today I was blessed to have Emily and Jordy Nelson come before me to adopt little Adda Jo! This is a wonderful couple and a beautiful family. Congratulations to the Nelsons! They personify service and exemplify love.”
This is not the first time the Nelsons have adopted. After the birth of their first son, Royal, the couple learned that they would not be able to get pregnant again. Eager to expand their family, Nelson told the Jockey Being Family foundation last year that adoption seemed like the obvious path forward. In a video for the organization, Nelson opened up about the joy their adopted son Brooks has given them.
“We figured adoption was a great way for us to grow our family,” the footballer said. “I can’t imagine our family without Brooks.”
Now an outspoken advocate for adoption, Nelson said he wouldn’t hesitate to encourage other families to consider the process because, at the end of the day, family is what you make it.
“A lot of people maybe question adoption or whatever it is… but it’s a great way to build a family. It’s a great way to have a family,” he shared. “And it’s no different… you love [the child] the same. You treat them the same. It’s your family, and there is nothing different about it.”
(H/T: WLUK)