WASHINGTON -- There were lots of smiles on lots of faces, as dozens of families celebrated National Adoption Month.

Thirty-four new families were on hand to make their adoptions official. A special ceremony was held in the atrium of the Carl Moutrie Courthouse in Washington.

Angela was adopted by Katherine Johnson.

"I'm happy I have a mom that's always going to be there for me," said Angela.

"I'm just so overwhelmed," said Johnson. "I could just cry, because now I feel I'm going to have her in my life full time."

D'Juantez Brown wrote and read a poem for his adoptive mother, Anita Brown.

"This is my heart, this is my joy," he said.

The attorney who handled their adoption case was also there.

"It was just lovely," said Karen Cleaver-Bascombe. "Unlike other aspects of practicing law, you get very involved with the family. We feel that it's a great victory for the families and for us."

That sentiment was obvious in the smiles and then the tears of joy on the faces of other families, like David and Mary Jaffe and their adopted son, Sam.

Said the Jaffes, "He's a blessing, and really thank God for this child."