JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — Nineteen Southeast Texas children were officially adopted Friday at the Jefferson County Courthouse, coinciding with National Adoption Day and the upcoming holiday season.

The adoptions brought together families in what Judge Randy Shelton of the 279th District Court described as a special occasion. The courtroom was filled with joy and tears of happiness.

"This is like the birth of a child. It's just a special day. A new family is being is coming together, you know, the children and the parents, and I know they've all been looking forward to it," Judge Shelton said.

Among those adopted was a one-year-old, who joined the Perez family at just 19 days old. The couple said they could no longer have biological children due to medical complications.

"Due to complic

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