BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Emma Cavner, 18-months-old, sneaks a piece of cake while her mother, Polly Cavner, right, and Lorraine Vazquez, of Minden, watch during the National Adoption Day celebration Saturday at the Brewery Arts Center.
Emma came to the Cavners when she was just 2 days old. She was a Safe Haven baby, meaning her family left her at a location where she would be found.
In July - more than two years after she entered their home - her adoption was finalized, and the Cavners could officially call her their daughter.
"We wanted more children, and there was a need for good homes," said Polly Cavner, Emma's mom. "If you are thinking about (adopting), look into it. You have nothing to lose, and it's totally rewarding."
The Cavner family's tale was one of the many success stories on display Saturday at the National Adoption Day celebration at the Brewery Arts Center.
"We are holding this to honor all our foster and adoptive families and to bring awareness that there is still a need for loving homes," said Marla Morris, adoption supervisor for the Nevada Department of Child and Family Services.
There were celebrations across the state in honor of the day, including a mass adoption ceremony in Reno and two adoptions in Douglas County.
The celebration in Carson City included cookie decorating, cake and punch and balloon animals, all revolving around the national theme for the day: You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.
"People sometimes don't come forward because they think 'I'm not what they are looking for.' But that's what we want is average, normal, loving people," Morris said.
Lorraine Vazquez and her family were among the families at the celebration. In addition to her two biological children, Vazquez has adopted nine children and is currently serving as the foster parent for number 10.
"There's something going on all the time. It's fun. We wouldn't have it any other way," Vazquez said.
While Vazquez said she has known since high school that she wanted a large family, it wasn't until she spoke to friends who had adopted that she decided to go through with it.
"I picked her brain for awhile and then we decided to jump in and do it," Vazquez said.
Morris said it's events like the celebration that really make her job worthwhile.
"I have a real passion for this. When we can make a good match and find a forever family for children, it's worth it," Morris said. "We find families for children, not children for families."
As for the Cavner family, Emma's brothers Kyle, 10, and Carl, 5, said they enjoy having a little sister.
"A little sister is friendly," Kyle said. "They play and laugh, and they are fun to tickle."
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
At a glance
Requirements to become a foster or adoptive parent:
• At least 21 years old.
• Can be married, single, widowed or divorced.
• Must complete required training program.
• Must submit to a law-enforcement check.
• Need to be in good physical, mental and emotional heath.
• Must maintain a clean home free of hazards.
• Must have a stable income to support family needs.
• Must be willing to embrace a challenge.
For more information or to have questions answered about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call 1-888-423-2659 or go online at www.dcfs.state.nv.us/DCFS_Adoption.htm