'Meant to be': 3-year-old boy's joyful adoption photo goes viral

PHOENIX (KABC) -- It took 832 days, but a 3-year-old boy has finally found his forever home -- just in time for Christmas.

Michael's adoption took place in Phoenix, Arizona, on Dec. 20, Tara Montgomery told ABC News. Michael had been living with her family for more than a year.

"Michael was placed with us on Feb. 14, 2015, when he was 18 months old. We were his third foster family," Montgomery said. "His original case plan was reunification with his 'bio-mom.' When that plan failed, a new plan was set. As a single parent, I was not looking to adopt, just to help kids during transition."

Montgomery's daughter Dae Brown posted a photo of Michael on Twitter. It has been re-tweeted over 55,000 times.

Montgomery told ABC News that she and her family had an instant connection with Michael, and the adoption was "meant to be."

"This photo is the definition of his personality," she added. "He couldn't help but let everyone know that he was being adopted today. We are so happy to have Michael in our lives."

ABC News and KTRK-TV contributed to this report.