MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- The couple whose lawsuit toppled Alabama's gay marriage ban say they are grateful, overjoyed and still a little a bit in disbelief.

Cari Searcy and Kim McKeand of Mobile said Saturday they hope this will resolve their nearly nine-year effort to get Searcy recognized as a legal parent of their son. Searcy's adoption petitions were previously denied because Alabama did not recognize their California marriage.

A judge on Friday ruled the state's gay marriage ban was unconstitutional. Alabama is seeking to put the order on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court takes up the issue of gay marriage later this year.

The couple's lawyer says they will object to a stay because the family has waited long enough. The women also plan to refile an adoption petition next week.