How did you decide to adopt a baby?
It was an easy decision. We knew we could not have children naturally and adoption was the way to go. There was never a question that adoption and having a family was important to us.
Why did you choose to work with LifeLong Adoptions?
We had looked around at several agencies but it was really important to have a place where everyone was welcome. We were always upset about the policies of other agencies being discriminatory. We loved that Lifelong welcomed everyone.
What were your feelings as you began your adoption journey?
Uncertain, scared, and excited. We had never done anything like this and although we have had people in our lives that adopted, we did not know all the ins and outs of adoption. We knew that this was what we wanted and that we were on the right path.
How did your friends and family react to your decision to adopt?
We knew if we were to bring a baby into our families, they would instantly love the child. Everyone was excited, and no one put any pressure on us.
Journey
When we first joined, we were gender specific because we always wanted a little girl. After about a year, we wanted to open that preference up due to it being so limiting.
We got our first opportunity after opening our preference, and we got chosen by a younger expectant mother. We loved getting to know her, but she ultimately decided to parent. We were so hopeful and even had a baby shower. When it did not work out, we took time to work through the emotions of that loss.
Moving forward, it was about 6 months until we received another opportunity. It was an immediate opportunity, so we were told to go and meet our baby. We were so excited. When Tim rushed home from work Kate was already packed and ready to go!!
Describe receiving the call that your baby was being born and traveling to meet him or her.
It was a crazy feeling. We were so excited and got to call all our family members on the way to pick up our baby. This was a dream come true!
Describe the experience of finally meeting your baby.
They wheeled her in and we both felt disbelief and thought “this is our baby” it was the most amazing feeling to be able to immediately pick her up and hold her. IT felt so natural.
What is your relationship like with your baby’s birthmother?
We have a neat relationship with her. We got to meet her in the hospital, and we have a private Facebook where I can post pics of our daughter that only the birth mother has access to. We checked in on each other, and I sent pics and videos to her. She is still a part of our lives.
What were the biggest challenges of the adoption process?
Challenges of the wait can be hard but leaning on each other was what we did that made the journey easier.
Adoption can be a lengthy process — how did you get through the wait?
Leaned on each other, stayed busy but finding distractions
What advice do you have to share with other adoptive parents?
Find a support network and keep your faith in the process. Know that at the end of the journey it was be you and your new baby. Even when you feel like giving up and losing hope, which happened to us at one point, this will work out!