Our Adoption StoryJessica & Michael

Beginning Our Adoption Journey

Adoption was something we had always talked about, even back when we were dating. It was a shared dream that bonded us and something we felt called to pursue. However, the road to parenthood was not easy for us. After experiencing three heartbreaking miscarriages, our hearts ached. We wanted nothing more than to expand our family, but the grief of losing those pregnancies was overwhelming. During this difficult time, we were inspired by friends who had adopted through Angel Adoption. Their experience was so positive and their joy so genuine that it gave us hope. We reached out to Angel Adoption, and from the first conversation, we felt certain we were on the right path. The support, guidance, and warmth we received from the team reassured us that this was where we were meant to be.

Starting our adoption journey was exciting and nerve-wracking all at once. Our friends and family were so supportive, eager to learn more about adoption just like we were. Being the first ones in our family to adopt made it feel like a new adventure, but it also came with a lot of questions and unknowns. Yet through all the uncertainty, we felt surrounded by love and encouragement. We knew this journey wouldn't be easy, but our hearts were ready. We were ready to find the child meant to be ours.

The Emotional Roller Coaster

As we waited, we had a few opportunities early on, mostly for three-year-old boys. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right. I was pregnant at the time, and as much as it hurt to say no, we trusted that the right opportunity would come. Tragically, we lost that pregnancy, which only added to the emotional turmoil we were already experiencing. Everything felt heavy, and we found ourselves questioning whether our dream of building a family would ever come true. The waiting was hard. The disappointment was harder. But we kept our faith and continued moving forward.

A Sign from Above

After 14 months of waiting, we received the call we had been praying for. Angel called us with an opportunity that seemed almost too perfect to believe. The call came on what would have been the due date of the daughter we had lost. It felt like a sign from God. When we shared this with Noah's birth mother, Emily, she was deeply moved. She said she felt like her decision to place her baby with us was meant to be. That moment solidified our bond with her. We continued building our relationship, exchanging messages, and getting to know each other. We found common ground that connected us even more deeply, and our appreciation for her bravery and kindness only grew stronger.

During a day date meant to take our minds off the waiting, Emily called to let us know she was in labor. We scrambled to pack our bags and caught the next available flight. On the plane, we decided we would name the baby Noah, a name that means "rest." It seemed fitting, given the comfort and peace he was already bringing to our family.

Meeting Noah

We arrived, expecting to stay for a few days, but our trip ended up lasting three weeks because Noah was in the NICU. The anxiety of not knowing how things would unfold was overwhelming. We prayed constantly for Emily's health and well-being, as well as for Noah's. Although we missed his birth, we believed that it was meant to be that way. Emily needed that private time with her best friend by her side, and we were grateful she had that support.

When we finally met Noah in the NICU, he was peaceful and sleeping. Seeing him for the first time was a moment of pure joy and relief. The nurses were kind enough to capture photos of our first meeting, which are something we will treasure forever. Holding him in our arms was a moment of healing and fulfillment. We were overwhelmed by gratitude, not only for Noah but also for Emily and her incredible bravery and compassion.

Since Noah's birth, we have continued to keep in touch with Emily. During the first year, we exchanged updates every month. Now, we reach out to each other every couple of months. She follows our journey on social media, likes our photos, and remains a part of Noah's life in a beautiful and meaningful way. We're also grateful that we had the chance to meet up with her in December and are looking forward to celebrating Noah's birthday with her in July. We are incredibly thankful for the bond we share with Emily, and we are committed to sharing everything and anything she wants to know as Noah grows up.

The Biggest Challenges

The most challenging part of this journey was letting go of what we thought our family would look like and embracing what it was meant to be. Adoption is a path full of uncertainty, but it's also filled with immense joy and purpose. Working through our grief and allowing ourselves to accept this journey for what it was brought us the greatest gift we could have ever imagined.

For anyone considering adoption, our advice is to seek out others who have been through the journey. The support and understanding of those who have walked this path before are invaluable. Trust the process, even when it's difficult. Your child is out there, waiting to become part of your family. And when it happens, every setback, every heartache, and every moment of doubt will be worth it.