Our Adoption Story
How it all began...
How We Decided to Adopt
After facing infertility issues, we explored several options to grow our family, including IVF and foster-to-adopt. The emotional and physical toll of infertility treatments was overwhelming, and we found ourselves continually drawn back to the idea of adoption.
Adoption had always been a possibility we considered. The thought of providing a loving home to a child in need resonated deeply with us. After thorough discussions and lots of soul searching, we knew deep down it was the right path for us. The decision brought us a sense of clarity and purpose and reinforced our desire to become parents.
Choosing Angel Adoption
Our decision to work with Angel Adoption was a result of our trust and familiarity with one of the company founders, Sharon Ahmann. Sharon is the mother of a close friend who had always spoken highly of Angel Adoption. Growing up around Sharon and hearing about her positive experiences with adoption made us feel confident in Angel’s ability to support us through this journey.
Our Emotional Journey
As we embarked on our adoption journey, we experienced all the highs and lows of an emotional rollercoaster. We were filled with excitement and hope, but also lots of uncertainty. While we were thrilled to take those first steps, we also felt overwhelmed by all the unknowns involved in the adoption process.
Adoption may be a concept that many people are aware of; however, few truly understand the complexities involved. Sharon’s constant reassurance to "trust the process" became our mantra, helping us stay grounded during challenging times. Our friends and family were incredibly supportive, eagerly anticipating the day we would become parents. They were so excited for us at times, we had to temper their enthusiasm as we navigated certain intricacies of the process. We didn’t want to get our hopes — or their hopes for that matter — up too high.
A Two-Year Wait
As we waited to be chosen, we tried our best to be patient while eagerly anticipating the call that would change our lives. For two years, we were not chosen by a birthmother. This also meant that we didn’t experience any disrupted adoption plans, which, in retrospect, was a blessing. Looking back, this waiting period, along with our need to trust the process, were the biggest challenges we faced, but the unwavering support from our family made a significant difference.
As we approached our two-year mark and received a contract extension, an immediate opportunity arose to adopt twins. The call came while Karen was at work. We had to travel to Michigan immediately.
Once we were there, we did not have any contact with the expectant mother for three days because she was not communicating with the adoption professionals. This added a layer of stress and uncertainty. At the same time, we understood that it was an emotional time for her as well, so we tried our best to patiently wait and see how everything would unfold.
Eventually, we were able to meet our babies. The relief we felt was indescribable. Despite their birthmother only signing a temporary consent form and the babies being in the NICU, we chose to meet and bond with them, believing that everything happens for a reason.
Our New Life
Meeting our babies for the first time was a mix of overwhelming joy and cautious optimism. Their birthmother had not yet relinquished her rights, and we still had to get through a revocation period, but we wanted to start loving our babies right away.
We were open to any level of post-placement communication, but we were thrilled when the birthmother ultimately decided she wanted an open adoption with us. We have maintained regular contact with her since, which has been a positive experience for everyone involved.
Adoption has brought immense joy and fulfillment to our lives, and we are open to the possibility of adopting again in the future! Our advice to other adoptive parents is to be patient, trust the journey, and lean on the support of loved ones. The wait is worth it. The reward of becoming a parent is wonderful beyond measure.