Our Adoption StoryCarlo & Julie

How did you decide to adopt a baby?

Like many couples struggling with fertility issues, we had pretty much given up any hopes of having a baby. At some point, we made the decision not to move forward with more treatments and believed God had other plans for us. This is where our adoption story begins.

We are a military family and ended up being stationed clear across the United States from family and friends. This was a hard move for us being away from our family. Although it wasn’t overseas, it felt just as far. You don’t realize how much you depend on family until you don’t have them close. After spending our first holidays alone, we realized how important having a family really was to us. We sat down and talked about our options and decided to adopt.

Why did you choose to work with Angel Adoption?

We were searching for an adoption agency that would accept us as adoptive parents. Many agencies have guidelines they follow when approving a couple, such as age, religion, etc. After much research and some disappointments, we finally found our “Angels” at Angel Adoption. We chose to go with Angel because they are highly recommended and are not biased to your lifestyle, whether it is traditional or not. They also have one of the highest adoption placement percentages. I can’t tell you how happy it made us to find out we were accepted, but at the same time, we were terrified. Thus, began our journey to become parents.

What were you most nervous about?

We were nervous no one would pick us to be their baby’s adoptive parents.

How did your friends and family react to your decision to adopt?

When we talked to family and friends about wanting to adopt they were over the moon for us and super supportive!

Did you choose an open or closed adoption? How did you make that decision?

We waited a longer period of time, which caused us to go back and change our preference to having an open adoption. All I can say to those wanting to adopt is to be open to all ethnicities, backgrounds, and having an open adoption. You won’t regret it!

What was it like meeting your son’s birthmother for the first time?

While we were at the hospital waiting for our son to be discharged, his birthmom wanted to meet us. Of course, we said yes because we wanted to give her a big hug for choosing us. Although she knew she wanted to place the baby for adoption, she needed to make sure we were the right family for her precious baby. From the moment we met her we knew we had a connection. She left the hospital in high spirits, knowing her baby would be well taken care of.

Describe receiving the call that your baby was being born and traveling to meet him.

We got a call that a baby was born that morning, and needed a family. They asked if we were interested and of course I said yes! We were on the road a short time later on our way to meet our baby boy, Greyson. I can’t even describe the moment we met him in the hospital… surreal honestly, it’s still surreal one year later.

What is your relationship like with the birthmother?

We visited with her a few times while we were still in town after the birth, and told her we would stay in contact as long as she wanted! We just text message now because that’s what she prefers. We thank God and Angel Adoption for bringing her to us every day, and we only wish the best for her. Although our communication isn’t as much as it used to be, she is in our thoughts and prayers every single day.

What were the biggest challenges of the adoption process?

The biggest challenge of the adoption process was the wait. Preparing for the baby was a fun way to get through it. That can also be a challenge because you’re not sure if you should start buying things for the baby if you don’t know if it’s going to be a boy or girl, and also because there are no guarantees that you’ll have placement. Also, all the legal aspects have to be followed to a T which is an arduous task. In the end, it is totally worth everything you have to do.

Would you adopt again? Why or why not?

I’ve been asked if we would adopt again… of course we would! Even though it was not the easiest thing in the world, and sometimes difficult and heartbreaking, we would still do it again. I, myself, was adopted as an infant. If my birthmom hadn’t followed through, I wouldn’t have the family I was blessed with and cannot imagine my life without them!

What advice do you have to share with other adoptive parents?

My advice is to be patient and to trust the process and Angel Adoption. Never forget to love one another and don’t let the stress get to you. Pray often and keep the faith! At times it may seem hopeless, but, in the end, it’s joyous. We can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to be parents, at last!!! Everything we had to go through to become adoptive parents was worth it. Trust the women at Angel, they will help you through the process. Having that kind of support makes all the difference.