Our Adoption StoryJill & Evan

How did you decide to adopt?

We knew as an older couple that having our own children might be difficult. We were always open to adoption. We did do IVF 4 times with no success. We knew that we would love a child whether biological or not.

What made you choose Angel Adoption?

We went to several agencies to “check” them out. We were referred to angel from a couple of people who had great success. After meeting you all we knew right away that we wanted to work with you to become a family.

What were some of the biggest challenges of the adoption process?

Probably the emotional roller coaster ride. The waiting, even though we really didn’t wait that long to get chosen. It was very hard for us to give up that control to you to make us a family.

What were you most nervous about?

Myself, I was most nervous about getting all my hopes up and in the end not bringing home our baby. My husband was most nervous about me not bringing home a baby. :)

What were you most excited about?

Being called MOM and DAD!

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

They supported us fully. They were cautious and really at first just listened to us. After we brought Isabella home my mother in law took a deep breath for the first time in ten months. We had a great support system which is truly needed in the adoption process.

Did you choose an open or closed adoption - and how did you make that decision?

We chose open adoption. We want our daughter to know where she came from. Up until November we have texted back and forth. We have sent pictures of milestones. We felt that children have other obstacles in life, and being adopted should not be one of them. At this time we have not heard from the birthparents.

What was it like meeting the birthmother?

We were nervous, of course. We met the week of Isabella’s birth for the first time. We were all very comfortable. We had dinner with her mother and the birthfather. We got a chance to get to know them and understand how they came to the decision to place their baby.

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

That was a long two weeks. She was to be induced after thanksgiving so we made all our arrangements (they were in California). On the morning of the induction they determined that the baby was small and there might be a discrepancy on the due date. The expectant mother wouldn’t do an amnio so we went to the hospital everyday for ten days. On the Monday morning of Isabella’s birth my husband asked me what I wanted to do. I said go home. Then we got a call saying that she was in labor. We never got ready so fast in our lives.

Describe the feeling of finally meeting your baby.

Walking into the birthmother’s room and seeing this little being laying on her chest was the most incredible feeling we have ever felt. Holding her in the nursery we instantly bonded. We never wanted to put her down.

What is your relationship like with the birth family?

As I said before we did have contact with them for almost a year. After several failed attempts on my part to contact her, I have to believe that she has moved on with her life and wishes to step away.

Would you adopt again?

If we were younger, yes! But we are content in our family. And love Isabella to the moon and back!

What is something you would like to share with other adoptive parents?

Looking back at the entire process you need to know that your child is out there. He/she may not be born yet but the child you were meant to have will find you. Isabella is OURS! I couldn’t imagine having any other child. We know that the unknown is the hardest part, try to be patient and believe that you are meant to be a mom and dad.