It is hard to imagine that it will be 5 years ago is just a few short weeks that our family was complete. After many years of unsuccessful attempts to become parents Adoption STAR made our dreams a reality.

There are no words to explain the feeling you have when you hear you have been selected to be forever parents and you hold that little baby in your arms for the first time.

It is so hard to believe that so many years have gone by so quickly… we have enjoyed every single moment! Thank you Adoption STAR!

By,

Dianna and Mike

WHAT DOES ADOPTION MEAN TO OUR FAMILY?

Simply put, adoption has allowed us to complete the family we always dreamed of having.

Ours is a story of fate, love and destiny. Our first meeting took place when we were in second grade. We grew up exactly one block from each other; we went through all our years of school together; and our families were friendly. It wasn’t until some thirty years later though that we realized we were destined to be together and start our family.

From our first date, it was as if the story had been written – we were meant to be together forever. We spent so much time talking and getting to know each other on that first date that we forgot there were others around us; our second date was similar in that we were eating outdoors and didn’t even realize it was raining outside around us. It wasn’t long before we discovered that we liked exactly the same foods, that we both enjoyed traveling, and that we enjoyed watching the same old television shows and movies that other people were probably tired of seeing anymore. Our families were the backbone of each of our upbringing, with big family celebrations at every holiday and birthday. We each grew up with only one sibling; that sibling remains today (aside from each other) each of our best friends in life.

It was exactly one year and a day after our first date that we were married. We each asked only one thing from our wedding – we wanted to be surrounded by our families and our close friends. We started our family one year after getting married with the addition of a new puppy, Webster. In 2003 our family grew with the long awaited addition of our son, Seth Brandon, named in honor of one of our mother’s who had recently passed away. With his birth-name came the very big responsibility to live up to the strong family role model his grandmother had provided. To this day, some seven years later, he has been a source of so much love, pride and joy for us.

We knew we wanted more children in our family as we enjoyed our son and each and every new experience with him so much. Additionally, we wanted another child so that our son could grow up in exactly the same family as we had (i.e., with a sibling) as we both felt so lucky to have the families that we had grown up with. He also asked us repeatedly for a sibling – specifically a sister. He wanted so very much to be a big brother and share everything he had and had learned with a sibling. Unfortunately we were not able to provide that for him biologically, so after failed fertility attempts, we turned to adoption. We both entered adoption with various pre-conceived thoughts, but after taking the classes offered through Adoption STAR and exploring various on-line sites and resources, these were quickly changed. We quickly came to realize that adoption was the road we wanted to travel down. We all had so much love in our hearts to give to another child – we knew we were able to provide the same loving, nurturing family life to a child that we both grew up in and that we have provided to our son.

It was not an easy road as there were a lot of ups and downs emotionally. We knew we could provide such a loving home and life for a child, and we struggled with that fact and the wait time. We discussed the adoption frequently amongst ourselves and with our son, and we always had the attitude that when the right situation came up and the child who needed us the most became available, we would be selected. Our miracle took place on April 22, 2009 when Taylor Ruby was born and joined our family. From that day, we knew we had been blessed with the completed family that we so longed for. Our son immediately became the big brother he so desperately wanted to be. From their first meeting in the hospital, he became nurturing and protective over her in a way that it is hard to believe a child can be – every time she cries or fusses, he is quick to run over to her to see what he can do; sometimes it just takes putting her pacifier back in her mouth when it falls out, while other times he covers her in her blanket to make sure she is warm, and in many cases, he just sings to her, mostly songs that he makes up the words to. To make our story even more bittersweet, Taylor came home from the hospital on her Mommy’s birthday two days after she was born. What a precious present!

In summary, adoption completed our family and gave our entire family, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, the blessing of another life to take care of, watch grow, teach, and just plain love. We share the opinion that life is meant to be shared; there is always more love available in our hearts to share and the blessing that we received through a successful adoption has allowed us to live our dream of our perfect family.

By,

Greg and Robyn

The happiest day of our lives was the day we brought home our son Christian.

We had been dealing with infertility and deciding what avenue to take. We knew we were meant to be parents. We researched agencies over a period of time and Adoption STAR just seemed to jump out at us. Something inside (that little voice called intuition) said, “ this is the right fit.”

We were profiled several times and not chosen. Then were we chosen to adopt a baby nine months prior to Christian, but that did not come to pass. It was a very sad time and confusing, but with the help of our family and support of Adoption STAR we stayed determined that our baby was out there. Many prayers were said by family, friends, priests and us. Little did we know that God had a plan for us soon in the near future.

It was a cold Saturday on December 23rd, and I was at work at the hospital on my 3-11 shift tending to my patients when my husband walked into the unit. I was surprised to see him and thought something happened. Well, something did happen he said, “how would you like to pick up your son tomorrow.” I looked at him and asked him to repeat what he just said. He then went on to tell me that the agency called and asked him what we were doing on Christmas Eve. He went on to tell them our plans for the day and they responded how would you like to pick up your son tomorrow. We hugged and cried tears of joy. All the staff were also in tears and within seconds the whole hospital was aware of our wonderful news. They even called my manager to tell her and she promptly sent me home to prepare for the greatest Christmas present ever. Everything happened so fast, we did not even have the time to tell our families and decided to surprise them. So we Showed up for our Christmas Eve gathering and everyone was so surprised to see our little precious bundle of joy in his red velour sleeper and a hat that said, “Special Christmas delivery.” There were many tears of joy, and it was a very special Christmas.

Adoption is so special, and it touches the lives of many. About a year after I returned to work, a co-worker came up to me and told me her story. She said that our story touched her so much and was so special to her because she was able to see the other side. She then went on to tell me that when she was 16 she placed her child for adoption and it was the most difficult decision she had ever made. She also went on to tell me that in her mind over the years she would question her decision, but at the same time knew that at 16 she could not provide for that child the way she would want to. She told me she was so glad she was working the day my husband came in to tell me about Christian because it made her heart happy and at ease that she knew her choice was the right one many years ago. I felt really moved and honored that she had the courage to tell me her story and that our story touched her as well.

By,

Dina

Ever since I was a little girl the Lord put the desire to adopt in my heart. Ryan and I both felt that it was time to start the adoption process in the spring of 2008. After a few weeks of research without knowing Ryan and I found Adoption STAR separately on the same day. I found them online and Ryan found STAR’s business card on a bulletin board at work. So we knew right away that this was the agency we would use. We were impressed with STAR’s educational program and immediately felt welcomed by the whole staff.

Ryan and I were home study ready by the beginning of August 2008. Six weeks later were received the most wonderful news, our son Jesse “JJ” was born. The next day we were at STAR signing papers and holding our son. It was so comforting knowing that Adoption STAR was there to hold our hands through the whole process.

Our first year with JJ was amazing. Life took on a whole new meaning with this perfect baby that became the center of our world. We talked about adopting another baby in the near future so that JJ could grow up with a sibling. On September 23, 2009 we were celebrating JJ first birthday! That afternoon we received a phone call from our family advocate. She called to tell us the JJ’s full-blooded brother was born 2 days ago and the birth parents wanted the baby placed with us so the brothers could grow up together! I couldn’t breath! JJ received that most wonderful birthday gift, his brother Joah, and Ryan and I received the most precious two boys in the world! Our hearts are so full of love and gratitude! We are so thankful to Adoption STAR, our sons’ birth parents and mostly to God for blessing us with these two beautiful children!

By,

Sarah

We were unable to conceive and, weighing several options and longing for a child, we turned to adoption. We attended a seminar at another agency where we met an attorney who referred us to Adoption STAR. One of my sisters has two children, both with open adoptions and we wished for a similar experience. After completing the application and home study process, we endured several months of waiting and hoping for the call that would change our lives. We were profiled several times unsuccessfully but nine months later, we finally received it. After talking to our daughter’s Birth Mother on the phone and, later, meeting her in person, we knew this was the road we were meant to take. We brought our daughter’s Birth Mother to the hospital on that cool spring morning and I was able to witness the birth of our beautiful and amazing daughter on April 6th, 2002. We, along with her Birth Mother, decided her name would be Madison. The days that followed were not easy for any of us as we rode the inevitable emotional roller coaster that is adoption. Ultimately, we took our bundle of joy home April 9th (“gotcha day”) and began a journey for which nothing but love could have prepared us. Eight years later we’re still overjoyed with the blessing of our daughter and maintain a close relationship with her Birth Mother. We suspect that, at some point, Madison might have a questions that only her Birth Mother will be able to answer. We believe that our relationship also helps her Birth Mom feel at peace with her decision, and see how her birth daughter continues to grow, play, laugh, love, and live.

By,

Amy

When the phone rang at 3:31 on October 2, 2006 I was involved in a team meeting at work. I remember walking to the phone, wondering whom Kathy was and hoping the call would be quick! When I picked up the phone Kathy introduced herself as a member of Adoption STAR and then said, “We found your baby.” I was shocked; we did not know we were being profiled, I fumbled around trying to find a piece of paper to write down the information I was being given. I called Mike and told him about the situation and we both knew that this was our baby! The baby would be delivered the following day in Indiana.

We spent the next 24 hours getting ready for our baby: buying supplies, assembling the pack-n-play and packing for the road trip of a lifetime! On October 5, 2006, my 37th birthday, we were given the most precious of gifts, our son, Jacob. I will never forget the moment we walked into the hospital room, met Jacob’s birth mother and those beautiful words she said, “Would you like to hold YOUR son?” I cried, as she handed me that wonderful little bundle of warm baby, Mike, Jacob and I, had our first family hug at that moment. Those first few days we spent in our hotel room in Indiana getting to know our son were magical. I remember feeling like the world was a brand new place, everything was new, giant gumballs in a machine at a rest stop had vibrant colors, colors that we would one day share and explain to Jacob. Adoption made me feel complete again, and full of life, we have enjoyed every minute of our new life!!

By,

Molly

Adoption has always been a part of my life as I am an adoptee. The only thing that bothered me was not knowing my birth story. When we decided to adopt that was one stipulation I myself had. I wanted to have the medical history along with a story I could tell my daughter when she asks questions.

My husband and I are having a great journey. After we adopted Isabella I found out I was pregnant. I was scared to tell anyone because I never wanted our daughter to think she was a second choice to having a biological child. The first people I told was the staff at Adoption STAR. Yes, I was nervous because we were still going through process and I did not want anything to change. The staff made us feel very at ease and helped us through. Now as we look at our girls we tell everyone we have the best of both worlds. Each of our girls knows their birth story and can tell it back to us. That was one of the most exciting days when we were in the car and they each told their own story.

My advice to all those adopting or thinking of adopting, follow your heart and know what you want. You must be comfortable with your decision and never turn back and I believe this will help your children be strong and confident.

I hope my story was not boring and may help you in your decision. I recommend Adoption STAR to anyone who is thinking of adopting and encourage them to go to an orientation session to get the information and bring family members who may be skeptical.

By,

Jennifer and Randy

Words cannot express what a profound gift we have in our forever family. When Nejari came into our home, our lives, our heart, as a fifteen month old angel we realized how positively blessed we were as a family. He has flourished tremendously into an amazing individual. His birth mother, birth father and family would be so proud. We owe a debit of gratitude to the amazing, selfless Adoption STAR organization for making it all possible. Our lives are now complete. Thank you, Adoption STAR, for your incredible dedication, professionalism and profound love of your mission. You all are so greatly much appreciated.

By,

Rosalind and Sheila

We always talked about adoption as part of our plan to have a family. We thought we’d pursue the biological route first and then start the adoption process. After three years of unsuccessful fertility treatments/IVF we decided to initiate our adoption plan. After investigating MANY agencies (in MANY states) we decided to get the wheels in motion and move forward with Adoption STAR (notice the capital “S T A R”). During an emotional and tumultuous time for us, all the STARS (staff @ Adoption STAR) did all that they could to make this as easy a process as possible. They organized and prioritized all the documentation needed in a way that did not overwhelm us. They literally held our hand every step of the way and carried us through the most difficult challenges. Almost simultaneously we completed our portfolio (May 06’), I finished my last round of IVF (August 06’) and my partner was diagnosed with a brain tumor (September 06’)…the same day we found out I was pregnant. There’s a cliché that we’ve found to be right on…”Life is a roller coaster”. We took a deep breath called upon our resources (family/friends/Adoption STARS) – focused on first things first. By mid-November with the surgery behind us we concentrated on my prenatal care and the baby’s progress….and by some miracle we were chosen by a birth mom to parent her baby girl due the beginning of January. We chose the most OPEN of open adoption and therefore had numerous conversations with our prospective birth mother. We received a call on January 9, 2007 that our birth mother was in labor. On the 14 hour drive to the hospital we contemplated names — “Charlie” was one name we considered after my partner’s dad. We quickly decided that we are too superstitious to continue this conversation and immediately desisted. When we arrived at the hospital we were instructed to have a seat in the waiting room where the parents, children, and friends of the birth mom met us. They told us that she has been calling the baby “Charlie” and just wanted us to know. There are divine moments in life and this, for us, was one. Our birth mom wanted us present at her signing (highly unusual) so we could witness what it took for her to give us the gift of life. We made promises to each other ~ we would always keep her in our hearts ~ we would stand by our word that we would send pictures, letters, and updates. We have. She, her parents, her children are all a presence in our lives and we are forEVER grateful & blessed. We could not ask for a more fulfilling/rewarding ride than PARENTHOOD. However we get there … it is a magical journey.

By,

Suzette

My husband and I decided to adopt after a few years of trying to conceive on our own, with no luck. We attended the orientation session given by Adoption STAR with our families, and were very impressed. We submitted our application and became home study ready by the spring of 2006. Our first year waiting was very slow; we didn’t receive many profiling opportunities. Shortly before our home study was ready to expire, we met with Adoption STAR to go over our grids and our profile. We also met with other families who had adopted children of another race. After talking it over and researching, we decided to change some of our grids, and we renewed for another year.

The second year brought a lot more profiling opportunities. In the fall of 2007 we were matched with a birth mother in Indiana. I was at work, when I received the phone called letting us know that the birth mother had changed her mind, and decided to parent. We were devastated. We had the car packed and ready to go. My husband said the hardest thing he’s ever had to do, was to unpack that car, and look at our empty nursery. We took time off from being profiled, but started up again shortly afterward. We had a lot of emotional ups and downs, and were ready to quit several times.

In the spring of 2008 we decided to renew one last time. If it didn’t happen, then it wasn’t meant to be for us. We were still having a hard time emotionally and were about to call Adoption STAR and say this is it for us, when we got our magical call. I was at work again this time, and I was told we had been matched with a baby girl who was born that day! We were excited, but also nervous, because of our previous experience. At first the birth mother didn’t want to meet us, and then the day before we were to pick up our daughter, we got another call from Adoption STAR. This time to tell us she did want to meet us. We didn’t know what to think. We were so afraid this adoption would fall through too. However, when we walked into the hospital room and she placed her child in my arms and gave me a hug, I knew everything would work out. Our daughter, Brianna is now 2 years old. We still look at her today and can’t believe she is ours. She’s brought so much joy and happiness into our lives. We can come home from a bad day at work and she makes us forgot about all of that.

This past fall, we started thinking about adopting again, and asked for an application. We decided to put it off until this year, so we could get a 3 bedroom apartment or house, and make room for another baby. So when Adoption STAR called just before Christmas, I assumed it was to follow up with us, but that wasn’t entirely true. We were being contacted because our daughter’s birth mother was pregnant again, and wanted to know if we would adopt again. The best part of the news was that this was going to be Brianna’s biological brother!!! While we always hoped for this situation, we never ever thought it would happen! We of course said “YES!!” Our son was born a month later. Shane will be baptized June 2010 and our children’s birth mother will be attending, where she will also be able to meet Brianna for the first time since being born. We are very excited, and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us!

By,

Jennifer