Nicole's adoption was such an amazing experience for our family. We don't know how to describe the depth of our feelings other than to express gratitude to God and to Nicole's birthmother. She is such a blessing to our family and we love her so much.
Marla got pregnant with our first daughter, Kaila, within just a few months after we decided to have kids. We were very excited when she was born and we planned on having a few more children, each spaced out about two years apart. So when Kaila was one year old we started trying again. It was quite a surprise that nothing happened. The process turned into years of testing and medication, but we found we weren’t able to get pregnant again. So, after much prayer, we decided to adopt.
Here’s how Nicole’s adoption came about - Upon advice from our case worker, we sent out word to all our family and friends that we were hoping to adopt. We planned a trip to visit a friend in Las Vegas. A few days before we arrived, a neighbor told our friend that her daughter was pregnant and considering adoption. Our friend arranged for our families to get together and play games that weekend. It was early in her pregnancy, so she hadn’t decided what path she wanted to take yet, but as time went on, she decided on adoption and that she wanted to get to know us better. Marla flew to Las Vegas several different weekends and took Nicole's birthmother, Rebecca, shopping, out to get their nails done, they hung out and got know each other. Through the process she decided on our family. We wanted Nicole to have a special connection to Rebecca, so we asked her to choose Nicole's middle name. She choose the name Kimberly.
As far as communication after placement, we had agreed on what was then the standard policy at the agency, which was to send pictures and a letter every week for the first month, then monthly for a year, then yearly until Nicole’s 3rd birthday. We also agreed that we would take Nicole to Las Vegas when she was 1 ½ years old to visit. We also maintained contact through email. When Nicole’s 3rd birthday came, we didn’t want to stop sending Rebecca information because we felt so connected to her, so we continue to send pictures, letters and video on Nicole’s birthdays. However, as Nicole has grown, she has wanted to know more about Rebecca, and wanted to meet her. So recently, I contacted Rebecca through email and asked her if that would be okay, and she agreed. Since we don't live near each other, Nicole was able to talk to Rebecca through Skype on the computer. Nicole and Rebecca both loved it. We plan to keep this relationship open, with lots more contact. We are so thankful to have Rebecca in our lives!
Nicole is such a wonderful blessing in our home, and we cannot imagine life without her. We are very humbled to know that the happiness we get by having Nicole in our family comes from her birthmom’s willingness to put Nicole first. We are so grateful for Rebecca and love her very much.
We started the summer with Nicole's dance performance,
followed by a trip to Washington DC.
Kaila and Nicole have some fun in the sun..
and more fun in the sun!
Jared playing games with his girls during some family down time.
Kaila and Jared rock climbing at a family fun center.
Marching in a parade supporting the Families Supporting Adoption organization.
A fun afternoon: sisters float the stream during a family picnic.
Grandpa and Grandma took all the grandkids on camping/off roading trips this summer.
Kaila attended three youth camps this summer. Jared chaparoned a hike during this camp.
It's been a tradition since Marla was little to visit her Grandfather's farm. We still visit each year with all the cousins on Marla's side. The kids say the farm is the best place to use their imaginations. They ride horses, catch frogs and turtles, gather chicken eggs and spend hours outside playing.
Nicole driving the jet ski by herself
