I always have known I wanted to adopt. After our first in vitro success and subsequent miscarriage, we attended an adoption seminar. I just wanted to open all doors. I admired friends of my husband’s family who foster-adopted three children after their own three biological children were nearly grown.
I admired friends of mine who after struggling with infertility adopted a baby boy and later adopted two more babies. I admired other friends of ours who also struggled with infertility. Rather than embark on the traditional adoption journey, they opted for embryo adoption. I will never forget her calling me to share the news that not only were they pregnant, but pregnant with twins! I had never heard of embryo adoption until our friends went through it.
The IVF cycle that led to my children was my third attempt at in vitro. We had eighteen eggs, fertilized that day, and all eighteen became viable embryos according to our doctor. On transfer day, all eighteen were still going strong. Two were transferred and our twins were born. They were healthy and came home with us on Mother’s Day.
Then the unexpected and wonderfully happy news that our youngest was on his way a few years later, without the help of any fertility treatments!
I said to my mom, “I think the best solution is to place our remaining embryos with another family so they can fulfill their desire to be parents!”
I knew it was time to start exploring our chosen path: Snowflakes Embryo Adoption. By going through Snowflakes, my husband Ryan and I had complete control with who the embryos were placed with and likewise they had to agree to match with us, as well. A lovely couple was presented to us. They shared a beautiful online album showcasing their life, their struggle, their families, and most importantly their love. We felt an immediate connection and knew they were going to be the parents of our embryos. They officially adopted our embryos a few months later and they transferred two. She tested eight days later with a perfectly POSITIVE blood test! Nine months later their precious baby girl arrived.
I was not prepared for the rush of emotions I experienced upon learning the news of their pregnancy. So amazing. We did it. We gave these perfect little embryos a chance at life and this little girl was most definitely meant to be. For us, there was no other choice.
I often look at the twins and wonder how they got to be the lucky two of eighteen that were chosen to be mine. How could we not give the others the same chance at life? Simple decision for us; difficult and unimaginable for others. The miracle of life is most amazing! Thank you to our adoptive family. You are a blessing to our family and to the little miracle you carried inside of you.
Do you have an embryo adoption or donation story? Send your story and photos to us! Post them yourself via Facebook and Twitter or email us your story and we will make it available on our Family Stories page, found on our website.
Email Paige@nightlight.org and help another family build their embryo donation or adoption story.
To learn about embryo donation and adoption, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.
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