We placed our embryos for adoption through the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program, and this is our story.
After one IVF cycle that resulted in 19 embryos, two embryo transfers, and the birth of our three children, we knew our family was complete. That realization led us to a difficult and deeply personal question: What should we do with our remaining 14 embryos?
For us, discarding them was never an option. We had seen firsthand what these tiny frozen embryos could become. Donating them for research also did not feel right. We wanted to give them the chance at life.
Through conversations with friends and nurses, we learned about Snowflakes. From our very first interactions, we were met with compassion, patience, and understanding. When it came time to review adoptive family profiles, we were immediately drawn to one couple. In fact, they were the very first profile we saw. The similarities between our families were remarkable, and we felt an instant connection. We wondered if we should wait and look at additional profiles, but our hearts already knew.
On Christmas Eve in 2011, we called them to share that we had chosen their family and in that moment, our family grew.
After their first embryo transfer, they called to tell us that three embryos had been thawed and two had been transferred. One did not survive the thaw. We cried; mourning the loss of one embryo while celebrating the hope carried by the two that did. Later, after their first ultrasound, they called again with news that brought both joy and sadness: one heartbeat. Once more, we experienced a mix of grief and gratitude.
Months passed, filled with phone calls and emails, until we received the call that changed everything—they were expecting a baby girl.
That October, before their daughter was born, we traveled to visit them for a weekend. From the moment we stepped off the plane and were greeted with hugs and open arms, we knew our lives had been forever changed. This couple and their extended family had become part of ours.
We spent meaningful time together, both with their families and privately. One moment stands out vividly: sitting beside her on the couch, my hand resting on her belly as I felt her baby daughter kick. It was surreal, emotional, and incredibly beautiful. She was due on December 27, and we eagerly awaited her arrival. We looked forward to seeing her first photos, hearing about her milestones, and watching her grow. We were already making plans to bring our families together so our children could share a lifelong bond.
While there have been moments of sorrow and doubt along the way, we knew this was the right decision.
We were not going to raise 14 more children ourselves, but through embryo adoption, we were able to give our embryos a chance at life and offer another family the gift they longed for so deeply. To be able to know them, support them, and remain part of each other’s lives has been more meaningful than we could have imagined.
This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and we cannot imagine our lives any other way.
Do you have an embryo adoption or donation story? Send your story and photos to us! Post them yourself via Facebook, 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.
Recent Comments