After the adoption of our first son from foster care, we knew our journey with adoption was not over.
Becoming his parents changed us in ways we never expected—it expanded our capacity for love and opened our eyes to the many ways a family can be built. At the same time, we also hoped to experience pregnancy and to give our son a sibling close in age.
Our second son is biological, and his arrival brought so much joy to our family. Around that time, the world was in the middle of COVID, and like so many things, our plans to pursue another adoption were put on hold. Agencies slowed down, travel became uncertain, and everything felt paused. We focused on raising our two boys and settling into life as a family of four. For a while, it truly felt like our family might be complete.
However, over time, we found ourselves revisiting the idea of adoption. It was not a sudden decision; it was something that gradually resurfaced through conversations and reflection. Two years later, with two healthy, growing boys, we felt ready to explore what expanding our family might look like again.
When we began researching our options, we assumed we would pursue either a traditional domestic adoption or possibly an international one. Embryo adoption was not something we had previously considered. That changed when we connected with Snowflakes. From our very first conversation, something about the process felt right. Even though it was unfamiliar, we both felt comfortable taking the next steps and learning more.
As we moved forward, one thing we felt strongly about was having an open adoption. Our oldest son, due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, does not have that opportunity with his biological family, and we have always been aware of that. For this adoption, we hoped to create a different experience that allowed for connection and openness over time.
What we did not anticipate was just how meaningful that openness would become.
We met our placing family for the first time over a FaceTime call, beginning what would quickly grow into a genuine relationship. During that conversation, they mentioned where they lived, and we were surprised to realize we already had a trip planned to that exact location just two weeks later. It felt like an unexpected but special coincidence, and it helped establish an early sense of connection between our families.
As we continued getting to know each other, it became clear that this was more than just an adoption process. We were not just welcoming a child into our family; we were also gaining connections with people who would continue to be part of our lives in meaningful ways. Over time, that has grown to include relationships with extended family members who care deeply about our child.
We ultimately adopted three embryos and moved forward with our first transfer, choosing to transfer two. Those early weeks were filled with hope and anticipation. We were overjoyed to learn that both embryos had implanted, and for seven weeks, we carried two babies.
When we lost one of the babies, it was incredibly difficult. It brought a mix of grief and gratitude—grief for the baby we would not get to raise, and gratitude for the experience and for the life that continued to grow.
Six months later, we were thrilled to welcome our son, Theodore. His arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter for our family, one that had taken many unexpected turns to reach.
Today, our relationship with our placing family continues to evolve. It is not something with a clear roadmap, and we are learning as we go. What we do know is that it has added a unique and meaningful layer to our lives—one built on mutual respect and shared connection.
This journey has been different from anything we originally imagined, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. We are deeply grateful for our son, for the path that led us to him, and for the relationships that have grown along the 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.
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