John and I were both 19 when we started dating. We always talked about becoming parents one day. After getting married in 2008, we decided in 2010 that we were ready to start a family. After six months of trying without any results, my concern grew, and I decided to consult a doctor. While doctors usually wait a year before checking for infertility, mine agreed to start testing early.
Courtesy of Rhonda
At first, we tried natural methods like tracking my cycle, but nothing worked. Medical tests showed that I had low progesterone, so I started taking medicine. Every negative pregnancy test hurt deeply. In 2012, we saw a fertility specialist. More tests showed the same problem, and stronger medicine didn’t help. My body just wasn’t responding, and doctors called it “unexplained infertility.” IVF was the next option, but it was too expensive and uncertain, so we decided to stop and consider adoption.
Courtesy of Rhonda
Adoption runs in my family, and even before we were married, John had said he was open to it. He told me, “I just want to be a father.” In 2012, we began researching adoption agencies. We chose Catholic Social Services because of their care for both adoptive and birth families. The paperwork was intense health checks, references, background checks, and detailed questionnaires but I felt ready to become a mother.
Courtesy of Rhonda
After our home study, we joined the adoption pool. We had some hopeful matches that didn’t work out. Then, in January 2014, we were matched with a birth mom having twin girls, but she changed her mind after giving birth. We were heartbroken.
Courtesy of Rhonda
Four months later, we were contacted by another birth mom. We connected right away. Her baby was due in late June. We hurried to the hospital the day he was born and made it right on time. John was in the room and even cut the umbilical cord. As soon as I laid eyes on our son, an overwhelming sense of love washed over me. We stayed the night at the hospital and took him home the next day. Six months later, his adoption was finalized.
Courtesy of Rhonda
A few years later, we wanted more children. In 2018, we were asked to foster our son’s biological sister, and we said yes. Later, her birth mom asked if we’d also take her other son. We were surprised but agreed.
Courtesy of Rhonda
In just one night, our family grew from three to five. It was overwhelming but joyful. We finalized our daughter’s adoption in 2019 and were preparing to adopt our other son. The road to parenthood was hard, but I’m so thankful we never gave up.
