For seven years, my spouse Adam and I faced challenges with infertility We began our family in 2007 when our first child, Owynn, was born, and we always hoped for at least two children. Growing up in a very large, tight-knit family with 14 siblings, I understood the importance of a sibling for Owynn.
However, after five miscarriages and unsuccessful in vitro treatments, we surrendered our journey to God. We considered foster care as a path to growing our family, especially since Owynn was longing for a sibling, even adding it to his Christmas list and asking many questions. We had many deep conversations about how sometimes God doesn’t answer prayers exactly as we expect.
Courtesy of Stacey Lindsay
After taking an introduction to foster care class, we realized it wasn’t the right fit for our family at that time. The ultimate goal of foster care is to reunite the child with their birth family, and we knew our hearts would struggle with that reality.
Courtesy of Stacey Lindsay
Owynn was heartbroken at the news, but we kept searching for a way to grow our family. By the grace of God, in June we were introduced to an amazing young woman, Kendra, who wanted to place her baby for adoption. It felt like a one-in-a-million chance that she would choose us, but we prayed and hoped.
We decided not to tell our ten-year-old son immediately, as we didn’t want to raise his hopes only to risk disappointment if Kendra changed her mind.
Courtesy of Stacey Lindsay
On December 6, Naylee was born—a healthy baby girl. I had the honor of witnessing her birth along with Kendra’s sister while Adam and Kendra’s family waited outside. When Adam came in to meet Naylee for the first time, I saw the same joy in his eyes that I had seen when Owynn was born.We sincerely feel that God led us through each obstacle, and at precisely the right moment, gifted us with the child we had envisioned—our beloved Naylee Kenmyn Rayn.
Courtesy of Stacey Lindsay
Courtesy of Stacey Lindsay
On December 8, we brought our little girl home to meet her forever big brother, Owynn. Kendra joined us for the surprise, which was important for both her and our family. Owynn was unaware—it ended up being the greatest Christmas present ever. We are absolutely in love with Naylee, often just staring at her in awe of the blessing she is.
Courtesy of Stacey Lindsay
Courtesy of Stacey Lindsay
We sincerely feel that God led us through each obstacle, and at precisely the right moment, gifted us with the child we had envisioned—our beloved Naylee Kenmyn Rayn.
Courtesy of Stacey Lindsay
Owynn says that December 6 is the best day of his life, and he believes God gave him two sisters, Kendra and Naylee. Her birth family has become ours, and our plan is to ensure Naylee always knows who her birth mother is and how special she will always be to us.
