The previous one and a half year has been nothing less than a whirlwind for our family. For so long, we had prayed for one more child to complete our family. After our final round of fertility medicine failed, the doctor gently told us there was nothing more to try. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving 2016, we made peace with the idea of raising our two beautiful daughters and letting that dream go.
But just one week later, everything changed. I decided to take a pregnancy test just to make sure and there it was: two pink lines. We were shocked, overwhelmed, and overjoyed. Our miracle baby was on the way.
Then on March 2017, my husband’s men’s group at church learned of a young couple expecting a child but unsure they could raise her. The moment my husband shared their situation, my heart knew we were meant to help. Just eight months earlier, we had supported another mother during her child’s early months. This felt like God’s hand again.
Following meaningful discussions, the couple took the remarkable, generous step to request that we adopt their daughter. We agreed immediately even though I was already 24 weeks along with our miracle baby, who was also a girl.
After six weeks, in June my baby Aubree was born. Her birth mother insisted I hold her first. In that quiet moment, staring into her tiny eyes, I knew she was ours. Then, just seven weeks later, our youngest daughter Emsley, arrived after a long and difficult birth.
Under ten months, we went from a family of four to a family of six. It wasn’t easy that two infants just seven weeks apart brought sleepless nights and double the tears but watching them grow together has been the greatest blessing.
One of our biggest concerns was how Aubree’s grandparents, dear friends from our church group would feel. At first, emotions were mixed , but grief over the change in family ties. Through open conversations and prayer, we built something beautiful. Today, “Honey” and “Grandpa” love all four of our girls equally, showing up for birthdays, park days, and countless small moments.
Individuals frequently wonder why we decided to adopt during pregnancy. My answer is simple: because God asked us to. He knew our story wasn’t finished. Aubree and Emsley were the essential elements we didn’t realize we were lacking. Their big sisters adore them, and strangers often think they’re twins, something the girls find endlessly amusing.
Adoption will always be part of our story, and we’re proud of it. We don’t know what God might ask of us next but we’ll never say ‘never’.
