Introduction

We decided to adopt on Mother’s Day.

It was the perfect warm spring evening. I sat in my brother-in-law’s backyard quietly watching my niece and nephew laugh and play on the swing set in the back yard. Earlier in the evening they proudly presented my sister-in-law with cards made with construction paper, glue, glitter and great swirls of Crayola colors. One looked like flowers. The other I’m not so sure.

I kept thinking about how I stopped taking the pill 17 months ago. Seventeen times I wondered if a baby was growing inside me. And 17 times I was disappointed.

“Honey,” I said, approaching my husband Mike, who stood alone, staring blankly in the direction of the kids. “Maybe we should adopt a child.”

“Sure.”

As with all major life changing decisions we made together – to move in together, to get married, to buy a house – it came easy. We both knew at that moment that adopting was right for us. No more discussion needed. We were ready to be parents. We were tired of waiting. Let’s get on with it.

I wish I remembered what else we discussed standing there in his brother’s backyard. The only thing I remember is that a great wave of warmth flowed over me, and a knowing smile creped across my face.

Next Mother’s Day was going to be different. I was going to be a mom.

This is our family's story, as recorded in the journal I kept during our Incredible Journey.