Nick, Carol, & Abby’s Adoption Story

It is a true blessing to actually be able to say the words, "I have an adoption story to share with you!" Our journey with adoption actually began in March 2003. After 4 years of infertility, we contacted a small agency within our state and within a few months were activated with them. After 3 years of waiting for a call that never came, we lost our patience and knew that there had to be something better out there.

In January 2006, I picked up the phone to call American Adoptions for the first time. I still remember the phone call with Wade Morris so well. He literally talked to me for an hour or more sympathizing with me over my disappointment with our current agency and answering all my questions relating to their agency. I had never talked to someone about adoption that was so understanding, knowledgeable, and patient with me over my concerns and fears. Wade was so inspiring that my husband and I immediately agreed to sign up with the agency.

We were appointed Laurie Walker as our Adoption Specialists. Laurie was the sweetest and kindest person to talk to. She was so helpful in completing our paperwork, giving us ideas for our profile, and reviewing the APQ with us. On April 25, 2006 Laurie informed us that we had completed all our criteria and that we were officially activated. During our wait we had much anticipation but Laurie provided us with lots of encouraging feedback and support during this time.

On March 1, 2007 (exactly 10 months after being activated), we got the call from Sara Dippel, an adoption specialist that worked with the birthmothers. We couldn't believe our ears that a birthmother named Staci had actually chosen us and at the sound of those precious words, tears of joy just streamed down my face. It was such an astounding moment in my life that I will never forget. Sara reviewed the situation with us and informed us that the Staci was due on March 18th. We had only two weeks to get prepared for our new arrival. Sara was so amazing during this part of the process. She assisted us with all our fears and prepared us for the conference call. When we received our conference call, we were truly amazed at how easy the conversation seemed to flow. There was an apparent true connection in our call that lasted for an hour and 15 minutes.

On March 17th at 6:07 a.m. we got the call from Sara telling us that "your birthmother is in labor!" We jumped out of bed and rushed to pack the car for our 11 hour drive. We cruised down the road stopping as little as possible. We spoke to Sara often informing us of our birthmother's progress. Staci was quite an athlete and progressed through labor extremely fast. At 2:20 p.m. Sara called with the news that "you have a daughter!" A range of emotions struck me deep in my stomach as I started to cry. I was so happy, nervous, scared, and anxious. We still had a 4 hour drive to get to the hospital and we desperately wanted to get there as fast as possible.

Upon arriving at the hospital, a nurse escorted us to a birthing room. There we waited alone for a few moments to meet our little girl. We were pacing the floor and our minds were wondering so many things. Then, the door opened and a nurse along with the birthmother's mother, Holly, escorted the most beautiful and precious baby into our room that we had ever laid eyes on. She was so tiny with an amazing head full of long dark hair. I immediately hugged Holly and was overcome with emotions. We were so grateful to her daughter and family for finally allowing us to have a family of our own. We asked Holly about Staci's well being and were pleased to learn that she had done so well through labor and was resting comfortably. We picked up our little girl and were holding her within our arms….it was an amazing feeling! Holly's husband also joined us within a short time and they shared with us more about their family. They were the most incredible people that we'd ever met. Holly had put together a small photo album of Staci. It contained pictures of her growing up through the years and pictures of Holly, David, and even her little brother Dustin. Holly had also made the most adorable rainbow colored keepsake blanket. They touched our hearts so deeply during this short time of sharing with one another.

The hospital staff was very nice to us as well and allowed us to stay in a complimentary room with our daughter that we named Abigail Lynn. The birth family allowed us to keep Abby in our room during our entire stay. That first night I just lay in the hospital bed and stared over at her sleeping. I was on a full adrenalin rush and couldn't do anything but gaze at her perfect little face and dream about sharing our lives with her.

The next day we were grateful to finally meet Staci, the birthmother who made our lives complete. She was a young, shy girl that we will always honor, love, and respect. Staci and Holly showered Abby and us with so many wonderful gifts. We will always cherish each and every gift and look forward to sharing them with Abby as she grows older. We cannot provide enough kind words to American Adoptions for connecting us with Staci and her family. American Adoptions was there for us every step of the way to answer our questions, calm our fears, provide guidance, and give us the encouragement we needed. We have been incredibly blessed with our little angel from God through American Adoptions and by the brave sacrifice of our birthmother, Staci. All of you will forever be in our hearts!

Love Nick, Carol, & Abby