Dawn & Kyle's Adoption Story

Dear American Adoptions,

We, like so many others, have gone through infertility, miscarriage, etc. Then, one day in the beginning of October 2002, 1 drove by a sign that talked about adoption. I took that as a sign. After all, we just wanted to be parents. It didn't matter how. Then, one day shortly after I saw the sign, Kyle brought up adoption. Another sign. I did some research and found American Adoptions. I found the site to be well organized and have a lot of information so I gave them a call and spoke with Shawn Kane who was very helpful and knowledgeable. We met the criteria and so I filled out the initial application and ourjoumey began. This was late in October (2002). We continued to go through infertility treatments as well. We figured, why not have our 'eggs' (so to speak) in more than one basket .... one way or another, I felt strongly that we were going to be parents in 2003.

Once we got the paperwork, we couldn't wait to dive right in and get moving. We had been told that the homestudy was the most treacherous part; especially in NJ where you have go to through fingerprinting which can take seemingly forever to get processed. It actually wasn't too bad and we became activated in the middle of January, 2003. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I am HORRIBLE at waiting and when you adopt, that is one thing that you have to be prepared to do. We knew that we could be waiting 6 months, 12 months, etc., and never dreamed for a minute that our wait after activation would be not six months, but approximately 6 weeks!

Next to our wedding day and the call that led to the actual birth of our babies, probably the most exciting day of our lives was when we got the call for the match. I (Dawn) work from home ... EVERY DAY. When did we get the call for the match? The day that I was in training in the office. During the lunch break, I called Kyle to tell him that he was on his own for dinner since I wouldn't be getting home until late and that is when he told me. Thankfully, Carla (one of the social workers) had ALL of our numbers so was able to reach Kyle. When he told me, I was STUNNED. I couldn't concentrate the rest of the day and didn't sleep that whole night. We were so excited and totally STUNNED that not only had we been matched in under 2 months, but the birthmother was 33 weeks pregnant with boy and girl TWINS! I truly have to thank Carla Flack for her professionalism during that time. She is supposed to focus on the birthmothers, but I think she spent just as much time with me and it was greatly appreciated.

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of emotions and activity. After all, I had to convert a guest room to a nursery for Twins! During that time, I also got to talk to the birthmother which was great! Then, at 3am EST on March 20, 2003, we got the call that the birthmother was in labor. Thankfully, we had already packed and were able to get on a flight a few hours later. We met the birthmother I 8 hours later and got to see our treasures that same night.

It's funny ... I can hardly remember a time when I didn't want to be a Mom and the fact that I am as I predicted, in 2003, isjust a miracle from God. We were literally 3 days away from starting IVF when the call came for the match and thanks to that call, we no longer have to endure the up's and down's and uncertainty of infertility treatments. We have our family. Every day as I look into their eyes, I know that everything happens for a reason and that these were the babies that God meant for us to have. We thank God for this blessing, the birthmother for her courage, and American Adoptions for helping our dream become a reality.

Sincerely,

Dawn & Kyle and Gavin & Kendall