This is not only our story it is the story of a birth mom too…

Four months and a lifetime of change!

Our story is not so different from countless others. We tried repeatedly for 12 years to have a baby. After trials and drugs and the heartache of never getting pregnant, we rejoiced at the mutual decision to adopt. And began a search for the right agency to work with – one that was compassionate to us but to the birth parents. And we found American Adoptions. We started the paperwork process in January, 2008 but faced several challenges because of the state we lived in. Kelli at American Adoptions helped us throughout the process and imagine our excitement when in November 2008, our profile was active! We had a delightful exchange student living with us that Christmas so our holidays were busy and filled and we didn’t have time to worry about how long our wait would be. We constantly looked forward to being parents but enjoyed each day. 

On March 27, 2009 we received the most wonderful call in our lives from Kelli! When she called we assumed we had more paperwork to do for our state or profile but instead she let us know that we had been chosen by a birth mom and would we be interested in talking about the baby and perhaps changing our profile some.  Without hesitation, we were happy to make adjustments and we were matched. 

We learned that the baby was to be born in May and that it was a boy. We learned as much as we could from American Adoptions and we were enthusiastic to speak with Tia. That first phone call in early April was so overwhelming for all of us but we managed and arranged another call.   We provided Tia with as much information as she wanted and we offered her as much support as she could handle. Most of all we respected her decisions. 

April & May brought us many opportunities to speak with Tia and exchange many emails. In early May (mother’s day weekend) with support from American Adoptions we traveled to meet Tia. The nerves we all had! The meeting was good for all of us and we met the next day as well before we left town. Tia was not only making the huge decision to adopt but wanted us to be there for the birth to give us the story of his arrival. 

Memorial weekend arrived and we were finishing up our Friday’s and planning on going to visit Tia again when to our surprise and delight, she called to say she was in labor. Within hours we were on the road. Tia called from the hospital ever 30 minutes to give us updates. And we tried in holiday travel to hurry along but made it 20 minutes after he arrived into the world. 

With great excitement we rushed into the hospital and stopped to see how Tia was and give some gifts. The nurses finally took us into the nursery where we were introduced to our new son. Tia had chosen not to meet him or name him so we were fortunate to be able to do so. Espen was the most beautiful baby born that night! 

We held and bonded with Espen over the next few days at the hospital and saw Tia a couple times. Over the next two weeks we would live in a hotel hours away from our home and families. We saw Tia several times and even went with her to court. We were supportive and encouraging of Tia’s decisions. Finally, the second week in June, we were able to head home! 

After so many years of waiting the last four months with Espen have been delightful. Every day he brings us peace and happiness. We are constantly thankful for him and for all the people along the way who helped us.

We are also thankful for those that helped Tia. Deciding on an adoption plan is one that involves every emotion imaginable. Tia gave us a miracle – a beautiful, happy, baby boy. Her loving decision has become our tiny blessing. We still communicate with Tia. We send pictures and letters and email frequently. We celebrate and encourage her successes. And we love Espen every minute of every day.