Kellan's Adoption Story

 

We finalized all our adoption paperwork for a third time when Jessa turned 1 year old.  We wanted so much to bring another little one into our home. We signed up once again with LDS Family Services and spent a lot of time perfecting our profile, which would be presented to expectant mothers.  Over the next 2 1/2 years we spoke with over 30 young women who were contemplating adoption for their baby.  We also flew to Ohio to adopt a little girl where our hearts were broken when we were not able to take her home due to some unforeseeable reasons.  The months following were very difficult and we started to strongly consider changing to a different agency, but our caseworker convinced us to stick it out just a little bit longer.  She helped us change a few things in our profile and gave us renewed hope.

A few months later we recieved an email from an expectant mom in Utah.  She said that she was strongly considering us and she wanted to take our profile down and put it on "Firm Hold" until she made her decision.  Later that week we got a call from my good friend from high school who also had an active profile with our same agency.  She told me a crazy story. She said she was contacted by a girl named Kieran, but because they were now pregnant they had decided to give our email address to her instead.  Kieran was surprised to find our names in the email and then explained to my friend that she had been trying to contact us, but she couldn't find our profile anymore.  Kieran decided to email us anyway and we started getting to know each other through email and Skype.  It was fun to see how similar we were and for them to allow us a glimpse into their lives during this very difficult time.  Over the next couple of weeks we found out that she was also emailing 10 other couples and we explained to her that we were still being considered by another expectant mother in Utah, but we both decided to continue to get to know one another.  Another week went by and we had started to feel a deep connection with Kieran and her family.  We were amazed by Kieran's strength and faith in knowing that this is what she felt was best for her and her baby.  



At the end of the week we found out that Kieran wanted to choose us to raise her child.  It was so surreal and we were cautiously excited, but because we were on "'Firm Hold" with the young woman in Utah, who was still considering us, we wanted to make sure that this was what was right.  For the next day we put a lot of thought and prayer into trying to make the right decision.  Ultimately, we had a very personal and a very spiritual experience where we knew that the right choice was to adopt this precious baby boy.  We told Kieran that we were thrilled that she had chosen us and they were happy that we also felt like this was the right decision.  Once again we were amazed by Kieran's strength and selflessness.  We then continued to get to know each other and made plans to meet a month before the birth of her son.

 

We met at a park for the first time.  It was like meeting old friends and we had fun meeting them in person.  We said our goodbyes and we continued to keep in touch with them through email and Skype.  We then got "the call" from Shauna, Kieran's mom, telling us that Kieran would have her baby that day.  So we started packing like crazy people and we looked for flights, but there weren't any flights until later that evening, so we decided to drive.  We all jumped in the car and we were making really good time until Michael got pulled over when we were about 2 hours away.  Right after the cop issued us a speeding ticket, Aaron, Kieran's dad, texted us telling us that Kellan had been born and that both he and Kieran were doing well.  The next 2 hours seemed to drag on and on.  We finally made it to the hospital and Kieran exclaimed as we walked through the door, "Finally, you guys are here," as she handed Kellan over to me to hold for the first time.  Each of us took a few minutes to hold that sweet little baby boy before giving him back to Kieran.  We talked and laughed for a little bit longer and then we left to let Kieran rest and snuggle with baby Kellan.

Over the next 5 days we went to visit Kieran, her family, and baby Kellan in their home.  We really got to know them and we became really good friends.  Even though it was very difficult to leave each night with empty arms we are so grateful that we got this extra time with Kieran and her family so that we could show them how much we love her and her son.



We will never forget that cold Monday morning in that church building on placement day.  After we all signed our paperwork we gathered together, had a prayer, and Kieran placed baby Kellan in our arms.  We had gotten to love and care for Kieran and her family.  Even though it was very difficult to see how hard this was for them we were excited beyond belief.  Our hearts ached for them.  Through the tears we hugged each other tight and before they left we promised to see them every day that week until we were cleared to go home. Michael and I then took turns holding our son for the first time as his Mom and Dad.  Those are the moments you never forget.  We are so grateful for Kieran and her family.  We know that it wasn't a coincidence that we all found each other. Kieran will forever be loved for the opportunity she gave us to be Kellan's parents.