New Beginnings!

October 13, 2012 Scott and I will be celebrating our 5th anniversary.  It's hard to believe that much time has passed!  Over the past 5 years we have both enjoyed fun vacations to the Smokey Mountains, South Dakota, family biking trips in Michigan and more. 

Mount Rushmore, Summer 2011

Hiking in the Smokies, April 2011

Crazy Horse, Summer 2011

Along the way we have also had some adventures in adding a baby to our family. 

After having a miscarriage, we sought the advice of a fertilty doctor.   After some tests it was determined that IVF would be our best bet.  We thought about our options, talked with friends, did some research, and decided that adoption was a great option for our family. 

At first I struggled with the thought, "Will I ever be able love an adopted child as much as I would love a biological child?"  To help me figure out that answer, I felt a nudge to work in the nursery at our church during Sunday morning services.  In doing that for the past 2 years, I have come to realize that I love those children so much and it became clear to me that I could love a child, regardless of whether I carried them or not.

As with a lot of women, when Scott and I talked about starting a family, I imagined myself pregnant and what that would be like.  It took some time for me to be ok with not being pregnant and instead embracing our experience in a different way.

Saturday we celebrated Scott's 40th birthday and we also announced to our family and friends that we have started our adoption journey.  We have taken the plunge into parenthood and we are just starting out on this journey. 

If you know us you know that we enjoy hiking.  We often try the challenging hikes and this seems to be no different!  The reward at the end of the road will be just as wonderful as some of our most difficult hikes and I am looking forward to the hills and valleys just as much.  I know that there will be difficult days ahead, but I am keeping my eye on the fact that we will have a child that has been chosen just for us.

I wasn't sure how our family and friends would react, would they be excited?  Would they wonder why we had chosen this route?  How would they react if we had a biracial child?  Well, on Saturday we received overwhelming support in our decision and it really did feel like we were telling everyone we were pregnant!  It was great to know that we have a support system and that they are excited about our little bundle of joy.

Now we must wait.  Our first meeting with our agency is in June.  It's funny because it almost feels like we are waiting for that first doctor's appointment to confirm our "pregnancy".  It will be an exciting journey and I invite you to enjoy the adventure with us.

I am not sure what the dogs will think about the new addition, but as anything, I am sure they will adjust....as long as treats are involved! 

Molly, Chloe, and Madison, Spring 2011