Choosing Adoption

For the better part of the year, my husband and I have talked about having baby number two. I have had a wide range of emotions from fear to excitement, but what I know is this: my mind, heart and body are ready.

In just a few short months, my little man will be 6 years old. Even after all of this time, I still can't believe that I am someone's mother. And even more so, I am the mother of a beautiful, brilliant, sweet little boy who truly loves to learn about the world around him. The question that has come up for me more often than not is, "Why mess up a good thing?"

I wholeheartedly love my family of three. And like most couples who have just one child, you always wonder what it would be like with two.

Parenting is hard. Period. And now that we have an independent little boy, it's hard to think about having a newborn in the house again. Because the reality is that there will be countless diapers and loads of laundry, sleepless nights, sore nipples and no rhythm or routine like we have now. Nevertheless, I can see us as a family of four.

Even before our son was born, my husband had a strong interest in adoption. We have spoken about it a lot over the last few years and to be honest, it is still a possibility even as we talk in depth about having a second child. I must admit, I am a bit selfish. I want to be pregnant again. I want to carry another child of my own. But I know that families are sometimes brought together in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. Many families choose adoption due to fertility or health issues. But there are also healthy women and families that choose adoption as well. So I am in fact leaving my heart open to adoption.

Have you ever considered adoption? Why or why?

​Barna Group (2014)

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While I have only begun to research the adoption process, I am looking to speak with other families who have chosen to adopt. I want to hear about their personal experiences, challenges and fulfillment.

Because November is National Adoption Month, I will continue to pray about adoption as a choice for my family and for those families who choose adoption, as well as those who allow adoption to choose them.

If you want to learn more about adoption in North Carolina, please contact the following resources and agencies:

• Adoption.com (North Carolina)
• A Child's Hope
• NC Kids-Adoption & Foster Care Network
• Children's Home Society of North Carolina
• Forever Family