We're Adopting...Finally!

Hello.
My name is Bill. My wife, Shannon, and I are adopting a baby girl soon. Like, in two weeks. We found this out about two weeks ago. It's all very exciting, and long in the making.

We began our adoption journey about six years ago, after having difficulty getting pregnant. We've had some close calls, but nothing panned out, and the years slipped by.

Naturally, just about the time we were thinking of giving up on our dream to be parents and moving on with our life as a couple, we got The Call. We met the birth parents, we all hit it off, they want us to raise their baby. So...we will. Holy cow.

The adoption agency office is down the road from Lambeau Field. When we got the word our match was made, we stopped by and got a celebratory onesie. What else could we do?

We have experienced an incredible outpouring of generosity. Frinds have given us their used clothes, cribs, car seats. (Also advice, natch.) Within a week, we had all the stuff we'd need to at least get started.

Adoption is terribly expensive, though. Legal fees, agency fees. All told, this will run about $25,000. That's just the process of getting to bring the baby home. Then there is everything else: diapers, formula, whatever else babies need. Rattles, I guess. Still figuring that out. We had to get a new car this spring, earlier than we'd hoped. Luckily, we got a good family-type car, so that worked out nicely. I get to be a stay at home dad, so we're doing this on one income.

We have been blown away and humbled at the support we've gotten already. Going forward, the support we need is financial. If there is anything you would like to give, it would be greatly appreciated.

So. We're finally going to be parents, most likely before Christmas. After years of trying, waiting, doubting, wishing. We are thrilled, and terrified. We are, and always will be, deeply grateful for any amount you could offer to help us give our daughter the best start possible.

I thank you, Shannon thanks you, our daughter(!) thanks you.