Hello friends and family! We're so thankful that you've visited our (tax deductible!) adoption fundraising page. Whether you're able to support us financially or not, we appreciate that you've taken the time to read about this chapter in our life. Here's what's new with us: Having children has always been the plan for us, so it was difficult to learn earlier this year that we are unlikely to have children of our own. While fertility treatment was an option, we both felt immediately drawn to adoption. Over the past eight months we've met with half a dozen agencies, attended multi-day training sessions, and filled out seemingly miles of forms. We've felt incredibly supported by our family and friends through all of this, and for that we are endlessly grateful. We're pursuing infant adoption, which is likely what you're most familiar with. The birth mother approaches our agency while she is still pregnant, and the agency helps her select a family. Once selected, we meet the birth mother, develop a relationship over several weeks or months, and take home our new child right from the hospital. It is likely we'd have an ongoing open relationship with the birth mother, though interactions could vary depending on the circumstances. So here's the thing–adoption is expensive. Typical infant adoption costs are around $28,000 to $30,000. We've saved up a lot to provide for our child, and there is a federal tax credit that helps, but the upfront cost is what's so challenging. We're applying for grants, but we wanted to give friends and family a way to help, too. If you're able to give, thank you so much. If not, your support and prayers means just as much.
