As we begin the stages of adopting a baby, we are excited to learn that after 16 years together there are new adventures on our horizon!
We always imagined that we would grow our family through adoption and even discussed the desire in the very early days of our relationship. After discovering that we would not be able to have children of our own, we realized that adoption would be the only way to make our dreams a reality. Allowing ourselves time to experience and express our grief before jumping into the adoption process, we put our energy into each other and into properly educating ourselves about adoption. The more we learned, the more excited we became about the possibilities. It really brought joy back into our lives and reminded us of all that we have to share.
One of the most common questions we’ve been asked is, “why is adoption so expensive!?” The average cost of adoption can range between $25,000 - $50,000 and is outside the financial reach of most families. The bulk of domestic adoption fees are related to the adoption agency and include home study fees, background checks, legal fees and education courses. The fees ensure that we are physically prepared to adopt and that we meet all of the requirements of the process. There are also fees once we match with an expectant mother. A good adoption agency prioritizes the health and well-being of the expectant mother and offers her continued assistance. This can include prenatal care, counseling, transportation, legal representation, delivery expenses and anything else she may need.
This is why we have set a goal of $35,000. We would be extremely honored and humbled if you would consider donating. We hope that by inviting you into this process, you will see yourself as part of the community we aim to build around our child as he or she grows up. We also want to say that we have no expectations and do not want anyone to feel pressured to contribute financially. Many of you have been, and continue to be, there for us emotionally and that means so much more than you know.
Adoption is big. It's scary, heartbreaking and beautiful. Adoption takes a village and we are so grateful to have you in ours.
With lots of love, Timmy and Kayla Goddu
Hello!
The last time we shared an update, we had just transitioned to a new agency after learning that our initial agency would be closing its doors permanently at the end of 2022. It’s been important for us to work with an agency that prioritizes ethical placement and is dedicated to finding the most suitable family for a child, rather than simply matching a child to a family. Discovering the second agency was a huge relief for us, as they checked off all the boxes on our list and made us feel incredibly at ease.
We began the dreaded paperwork phase once again. Every aspect of this process is time-sensitive, with many documents expiring within six months to a year. Naturally, several of our initial documents had lapsed, so we spent the next several months completing additional paperwork, scheduling appointments, undergoing fingerprinting, and so forth.
I'll refrain from delving into the intricacies of in-state versus inter-state adoption programs or the reasons behind our new agency's requirement for us to find a placing agency in addition to working with them. Let's just say, we were faced with yet another significant decision and
ultimately decided to part ways with that agency.
The following months were consumed by intensive research, endless phone calls and emails until we eventually found another agency, this time located out of state. With fingers crossed, we hoped that "third time's the charm" would ring true, and that this agency would be the final one. Due to a surge in applicants, we had to wait several months before we could even submit our application. Nevertheless, our application was accepted, marking the beginning of yet another round of paperwork
At the beginning of 2024, we had officially made it further than we had with any other agency. It felt as though we were finally making progress. However, in mid-January, our world was turned upside down when Timmy suffered a grand mal seizure - a moment of fear and uncertainty that caught us completely off guard. After enduring months of exhaustive medical evaluations, Tim was diagnosed with epilepsy. In the wake of Tim’s seizure, our adoption plans were put on hold. Tim’s health and well-being became our sole focus, overshadowing anything else.
I’m happy to say that Timmy is now doing very well. He’s back at work, back to driving and being his fun-loving self. We have been diligently finalizing (and updating) paperwork with the hopes of completing a home study in the not too distant future. While it’s been a challenging journey filled with uncertainty and adjustment, we’re so grateful for the support and care we’ve received from our loved ones, employers and medical professionals.
As things start to settle down and find their rhythm, I’m looking forward to sharing more of our journey along the way. It’s okay to hit pause on plans when life throws unexpected curveballs your way. What matters is supporting each other through the highs and lows.
We’re close to having our application/home study paperwork completed but unfortunately, underestimated how many time-sensitive documents would be required for this part of the process.
As a result, we’ve had to push back our timeframe as we obtain proper documents (birth + marriage certificates, driving records, financial statements, life insurance policy, family history), schedule the necessary appointments (medical, background checks, etc.), write our autobiographies and then have everything notarized! 🤪
We’re still confident that we will be on track to submit our paperwork before the end of summer, complete our home study by late fall/winter and become “active” by the end of the year.
Thank you to everyone that has supported our fundraiser so far. The cost of adoption is one of the most difficult parts of this process and your support is helping in ways you can't imagine!
xo Kayla + Timmy
