It was evident early on in our relationship that adoption would be part of our family’s story. Ryan has a beautiful story of adoption along with Alaina’s grandmother fostering over 80 children in her lifetime. And for both of us being pastors, there is something very special about what adoption is, looks like and symbolizes. For us, adoption looks like heaven touching earth. It looks like the over abundant love of Jesus in a tangible way…. In how we will love a child and birth parent(s) as Jesus would.
There was a moment a few weeks after getting engaged, as we sat in a doctor’s office discussing Alaina’s health journey, when the doctor discussed that biological children were not going to be in our future. There was this moment that our eyes met, both confident in knowing that God had other plans in co-creating our family’s story. And that plan is the journey of adoption.
Our intention is to invite our family and friends to be PART of this journey of adoption WITH us. Whether that is through PRAYER (praying for us daily for wisdom and discernment and safety + health of our future child and birth mother), or ENCOURAGEMENT (continually encouraging us along a journey that can sometimes feel overwhelming and stagnant), or GIVING (through financially donating through this tax deductible platform) we want you to join us in our journey.
One recent statistic by Adoption Network says that â…“ of all Americans consider adoption, however, only 2% of all Americans actually adopt mostly due to the financial cost. According to NYTimes.com, adoption costs can be up to $40,000 and in some cases exceeds this number.
We wanted to update you on where we are at in the process. We’ve talked with numerous adoption agencies and were even approved to start the journey with multiple agencies. We have been learning so much about what is involved in bringing our child home. From educational classes, supporting the birth mother with essential needs and financially partnering with an agency and attorney. As we decide upon a home study and agency that aligns best with our values in the process, here is a breakdown of what our financial liabilities and commitments will be:
_ Home Study & Agency Fees : these will be 50% of the cost of adoption and due within 30 days of signing with an agency (our immediate need is fundraise this portion as it's the next crucial step in our adoption process)_
Legal & Attorney fees will be the remaining 50% of the cost of adoption and due when there is a placement of our child
There is an African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” While we were researching and understanding the meaning of this proverb, we came to the conclusion that it's really about the values, responsibilities and life experiences that help to shape and influence the child.
We invite you to help be a part of our “village” and hope you’ll join us on this journey home for our child.
We will continually use this platform along with our IG @theziesfamilyjourney to update our progress as we pursue adoption.
Love,
Ryan & Alaina Zies
We wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being on this adoption journey that has led us to Harper Grace. We had a moment yesterday in the NICU while bottle feeding Harper of the journey of twists and turns and ups and downs of the last 2 years of being active adoptive parents.
It all led to this moment, to this beautiful baby girl.
Thank you for being part of our family and community supporting us along the way. As of last night, we are fully funded for our adoption!!!
Harper is doing great!! She is a preemie (around 3-4 weeks early). She's learning how to take a bottle and pace herself while eating so she doesn't tire out. She's adorable and so cute!!! Her goal over the next few weeks is to simply learn and take full bottles. Pray for her learning and eating skills to be like her dads (lol).
We love you and we'll keep you posted!!
Update!!!
We got a phone call Monday at 9am.
A mom delivered a baby on Friday 8.9.24.
We were picked and asked if we wanted to adopt the baby girl.
We said YES.
The birth mom met with lawyers Monday at 1:30PM and relinquished all her parental rights over.
We packed up the truck and started the drive at 6PM to Fairfield, CA (12 hour drive).
We met our daughter this morning.
We weren't expecting a call or motions to move so fast.
We financially lost money from our heartbreaking past disrupted adoption in May.
We need $9,000 to complete our final payment for finalization of this adoption.
Harper Grace is in the NICU.
She was 4 weeks early.
She is healthy and doing well!
She's estimated to remain in the NICU up to 4 weeks.
Once discharged, the state of CA will submit paperwork for approval to the state of AZ for an interstate adoption. This can take up to an additional 10 business days.
Prayer for funds + early discharge + Harper to have accelerated growth
We LOVE YOU ALL for the support and care.
On the evening of April 26th, the birth mom we matched with called us to tell her that she was on her way to the hospital and was in labor. We flew out the next morning on the first flight and while in flight, she delivered a baby boy. Because he was 4 weeks early, they took him to the NICU where he was healthy and cared for. Over the next 72 hours, we cared for him (feeding him, changed his diapers and attended to his every need). We became aware that the birth mom was struggling with her decision to place and was debating about parenting.
On the evening of April 30th, the heart breaking news came that the birth mother decided she was going to parent and not move forward with the adoption. With sadness and grief we flew back home.
We have been moved back into Phase 1 of waiting for an adoption match and will continue on this journey. We appreciate all of your love, support, care and comfort on this adoption journey.
THANK YOU all for your enduring support, prayers, and commitment to be a part of our journey in adoption. We have officially MATCHED!! We have been chosen by a birth mom in Illinois and will be adopting a baby boy being born on 5.26.24. Continue to pray for the continuation of this adoption, the health of the birth mom and baby, and the process to go smoothly.
We are beyond EXCITED and THANKFUL for your love and support. We will keep you updated along the process.
Love,
Alaina & Ryan
‼️ U P D A T E ‼️
We are officially ACTIVE adoptive parents. What this means is, our family profile book is now available and being presented to potential birth moms/families across the US.
Our ask:
PRAYER - pray for the matching of a birth mom and the baby. And that the mom/baby to be healthy in all ways.
FUNDRAISING - we have applied for a bunch of grants and waiting to hear if we will be selected/awarded them. We ask that you pray for favor and also consider sharing our journey on your social networks.
CONFIDENTIALITY - while we are sharing parts of our adoption journey on our socials, we will be keeping most of the adoption private. Our child's story will be our child's story to tell. We will update everyone on when we match, but we will keep the remaining details private.
