We married in 2000, and being from large families, planned
to have several kids. We tried for 11 years without success. Even with
fertility treatments, prayer, research, and time, we haven’t had a single
pregnancy or miscarriage. Our diagnosis is unexplained infertility.
We grieved for the babies Liz wouldn’t bear, came to accept
our children wouldn’t look like us, and let go of being in control about when
our kids came. It hurts to be denied the thing you want, to have your prayers
unanswered, and to have to explain yourselves countless times to others.
But we always knew if
we couldn’t have kids we would adopt. We knew we would love them like our
own. Several of our adopted friends were successful, happy people. So in 2007, we said 'Bring on
the paperwork!' Our family supported us;
we joined 2 support groups; we advertised; Liz read everything she could
about adoption and even started a website with our story.
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| When you can't have children, you notice all the time the life you're missing. In 2008 we were on our way to a 4th of July celebration when we saw this sign. Oh the irony! We couldn't resist a hammy, but tiny bit painful picture of this symbol of our lives. |
We waited for 3 years. Every week we answered general
questions from women considering adoption. Liz took calls from the toll-free
number, we answered emails, and consoled each other when it didn’t work out.
When we got an email from T., our birthmother, Dave replied
without even telling Liz. Her email was obviously different from the rest. Her
email was from a different source, and instead of her interrogating us, she was
asking us if we wanted to consider her child for adoption. Of course!
We exchanged a few more emails and arranged to drive several
hours to meet these birthparents. T. had a lot of choice: she purposely chose a
family one state away, cat owners, avid readers, Could we introduce Jessica to
new foods? That’s Liz’s specialty. Can Jessica try martial arts? Sure, why not?
We all decided this would be a good match.
A few weeks later in early 2010, T. delivered a beautiful healthy baby. We
were overjoyed to finally be parents. We spent 2 wonderful weeks with T’s
family, all admiring this sweet, dimpled darling. And now, we consider T.’s family
our new extended family. (Come on, what child doesn’t want extra grandparents?)
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| Here is our first child, wrapped in an afghan crocheted by her birth grandmother. It was a snowy March 2, and she was 2 days old. We were deliciously happy, and our relatives and friends were elated with the news. We stayed in the city for 2 weeks and spent our "baby honeymoon" with the birth family and this brand new beautiful baby. |
ADOPTING NOW:
Jessica is now 3, and we are ready to welcome another child
into our family. (In her own words: Jessica declares she will help change the
baby’s diapers, and hide all the marbles so the baby won’t choke on them! She
is going to be a great sister.)
If you are considering adoption, know that we respect your struggle
and wishes. We are amazed by selfless birth parents who dare to imagine a
different life for their child. We’d love to take name suggestions, keep
requests for their childhood activities, and keep you as informed as you want
to be. Just ask, just call.
ABOUT US
You can read more about Jessica's adoption story and the last 3 years of of
our lives at our blog: http://blogspot.smallcrayonbox.com
. Learn more about us by viewing our profile at our agency LDS Family Services.
We have a comfortable
2-story home in Virginia; a steady income; no debt; and a large supportive family
spread across the U.S. We enjoy music, woodworking, gardening, board games,
racket sports, scrapbooking, movies, and family time. We are open to adopt boy
or girl. Please feel free to ask anything; we hope we are the family you are
looking for!
All the best,
Dave, Liz & Jessica Robertson
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