Thursday, August 28, 2008

a new door opens

Chris and I have been trying to start a family for over eight years now, and even with a little medical intervention we've continued to be unsuccessful. Financially, adoption seemed out of our reach.

Just when we'd pretty much given up all hope of ever having a family, we got a call from my Aunt Lou. (She was visiting in July and during a conversation about her numerous grandchildren, I commented that obviously my infertility problems didn't come from her side of the family. Like others, she assumed we didn't want children.)

About two weeks ago, Aunt Lou called to say that the hospital where she works has newborns abandoned there sometimes, and would Chris and I be interested in adopting one. Of course we said "yes!" (She said teenage girls come in the hospital complaining of cramps, etc., saying they couldn't possibly be pregnant, and then deliver a baby they don't want.)

There are laws in many states that say a baby can be left at a hospital, fire station or police station, no questions asked. This is to prevent the newborns from being left or dumped someplace else. I read somewhere that 180 babies were saved in one state in one year due to this law. See Safely Surrendered Baby Law.

The first thing we had to do was create a little booklet (a profile) with photos of our families, our home, our dogs, etc. and tell a little bit about each, and include our problems with infertility and how much we want a family.

We completed our profile and sent it to Aunt Lou. It arrived safely.

So with some help from my parents and Aunt Lou, we hope to have a new bundle of joy in our home soon. Keep those fingers and toes crossed!