Unable to have a biological family, my husband and I turned toward adoption. We decided to go through adoption locally, through the Department of Children and Families (DCF), by becoming certified foster parents.
In May of 2015, after eight weeks of classes, a 3-inch binder full of paperwork, multiple home studies, and background checks, we became certified foster parents. On May 31, 2015, our first foster baby was placed with us at three months old. She was the light of our life, and though we didn’t know if she would be with us forever, she filled a hole in our hearts. For almost two years, we loved, cared for, and doted on this beautiful, dark-haired, brown-eyed, sassy, feisty, precious little girl. Emotionally, it was a rollercoaster ride on many levels, but her love was so worth it.
After many court dates, continued home visits by DCF, monthly case manager visits, Guardian Ad Litem home visits, and tons of anxiety, our family officially adopted Mia Rose as our daughter on National Adoption Day, November 19, 2016, at the Lee County Courthouse.
We continued to foster children, and in January 2019, we were called regarding a newborn placement in the NICU at Golisano Children’s Hospital. She was released into our care, weighing just over four pounds. Her first year of life was difficult as she was medically fragile with over a dozen diagnoses, including failure to thrive, but there was an incredible spark in her eyes and made us fall in love with her. She fought to stay alive every step of the way.
Mia was absolutely smitten with her and never complained about all of the extra attention and time this baby took from her. On February 3, 2021, Chloe Grace officially became our newest family member.
Adopting a child from DCF is not easy. It takes interviews, paperwork, extensive background checks, discussion of your marriage, and interviews with family members and friends. However, shouldn’t the adoption process for a child who has been through so much be thorough? That is what we told ourselves each step of the way. It was definitely a labor of love, and in return, we were granted two wonderful daughters who were truly meant for our family.
We are proud to say that our children were adopted through foster care. We want our daughters to grow up with their heads held high, knowing they are deeply loved and that though their beginnings were rocky, their future is bright.
As told to Neapolitan Family by Kelsie Gregware.
Additional Articles:
An Adoption Story: The Alexander Family
Different Paths to Parenthood for Two SWFL Families