Frequently Asked Questions + How You Can Support Us

I can't put into words how blessed I have felt since announcing the adoption. Thank you for all the love, encouraging words, and for simply celebrating with me!  Baby Y is going to be one loved little baby! 

I wanted to provide more details about the adoption, answer some frequently asked questions, and share how you can continue to support us.  Feel free to ask more questions so we can learn together!

"Adoption! International or Domestic?"

I am pursuing a domestic adoption through Christian Adoption Consultants (CAC) based in Canton, GA. They offer all-inclusive consulting and adoption support for US adoptions including education, support and guidance throughout the entire adoption process. Instead of working with just one adoption agency, I will be working with an adoption consultant who will share my homestudy and profile book with agencies across the country. Because they have so many connections with many different agencies, their match time tends to be quicker.

“How old? Gender? Race?”

I will be adopting a newborn and am also open to adopting more than one child. I’m hoping to be there (wherever that may be) the day the baby is born (or as soon as possible). I’m open to either gender and any ethnicity. I firmly believe that God inspires the match and am so excited to see what His will is for our growing family. 

"Will you know the birth family?"

My desire is for an open adoption. I think it’s so important to love on my sweet one’s first mom & dad and to truly include them in Baby Y’s life. I want to make sure my sweet one knows the love and sacrifice of his/her first mom & dad and the legacy of their family. That is my desire, but each adoption is different and want to be respectful of the kind of relationship the expectant parents feel is right for them. I am open and willing to whatever God has in mind.

“Where are you in the process?”

Right now I’m finishing up the paperwork, applying for every adoption grant under the sun and beginning the fundraising process.. Once the final paperwork is submitted, my social worker will complete the home visits and background checks. When the home study is approved, CAC can begin presenting my profile books to expectant mamas, which means I will be considered an Active Waiting Family. At that point you never know how long it might be…it could take days or months to be matched. All in God’s perfect timing. 

“How can we support you in this journey?”

• Pray for me and the expectant parents - Above all else, this is the most important thing I ask. I will need your prayers as I walk through the home study process, wait to be matched, wait for the birth of my sweet one, and wait to bring Baby Y home. Please pray for all of the birth mothers who are making this difficult and brave decision to place their babies for adoption. I have no idea what kind of situation my expectant mama and her family are going through, but know this won’t be easy. Pray for her heart and that she chooses life for her baby.

• Celebrate with us - Just like any first time pregnant parent, I am a Mama-in-Waiting! Yes, my process will look a lot different from a traditional pregnancy, but I am just as excited about this adoption as I would be over a pregnancy. I would love for you to celebrate with our family and enjoy this season of preparation as we wait for Baby Y.

• Giving - Adoption is costly, but I am trusting that the Lord will provide. I’m expecting the adoption cost to be around $40,000 (here's a post with more details on the financial aspects of our adoption). It would be an honor if you would consider supporting us either through our Puzzle Fundraiser, GoFundMe page, Etsy shop or Babylist.com registry.

• Spread the word - The more people who know about our adoption means more fundraising opportunities to help bring Baby Yates home! I humbly ask that you share our story with the people you know. 

The love and support already received from family, friends and church family members has been so encouraging. It’s such a blessing to be surrounded by a tribe of amazing individuals so excited to welcome this precious little one with open arms. We all know the saying, "It takes a village" and I have been overwhelmed with the love and care from mine. Baby Y and his/her first mom and dad are already greatly loved.

I hope you’ll consider supporting us, whether through prayer, helpful advice, sharing the GoFundMe page, shopping in my Etsy store or financially through the fundraisers. Every dollar, every prayer, every encouraging note, every hope-filled text and every hug is a blessing.

Inviting you into this process is about building a community united in hope and prayer for my sweet one to come and his or her first mom and dad. I cannot thank you enough for your love, prayers and support and am so honored that you will be a part of our family's story.