I've thought a lot about this blog post, what would be the perfect thing to say to give this session and the meaning behind it justice. But I just don't know how I can ever do that. I should probably have had the two women holding this little guy's hands say something. They would have put it so much better than I ever could...
This is Carter. On the left he is holding the hand of his birth mother, Jenn. On the right he is holding the hand of his mommy, Charley. Carter was adopted and his story is amazing, just like all adoption stories are to me. Having my own fertility issues, I know how hard it is to not be able to have a baby when you want to have a baby. I can't imagine how it would be to be waiting for someone to choose you to give you your baby. You may remember them and their story from my SPREAD THE LOVE contest in February...They were the winners. Here is a little bit of what Charley, Carter's mommy, wrote about them...
"Jenn and Kyle are two of the most loving, caring, selfless people I know. They blessed us with a son, and made us a family. I'm sure this time of year, this month especially, can be hard on them, but they show nothing but love and gratitude for our family. Carter was born on February 9th, and was in the hospital for 5 days due to acid reflux. On Valentine's day we had placement. This holiday brings very mixed emotions for all of us. For it was the day they placed their son in our arms to raise as our own. I can't imagine the pain and sorrow they felt leaving the hospital without their baby, while we left feeling overjoyed that we were finally a family. Adoption is hard. Adoption is wonderful. Adoption really is all about love. We have an open adoption with Jenn and Kyle and love to spend time with them as much as we can. They are truly an inspiration and I love them more than I can put into words!"
When I look at this picture of them, both holding his hands, both sharing a part of him, I just can't even imagine. I think Jenn is amazing. I think Charley is amazing. And I think Adoption is amazing. The way it changes people's lives. The strength these women have to love their babies so much that they are willing to let them go so they can have a better life than they are able to give them. And to be a mother, without a baby, and be just waiting and waiting, for the baby that comes to your family a different way than you might have planned. All the things she is going through, the love you are so ready to give, the sorrow over the waiting, and the amazing love you instantly feel the moment that baby becomes yours it makes those mothers amazing too. Ahhh...I just love it! Adoption is simply so amazing!
And now, two years later, Jenn & Kyle are still in love, still made for each other. And they are getting married. I am so excited for them! Congratulations you two! Aren't they just adorable... to see the whole session click here.
So back to the whole adoption topic. I have a project coming up...something I am REALLY excited about and have been working on for a long time. A way to help families or couples who are looking to adopt get fun photos taken that show how amazing and wonderful they are for a really affordable price. And to provide them with pass-along cards and internet exposure so they can get the word out. A way to help them, even just a little bit, along the process of adoption. And the blog is just about finished. But I want to do a special offer to the first 10 people to participate in the project. So if you know someone looking to adopt, if you are someone to looking to adopt, please have them contact me! I would love for them to be part of the big debut of this little project!
