We have been working really hard on our adoption paperwork. It is just SO much to do! I do feel great about being able to actually do something about starting a family though. Our adoption agency wanted us to put together an adoption picture collage and birth parent letter. So I thought we should share it on our blog.
This is page one, they will go back to back in a page protector.
Page 2.
And here is the birth parent letter. I am so excited to be getting close to done with our profile! I would love any of your input and suggestions. Our full profile will go live here in the next few weeks and we will be posting a link to it ASAP.
Hey
There,
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about our
family. With so many profiles, we imagine it’s quite an overwhelming task. We
hope that you have support, and pray you will be guided through this difficult
process. Adoption is one of the most selfless acts of sacrifice we can think
of. The most remarkable type of sacrifice is when one does something for others
that they cannot do for themselves. We admire your strength, your hard work,
and the love you have for your child. You have already gone through so much,
and will have hard times ahead, but they will be made lighter by those who love
you. We are filled with love for you for considering such a loving act.
About Us
We grew up in the same town and even went to the
same junior high and high school. We graduated the same year and had lockers in
the same hall, but ironically never officially met until after high school. We
finally met in an LDS church meeting set up for single adults. We’re kind of
embarrassed about it because we were both determined not to attend the singles
ward. Through a lot of persuading and divine intervention, we ended up in the
singles ward at the same time.
At first, Jordan seemed to say and do everything
wrong. He acted awkward and tense around Amber. She even told her mom that he
was "a little weird." Turns out, that weirdness was Jordan being
nervous because he liked Amber so much. Jordan was able to relax and things
quickly improved. Amber was wooed and fell head over heels in love with Jordan
because he turned out to be really sweet and attentive. She adores how devoted
and smitten he is.
After we decided to get married, Jordan had to
figure how to pop the question without Amber knowing what was happening.
Together, we designed the perfect ring. Jordan arranged to have it made in two
days and tricked Amber into thinking it would take two weeks. The night of the
proposal, Amber was definitely surprised. We were married in the Mt. Timpanogos
Temple on a beautiful day, almost four years ago. We currently live in Orem
with two puppies named Tucker and Lilly. Tucker is full of energy and loves to
tease. Lilly is great with kids and very calm, though she has a playful side.
Amber About Jordan
I could not have asked for a better husband. I will
admit that Jordan was not like any of the other guys I dated. I really believe
that I was guided to go out with him by a loving Heavenly Father who knows me
better than I know myself. It is amazing to see how perfect he is for me. He is
so kind, gentle, and supportive. I know that Jordan will be an amazing father
by how wonderful he is with our nieces and nephews. He loves playing with kids.
I think it is adorable how he will get on the floor and play anything they
want. He will be a horse to ride, a tickle monster, a wrestling buddy or a fort
builder for them. Sometimes I cannot believe that I managed to get such a great
man!
Jordan loves his puppies as well as sports, music
and learning. When Jordan was younger he played the trombone and taught himself
the piano. He also enjoys singing in the car and the shower, though he would
never admit it. Jordan recently graduated from BYU in Athletic Training and his
goal is to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at a local university.
Currently Jordan is an assistant office manager at a real estate brokerage. We
have so many family and friends here in Utah and that support system makes it
ideal for us to raise our family here.
Jordan About Amber
Amber is a wonderful person. She is one of the most
talented, creative people that I know. Anything that she wants to do, she can.
I see Amber with children and just know that she is going to be a wonderful
mother. Though we never really met growing up, I always thought Amber was
beautiful. Luckily for me, after I returned from my mission she kind of thought
that I was cute too. Each day I strive to be a better person, a better husband,
and some day a better father because she deserves it, Amber really is amazing.
Amber is a BYU graduate and currently works at an
elementary school as a speech teacher. Amber loves her job and it is very
rewarding, but her main goal is to be a stay at home mom. In addition to her
love for children, Amber also loves sports. She has played soccer since she was
eight and even coached a local high school team. Currently, we are playing
soccer together in a league. Amber also enjoys sewing, decorating and shopping!
Our Feelings on Adoption and
Openness
Life likes to throw curve balls. We've always been
excited about the chance to raise a family but when we found out that we were
unable to have children, it was hard at first. This knowledge hasn’t dimmed our
excitement to become parents. We know that through adoption, Heavenly Father
will give us that opportunity. Because of this, and other experiences in our
life, adoption has become very special to us.
We plan on having an open adoption because we feel
it would be best for everyone involved, especially the child. An open adoption
needs to be built on respect and honesty. Honesty is critical. We want our kids
to know their birth parents, because a child can never be loved by too many
people. We want them to meet and be friends, but believe that clear boundaries
are important. While the main concern in adoption is love for the child, we are
also very concerned about the birth parents. We want to develop the most
comfortable situation that meets the needs and desires of all of those
involved. We hope that, together, we can establish the level of openness that
would be best for everyone.
We understand that this is a very difficult
decision. We wonder about you and love you for considering such a selfless act.
We love adoption and desire to add you to our family and friends. You can never
have too many friends, family and loved ones! Lastly, we want to reiterate that
we are grateful to you for taking the time to read our profile. Please take the
time to get to know us better.
Sincerely,
Amber and
Jordan
