Why did you choose IPAS? 

We chose IPAS for a few reasons: we have some friends who had a positive experience with IPAS a few years ago, we were wanting to adopt a newborn and after attending an informational meeting we felt so welcomed by the staff and that they really cared about the work they do.

What was it like to get "the call?" What happened?

Just like our first adoption, I was at work when I received "the call."  I was actually in a meeting when my phone went off and it was Ashley, our Social Worker.  When I didn't answer I got a call from the IPAS office right after, which was a bit odd. After I didn't pick up that call, I get a call from my husband telling me Ashley has been trying to call and we need to be ready to go to the hospital anytime.  I was in shock that it was happening so fast, but so excited that we were going to be parents again!

How did you feel when you saw your baby for the first time? 

With our first son, we received his picture two months before we went to bring him home. With Zephaniah, we got a picture right before meeting him in the hospital.  He was such a beautiful boy and I was in shock, really, that this was my baby and couldn't quite get my head around the fact that I was going in the hospital with no baby and coming out with one, forever!  To be honest, it took a few days for it to sink in that my son was mine and that I wasn't just babysitting.

How was the finalization process?

So smooth and fast!  Once we hit our six month mark and could set a date with the court for finalization, Ashley and Gloria made it so easy for us to go through the process.  We received a step-by-step guide on filing our paperwork and going through court.  That information was very helpful!  Court was such a great day because we were surrounded by family and friends who have walked the adoption journey with us and were able to be there to see it come full circle.  The judge, bailiffs and court clerk were so supportive as well, allowing us to take pictures, videos and even humoring all of the kids who wanted to sit in the judges seat. 

How does Nathanael feel about being a big brother?

Our son had been wanting a baby brother from day one and now that he has one, with the exception of some adjusting to having another person in the house wanting attention, he has done a great job!  He loves "his baby" and helping feed, carry, hold and making him laugh.  He is very protective of his brother and seeing them together gives us great joy! 

Do you have any advice for families that may want to fundraise to help with adoption costs?

It is possible to pay for an adoption without going into debt.  Be creative.  Get family and friends involved and know that there are people who want to support you in your efforts to bring home your baby - some of whom you haven't even met yet. We put together an online silent auction that helped us surpass our goal for funds needed to pay off the remainder of our adoption expenses. It was amazing to see how God provided through this auction. People we did not even know were bidding and contributing. This fundraiser was a huge success and a great memory!

While the wait may seem long and difficult, remember that God is preparing you and your baby for each other and in the perfect moment your lives will come together just as they were meant to be.