Seasonally, November is a time to gratefully remember. November is also National Adoption Awareness Month, so I wanted to share pieces of what our story looked like in different Novembers.
In November 2006, we were a couple months into wanting to adopt but were waiting to see how to go about that. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old girl was a few months pregnant and praying for a plan.
In November 2007, we had a six-month-old baby girl who was the answer to more prayers than she may ever be able to comprehend. That birth mom, who was now 19, was generous continued going to college. We both thanked God for having a plan for us.
In November 2009, we welcomed our boy a few days before Thanksgiving. He was born about a week before his due date after his birth mom had been on bed rest. Not quite 8 pounds, holding my boy shaped my perspective on true thanksgiving.
In November 2013, we wanted to adopt again and had been pursuing different options for nearly two years, but we kept meeting closed doors and unsettled feelings. The following month we stopped pursuing adoption.
In November 2015, our family of five celebrated Thanksgiving with our sweet two-month-old girl who remains the most joy-filled surprise of our lives. Her birth mom taught me much about generosity and that’s certainly worth celebrating.
I love sharing about adoption any time of the year, but I love devoting a little extra space to it this month while people may be paying a little more attention. So stay tuned both here and on my Facebook page for more stories and sign up for email updates to not miss any of it!
*****
I’m giving away an autographed copy of my book in honor of National Adoption Awareness Month! U.S. residents may enter the giveaway through Monday, Nov. 12. {ENTER HERE!} I’ll randomly choose a winner the following day.
*****

Both you, the birth mothers, and your children are blessed beyond all measure. What a beautiful family!
I love the way we’re all connected. Thank you, Laurie!
What sweet memories of how God brought your family together!
Yes, indeed. Thanks for being here, Barbara!
This was such a fun glimpse into your story, Kristin! I have a special place in my heart for November too. Our oldest was born in November 2010, and when the leaves start falling from the trees in these parts, I’m reminded of how surreal and beautiful it was to meet our sweet girl! Enjoy your beautiful family this month!
Thanks, Stacey! I’m glad you have sweet November memories too.
What a beautiful family and your story is a blessing!
Thank you, Patricia!
I love your story, and so appreciate your sharing it to call attention to the great blessing adoption is to families.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Michele! xo
Blessings to you and your family, Kristin! Thanks for sharing.
Thank YOU for being here.
How special your children all came to you in November!
I do think God has special times of blessings in our lives. For me, great things have always happened in years ending in 6. (Of course blessings happen in other years, too, but it seems the milestones definitely are in the sixth year of a decade!)
God bless you all and your family looks like it was meant to go together!
I love when we can look back and see God working to put something beautiful together. I’m glad you’ve seen those milestone moments in your life too. Thanks for being here, Jerralea!
I do wish more girls would allow their children to be adopted, it is sad to see foster care overloaded and some who just want benefits instead of what is best for the child. God bless and Happy Thanksgiving. What a blessing, praying God finds good homes and moves on the hearts of birth mothers.
Yes, adoption has benefits for birth moms too, based on our experiences. The relationships we built are priceless. Plus we got to be another layer of support for them both throughout their pregnancies and in life. Thank you for being here with such sweet encouragement.
I love hearing more about your story and the beautiful way God knit your family together. laurensparks.net
Thank you, Lauren!