I can’t believe I’m actually typing these words. It doesn’t even seem real yet so all of this just seems like a dream to even be sharing this news with you guys. Well, here it goes… We are adopting. Wow I just got a rush of butterflies from that. In fact the butterflies haven’t stopped since Jose and I have looked each other in the eyes and both said it at the same time… “I’m ready to adopt”. I’m ready to give a sweet baby a cozy home to live in. I’m ready to give a sweet baby a beautiful life. I’m ready to give a sweet baby two loving parents. I’m ready to give a sweet baby a sweet little name and be their sweet little momma. I’m ready. I would like to say that we were always “ready to adopt” but it didn’t happen like that. Like most big decisions in our lives it took a whole lot of time & a whole lot of Jesus. Let’s back up to a few months ago when this all started. Actually let’s rewind a few years… let’s say 11 years ago first…
11 years ago Jose and I got married. I would say it was the best day of my life, but I think people just say that because it’s supposed to be.. It was a great day, don’t get me wrong. But I think everyday after that has been better. We have been two best friends just finding their way through life and enjoying every second of that. We had that conversation most married people have… kids. We both were certain we wanted to wait a very long time to start trying because we wanted to soak in all this married life just the two of us, but one thing was for certain… we wanted three. Two biologically and we wanted to adopt one sweet baby to complete our little family. Funny huh? How we think we are in control? Fast forward 5 years and I quickly learned I’m not in control & it’s not in my timing. We miscarried our first baby after trying for over a year for that sweet precious little life & we went on to struggle with infertility, PCOS, & 7 more miscarriages after countless doctor appointments, needle pokes, blood draws, tests, & many many days of waiting. Here we are. Where you ask? Well, where God wanted us all along. I was talking to my friend Bre this weekend in Waco & I was filled with so much peace when our conversation turned to how God plants seeds over time to lead us to those big scary decisions because if He just told us to do those scary things before planting those seeds we would probably say no & laugh at His big plan for us. It all came full circle to me that I figured it all out.. I saw God’s plan. I know I don’t see His entire plan yet of us When I was pregnant this past summer Jose and I both looked at each other and it’s like a wave of wisdom fell on us & we both were so comfortable saying that if we lost this baby to heaven that we knew God is pushing us to adopt our sweet miracle baby. Well, God answered a few weeks later when I miscarried that sweet precious soul. Right after we miscarried we hosted a market here in Michigan and I kid you not the entire market we had countless people come to us to talk to us about adoption… by the end of the market we looked up at the sky together and said… “WE HEAR YOU!! WE GET IT!!” God was planting some of those last seeds to push us to start growing that little adoption plant he has wanted us to grow this whole time. & shortly after that market we attended our first adoption class a few weeks later. We now realize that if God had told us 11 years ago that we would be adopting our first we would have said things like “no, God we aren’t ready for that” or “We aren’t equipped for that God” or my favorite at the beginning of this journey… “I’m not good enough to adopt”. Little did we know since day one, 11 years ago, God was planting seeds the whole way. He started with the seed of us wanting to adopt our third baby & He went on from there. He planted seed after seed sprouting ideas, thoughts, & dreams into one big flourishing moment that is now when we can finally say… I am ready to adopt a child and welcome a baby here on White Cottage Farm & I know God has equipped us for this journey ahead & he has planted all the seeds up until now to get us to this point. Now we need you….
We I now see that you guys were some of those seeds along our path here to adoption. So many of you since day one have reached out to us, emailed us, wrote letters to us, & spoke to us in person about adoption. Whether you were adopted, you had adopted, or you just wanted to talk about adoption… You were planting seeds this whole time! In the past few months, now that we look back, we see how many people God has put in our lives that have slowly been growing the idea in our hearts that adoption is for us… right now. But now we are coming before you and humbly asking for your help. We are looking out onto the adoption path with so much excitement and hope. I literally do a happy dance every time Jose and I talk about it. This weekend in Waco I even bought the baby little pieces for their little wardrobe. The hope is there, the love is there, the patience is there, the longing is there, but we are still missing one thing.. the knowledge. We covet your wisdom and knowledge on adoption because we do not know where to go from here. We have firmly decided on domestic infant adoption after our classes we have taken and where we had felt lead before the classes, but beyond that we do not know what agency, what route, or what our next step should be. We are more than ready to welcome a baby into our tiny little family & we would love your help! If you have any wisdom, knowledge, or light you would like to send our way send us an email at adoption.whitecottagefarm@gmail.com. You can also support us by joining in on the conversations on Instagram [HERE] & Facebook [HERE] We love you all so much & we just want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for being with us every step of the way on our journey from farm life, to fixer upper life, to shop life, to infertility life, to miscarriage life, and now to adoption life… y’all are the best & I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I can’t thank you enough.. but, thank you! xx
Ps. I bought all of these lovely baby clothes at the Silobration this past weekend at Little Adi Co.
Hi! I am Liz Marie AKA Liz Marie Blog. I’m a thirty something year old living with my veteran husband on our farm in west Michigan. After spending almost a decade living in North Carolina as Jose served his country & I studied interior design, we are happy to be back in the mitten state working on our fixer upper farmhouse & beginning our journey of farm life.
My sister is adopted – you will be changing someone’s life. I’m so happy for you both!!
So happy for you and Jose! ??You will be great and loving parents to your little-one-to-be because God has made you ready for this adventure. Can’t wait to get to ride along on this new exciting adventure you will be taking. ??❤️
My son is 39 years old and what a blessing he has been. God carried me all the way across the country to find our son and laid the path all the way. So happy to hear of your decision. Believe me they are yours choosen by God and yours to take care of for ever. I always held to the verse that God knows your destination even before you are born. He knows there is a child that his destination in to be with the two of you. ❤️
Aww congratulations to you both on the big decision. This baby will be the luckiest in the world.
Hi liz! We were neighbors when both of our husbands were stationed in cherry point NC, I also met rach there, she was my oldest daughters teacher at the church 🙂 rach and I actually ended up living within 5 min of each other years later in rincon Ga…so funny how these things happen. But I have been following your blog, and I am so happy for you and Jose! Congratulations on this new adventure, adoption is such a beautiful thing and I cannot wait to see the baby God choses for your family! I will be praying for yall on this journey.
Oh Liz Marie✝️God is preparing you in his plan for your future. The stress of all of this before & after will keep your mind so busy, that before you know it you will be expecting your own little blessing in your own oven.❤️There is always a plan & always a reason. I’m a true believer in that. I will be adding you in my prayers every night & look forward to reading all about these new beginning’s for you family. God bless you both & thank you for always sharing ???
I’ve been praying for you both everyday!! Prayers have been answered! So beyond happy for you! ❣
Liz… I posted this on FB, but will repost here, “I JUST read this, and said out loud in my wee abode, “PRAISE GOD!” and started to cry. I don’t know you that well, at all, Liz, but know that being sisters in the Lord, I’m just as happy for you as I would be my own biological sister! So, so happy!”
I’ve thought of you and prayed often as my husband and I have gone through our own infertility struggle. Your story has been a great comfort to me as (obviously you’re aware) this particular journey can be incredibly lonely and even debilitating in daily life without anyone to relate to. My husband and I have had but one heartbreaking miscarriage, so I can’t say I know how you feel with your eight beautiful babies in heaven. However, I can say it’s absolutely incredible that your faith is so strong in the face of so much loss and I’m absolutely over the moon with excitement after hearing your news!!! Adoption is something I’ve always wanted regardless of my fertility issues, and I can’t wait to embark on that journey myself one day soon. You are and will continue to be an incredible mother. I’m so, so happy for you. Congratulations Momma!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️
I’m so happy for you both. You made my night. Having children is the best things we do! You two will be amazing parents. I’m just so excited for you. I have two sons now grown 21 & 23. They were the best things I did and have in my life. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat and not change a thing. Congratulations on your decision. Your baby will be so blessed having you as parents. Look forward to your journey. Thanks for sharing ?
I am in tears so happy for you and Jose! Congrats on this decision it will be incredible ?
What beautiful news!! So exciting! Layla Palmer @letteredcottage has been speaking lots about her adoptions and saved info to her highlights. She shared her experiences and 3 year journey and is an open book! I would reach out to her, cannot wait for you to meet your baby!
I am so excited for the two of you! You guys will be amazing parents!
Children are THE BEST thing EVER……no later if you carry them or adopt them…..Children are a blessing……You will never regret this decision……It is God’s plan…..?
Bless you. I have walked a similar path. No matter what you have to go through between now and when you bring your baby home, it will be worth it. The first baby that you can hold is like heaven.
-Mama of four kiddos by adoption
Congrats ? I’m so happy for you both! You will undoubtedly make a wonderful mommy! I hope you get your sweet bundle soon! I don’t have any knowledge for you, but I will be sending prayers and good vibes your way! ?
Congratulations I am so very happy for the both of you may this journey be blessed with the sweetest joy of everything you wished for!❤️❤️❤️
So blessed to read your post this morning! Praying for you and your beloved as you embark upon this road our Lord has placed before you! It is exciting and scary at the same time! Our two youngest we were blessed with through adoption. First daughter was adopted privately through a pregnancy center which was such an amazing excercise in “stand back and watch the amazing things the Lord is about to do in your life”!! Our second we adopted through Bethany Christian Services…which was a complete surprise as we were Cradle Care parents for Bethany….taking in only newborns to watch and pray over until decisions were made as to where they would be going to live. Our precious brown eyed baby girl was our foster baby and our Lord allowed us to become her forever family….we continue to stand amazed at how HE knits families together! I am excited to see what HE has in store for you and will continually keep you in prayer…bless you precious daughter of the Most High! ?
Bless you and Jose. God works in his own way?
This is so special!! It’s amazing to see God’s redemption in our lives, but it’s impossible to see at the starting line. You have to run some of the race and fall over some of the obstacles before you can see glimpses of His work! I’m so excited for you guys! Our first is adopted. All of the hard things you hear about adoption I was prepared for. It’s the nuances of adoption that has stopped me dead in my tracks. I’m reminded over and over that the Lord is faithful. He is faithful. We adopted through foster care. It was a long process, but so worth it!!
Liz and Jose,
Thank you for adopting ❤️ I was adopted at 3 days old, and I truly view my mom and dad as my hero’s. You both will make amazing parents. God is good. My parents too, suffered heartache after years and years of not being able to carry a baby full term. I have a pretty incredible story because of them. My sister came as a surprise 7 years later… life is strange, and God is soo good! Praying hard as soon as I submit this comment. Can’t wait to virtually meet your new baby.
Hugs,
Martha
@simplecozycharm
I am so happy for you guys! You and Jose will be amazing parents. I cant wait to follow along on this journey ❤
Oh my goodness I’m so excited for you guys!! What amazing news!! Sending love and prayers your way ❤.
LIZ!!!!!! This is the best news ever. I am so over-the-top excited for you and Jose. Congratulations. God has hand-picked many babies for you two to give a loving home and you will be the best parents. I cannot wait to follow your growing family.
I am so happy for your decision. I know I have written of my daughter and her PICOS…they ended up going through the foster program and now have two sisters. This was not what my daughter intended at the onset(she wanted an infant)…but it is what God did. I have two wonderful granddaughters. What ever route you take, private or through the foster program, you will be blessed, that I know.
Well I hope I was one of those that planted the seed many years ago. We adopted and I could not love my son anymore if it were possible. We used FAC in Michigan but I don’t know if they are still active. Jose and Liz God will surely guide you and already has a baby in mind for you both…. enjoy this journey. Lots of Love
@magsjag
I’m so excited for you and for the baby God had already chosen for you! I’m a birth-mom…which 28 years ago tomorrow, was still the single-most difficult decision of my life, but I knew at the time was absolutely what was best for baby. My number one priority when researching parents was that they were Christians and I started my journey with Bethany Christian Services. Ultimately, God led me to the parents He had chosen through the church of our family Pastor who had moved to another state. I lived in the hone my baby would go home to, with his parents for the last tri-mester of my pregnancy and we had a private adoption. This isn’t the route for everyone,but it’s the route God chose for us. I pray your journey is perfectly timed and filled with unspeakable joy! ? You’ll be wonderful parents!
Oh Liz! I’ve followed you and your journey for so long now and I’m beyond thrilled for you guys! I can’t offer any adoption advice, but I know without a doubt that you guys will rock this journey! I just shouted to my husband as he was leaving to work that you guys are adopting (I’m always telling him about all the blogs I read…so not in a creepy way – LOL!) Congrats on your decision!!!! Ahhhh! This seriously made my day! Sending virtual hugs!!!!
I have a friend who suffered just about as many miscarriages as you and Jose… she went through EVERY treatment out there… she spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on treatments…. her family decided to adopt through the cradle and she put up an announcement post with boys shoes and girls shoes… about a year later a family picked her family to adopt their newborn boy… fast foraward a year and that same family had a girl and requested her family adopt this baby too…. God had this plan the whole time…. now she has biological siblings as her son and daughter…. when God makes you wait…. He has something bigger for you planned than you know…..
So happy for you Liz!!!! You should check out Kerstin Lundquist from QVC. I’ve messaged her before on Instagram and she’s written me back about adoption. If you didn’t want to message her you could read her book Five Months Apart. They struggled for years to get pregnant too and decided to adopt and ending up having their biological daughter and adopted daughter five months apart. They now also have a little boy they have adopted as well. In her book she explains open adoption, closed adoption etc and what worked best for their family. I think it would be a great resource for you guys! ❤️
I am so very happy for you both! God is so awesome! My husband and I tried many things including 3 rounds of IVF. The first yielded 3 embryos and news of pregnancy, but it was short lived. I went on to try 2 more times, but neither of those resulted in pregnancy. I feared the thought of adoption. I thought that when they were grown, they would leave me to find their birth parents.
My sister said to me, you have to want Him more than you want anything. I pondered on that, soaked it in, and began to live that in my heart. I surrendered it all, to the point of saying, Lord, I want you, and will love you and will follow you even if that means never having any children. I truly got to the place where I was at peace with the thought of just being my husband and I.
Before we had started any infertility treatments, the Lord had revealed to me a simple thought, “It’s not about you.” I honestly feared His word to me. I pondered many years about just what he meant, other than the obvious. Just when I had given it all up, and was ready to move on to the next chapter of just my husband and I, I had previously reluctantly signed up to take a foster care class. I thought about canceling it because I was truly at peace with the thought of not having children. But God said, just take the class. Little did I know, that we were hand picked early on by the social workers, for not 1, but 3 siblings.
Once the 12 week class was complete, they approached us with the idea of fostering the 3 of them. I told them, they were crazy, I wasn’t prepared for 3. They said, just let me tell you a little about them. The moment I learned that one of their names was my Mother’s middle name, I knew. My husband said, you can’t adopt 3 children just because 1 has your Mother’s name. Well, guess what, we sure did. Remember my first IVF with 3 embryos and a short pregnancy? I didn’t get my 3 babies, as they were slightly older, but I got the 3 that God intended for us to have. It wasn’t about me, it was about THEM. God knew, and carefully crafted His plan in His timing.
Much love, prayers, and blessings to you and Jose as you continue your beautiful journey!
Oh my word, I had to read the first sentence of your post 3 times to make sure I was seeing it correctly! I am SOOO ecstatic for you guys, for I know this is your calling! What a blessing you will be to your child, who is being babysat in someone else’s “home” right now until you can go to get them! Prayers for all concerned! I have tears of joy for you!
Check out this agency. I have no personal experience with them but I do follow their IG and they love and prayers they pour out for their adoptive and birth families is powerful.
https://www.faithfuladoptionconsultants.com/
I actually shouted out loud when I saw the post headline! I am over the moon for you both! The Lord knows that there is one certain child to be brought into your life at His timing and what a blessing it will be! I can’t wait to follow along!
We went to China to get our daughter, so I can’t be much help domestically. We joke that she’s smarter and more beautiful than anything we could have created :). The Chinese believe there is an invisible “red thread” that ties you to the people meant to be in your life and that was certainly true for us. And in the adoption community, I’ve often heard you get the child you were meant to have, which is also true. Good luck to both of you.
Hi Liz! I hardly ever comment but have been following your journey for years. I am so happy for you and Jose that you have made this wonderful and important decision! I know several people who have been adopted, and it is truly such a gift to give a child a family and a home. Wishing you both the best of luck, and can’t wait to follow along in this journey!
Trust in the Lord as always and do good, he will guide you and bless you. Prayers and love to you both, He will be with you all the way. XXXX
So happy to hear this news. You guys will be the best parents to a child that needs a good home. God is in control and he will guide you to the right baby. Congratulations to you Liz and Jose.
Everything is about Gods timing. He knows already who that special baby will be. He was just waiting for you and a Jose to say yes! It’s a gift. Not everyone can do it. But you both were given the gift and have the love and compassion. God bless you both.
You & your husband will be God’s answer to prayer for a mother who wants the best for her baby. So much so that she has decided to give her baby to you to love, cherish and have as your own. This child’s heart is already knitted to your own heart. What a beautiful family you will be.
Praise God !!! Right now there are other seeds being planted, plans being made and plans being changed by some special woman who will make the right choice and decide to give life and pass that life to a VERY LOVING couple who God has prepared to become it’s parents! The struggle is real however there is peace in knowing that God is on your side and so many of us will be praying for you and Jose! Please let me know if there is anything I can do and we will talk soon! CONGRATULATIONS !!! Love you lots! Aunt Kim
I read your post with so much excitement and happiness. Thank you for being so open and sharing your faith, journey, and testimony. God is faithful and He is always good.
Are those adorable little puppy slippers I see on your feet?
Congratulations!! God has a special baby just waiting for two deserving parents.❤
The chills started with the title and stayed with me through the whole post! So, so, so, happy for you! We will continue to pray for you and your little family on this new journey! ❤️
This is going to be one Very Lucky Baby! ~Y’all will be a blessing for one another <3
I am over the moon excited for you and Jose!! How incredible! I cried tears of joy as I read this. There is a baby that God will bring into this world that is meant just for you!! I will hold you and Jose and all the adoption agents you work with, and birth mom and precious baby all in a special place in my prayers. How wonderful!!! Love and blessings!!
This just made my day! So happy for you and Jose! You will make wonderful parents and what a storybook setting for your child to grow up on White Cottage Farm with all those animal siblings! I’m so excited to follow your journey! Wishing you all the best as you move forward in this process!!
God bless you both and the beautiful gift you will receive. That child going to be blessed as he/she blesses you. I wish you all the happiness in the world on this journey and I look forward to you sharing it with us. I’m so excited for you both.
Best post ever!!! I’m so happy for you! It’s so exciting to see God at work and just knowing that He already knows your baby and will lead you to him/her! It just gives us so much peace and hope and can’t imagine going thru life without that! I’ll be praying for you and your growing family!!! Children are a blessing from the Lord!
Congratulations and God bless you both. I’m so thrilled for you both. What a wonderful decision that will bless both you and Jose and the little babe that will be yours. That little baby will be the luckiest little one to have you both as parents. I wish I had some knowledge as to how to make your path of adoption easier but I don’t, but I will pray for you both that you find the best knowledge and your path to your sweet babe will go as smoothly as possible. Hugs.
Oh my heart is bursting for you. God is knitting your family together as we speak. ♥️
So so happy for you on your first real step toward adoption. Layla @theletteredcottage has wonderful adoption tips and info. Blessings to you and your sweet family on this journey. You know God has this figured out for you so just enjoy the journey❤❤
My brothers and I were all adopted by the best mother and father in the world. I wish your family all the love and happiness in your family journey. God bless!
Yay! So happy for you!
Beyond happy for the pair of you! May God guide every step and give abundant wisdom. You’ll all be in my prayers!
I literally gasped. I’ve been praying for you, Liz, and felt like adoption was something you should look into. Of course, it is a huge decision and you and Jose are so right in leaving it up to the Lord. I have goose bumps. I’m praying that this all goes according to His timing and that your little one will be in your arms before too long.
You would pick out baby stuff that is so “you”. Cute, cute.
I’m am so happy for you both! Reading your post just now made me cry with joy in the middle of a coffee shop. But, I don’t care because I am just so happy you are going to be a mother❤️
And you are going to be a great one! I can tell by how you love and take care of all your animals on the farm.
Congratulations to you and Jose!!!
So happy for you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I recently wondered if you guys had thought of adoption – of course you had! I was so happy to hear your news! God bless you! P.S. all the baby things are adorable!
So incredibly excited for you both!! He gives such good gifts! I’m so excited to folllw along on this next part of your journey. Congratulations!!! ❤️
I have been reading your blog for almost a year now. And the whole time I think I wish I could tell you to adopt. But, I know it’s a decision you and your husband had to come to when the time was right. I’m so happy for you both. I have two beautiful perfect (not always) children through adoption. We tried for 7 years. This is going to be a wonderful, long, frustrating and exciting time for you. Try to stay relaxed during this process.
I am SO HAPPY reading this blog post through blurry tears! So incredible. I can’t wait to see you and Jose with this precious baby and to follow you and journey along with you through motherhood! Congratulations on the best decision!
Happiest happy tears over here! Overjoyed for you and Jose! My niece is adopted, and our dearest friends grew their family through adoption. It is close to my heart, and you two are going to be the most amazing parents!!
Congratulations!!! I am beyond thrilled for you two! I have messaged you before and I really do believe you will make the BEST parents to a sweet child that for whatever reason in their life has made them need a new home and someone to give them the love they need……Its so weird how I only know you so to speak from reading your blog and following the two of you on Instagram, but I was so excited to read this announcement on your page this morning that I couldn’t get over here fast enough to see the news lol You both are going to bring so much joy into this child’s life and that is only a tenth of what they will bring into yours! I have never adopted or experienced the process that goes with it so I have no info in that direction, but with the amount of people out there that are here for you 🙂 I am sure you will be getting a ton of useful info to help you in the direction you need to get your beautiful child. I hope you will let us all follow along on your journey and as always I am sure that in return you will be helping someone else experiencing the same decision in life. Take care! Nothing, but the best wishes for the two of you!!
Best news ever! I feel like I’m going to be a new Auntie.
I’ve said before, my boy grew in my heart, not my belly. Giving birth no more makes you a mom, than having a piano in your living room makes you a musician. I can’t believe the lifetime of blessings that await the little bundle that God has already chosen for y’all!
Tons of love!!
Di
Yayayay!!! Soooo exciting, congrats!! Y’all are going to be amazing parents!
Congratulations to you both, and to all three of you! Best wishes, Ardith
Congratulations!!!!
So very happy for you guys!
There are so many beautiful stories of adoption.
My cousin and her husband tried for years to have a baby. When they turned to adoption, they adopted a beautiful baby girl. A few years later my cousin got pregnant and had another little baby girl and the next year a baby biy.
Years later they have raised 3 lovely kids.
God does have a plan!
Chills! I’m so happy and excited for you, Jose, and baby.
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress. James 1:27
Sending prayers that God leads you to your child❤️
Just ecstatic for you and Jose! I have no experience with adoption but just wanted to cheer you on and I have no doubt that you will find the answers you are seeking and gosh, you’ll be amazing parents! Congratulations!
I got so excited when I read that!!!!
So happy for you both!! You’re going to be awesome parents……CONGRATULATIONS
Dear Liz and Jose,
Reading this this morning gave me goosebumps and nearly made my heart explode…not because I know what you’ve gone through or have felt the loss you have (I had one miscarriage but can’t imagine 9), but watching your journey from the other side of IG world. From making your home with so much love, taking in the sweetest Grace then getting her “friends” and boyfriends….You are so ready and have your priorities in the right places. You two fill our IG with love and reality. A baby …an adoption…is such a blessing and that lil one will be so very lucky to have you both as parents . I wish you all the best and send you and your future baby prayers from afar.
God Bless.
Shelly Bartz
This is awesome news. God grew our family that way as well. Our son is 20 years old now.
Happy tears for you and Jose! You are going to be amazing parents; that child will know so much love!! ❤️ Good luck in your next steps on your journey!
I got chillsss when I read the title!! Congrats to you two!!! Looking forward to seeing your journey!!
This just made my day! You two are going to be wonderful parents!!! Blessings to you and out there is a very lucky baby xoxo!
Oh my gosh, LIZ! I’m so happy for you guys!! This is so exciting and I can’t wait to follow your journey as a mom. ? You deserve this and I couldn’t think of a better family to be adopted to than yours. ?
I am SO SO Soooooooo excited for you guys !
AND so happy we get to come along for the ride!!!!!!
YOU will both be wonderful awesome amazzzzing parents!!!!
XO
Lisa
What a wonderful life and family some little child will have. Prayers for this journey of yours and Jose ?
Our first love was born through this precious miracle after 7 long years of being childless and we’ve thanked God every day since! Adoption is a blessing for all involved— try to enjoy every (sometimes tedious) step on this emotional rollercoaster because before you know it, your baby will be in your arms. You got this! From one adoptive momma to another, I’m rooting for you! XO
Before I even read your post — just as I read the title line — my eyes teared up and I got major goose bumps! I’m so very happy for the two of you…and for the blessed little being that will be so lucky to be welcomed into your arms to create your new family ❤️❤️❤️
I as so happy for you both in coming to this decision. I had often wondered why you hadn’t gone there before, but as you said you had to get there in God’s timing. It’s through Him all of this is going to work. Blessings to you both in this journey!
What beautiful news! I’m over the moon excited for yall☺️ You and your baby will be such a blessing to each other! Prayers that your baby makes it home to your arms soon ?.
I am so excited for you both!!! You will be amazing parents & bring some lucky little baby so much love & hope! Congratulations on this decision! ❤️
I almost cried when I read this wonderful news! You will be amazing parents to a very blessed child❤️
I am literally bawling!! So thrilled for ALL of you!! That baby (or babies) is going to be so loved!! I pray the process is quick for you guys and your little family comes together soon ❤️ Praise Jesus!!
I am crying with happiness for you two!! God has had a child in mind to be yours since time began. He knew this was coming, and He knows what will be. No matter what, just remember as you go that God isn’t surprised by any of this. He will grow your family with the right child if you let Him be the guide. I can’t wait to see this journey unfold!!!
Praise the LORD! I DID shed tears of happiness! The Lord will truly bless you and Jose! I’m overjoyed and will play as God directs your path ❤️ Much love!
Hallelujah! I am beyond excited for you and Jose!! This news brings me so much happiness and I cannot wait for you two to have a little one of your own ? Prayers have been answered! ?
I am so, so genuinely happy you have landed on this path! You are both ready and even when it’s tough it’s going to be wonderful. XO.
Gah!!! I am so beyond excited for you guys!!! You all will make the best parents because clearly you have a lot of love to give! What a blessing all the way around! Congratulations!!!
Huzzah!!!! Huge congrats to making this epic decision. You guys will be awesome loving parents!
I cannot love this enough!!! So excited for you!
I’m so thrilled for both of you! You’ll be wonderful parents!
Sooooo HAPPY for you & Jose!!!!! I think your whole Insta-family is rejoicing with you all!! Whoot…whoot!!!!
Time to update your blog profile too. 🙂 Says you only have 2 dogs on the farm. A LOT has changed since then.
Again…incredibly happy for your news.
i left this in your instagram dm, but thought i’d put it here too 🙂
I just wanted to say a personal congratulations. you don’t know me but i’ve followed you and your story for years. i’m just plunging into blogging myself and look to you often for inspiration and encouragement. we have a lot in common: i’m also a believer, I also struggle with infertility and i’m ALSO an adoptive mama with two more foster girls were in the process of adopting. it’s a beautiful, messy world you’re stepping into and I will be PRAYING for you. the Lord LOVES adoption and the enemy HATES it. i’ll be covering you and your hubby in prayer. so excited for your journey. MUCH love, girl! ?
Liz & Jose , so happy for you. Just follow your hearts and you will find the right path & agency.
Tell friends and acquaintances far and wide of your desires.
We adopted our son after telling friends and family. A private adoption, that I had one month to prepare for. He was in my arms 5 minutes after being born.
God always has a plan. ?❤️
Wow. This is the best news.
It’s funny. I always read your stories about your struggles and never felt it was place to say maybe adoption was the way to go. Felt like it wasn’t right to take away your dreams and hopes for pregnancy- but I’m so happy for you and Jose. I already see visions of that cute baby crawling around your beautiful home and the dogs cuddling up with him or her. Going to be a wonderful journey for you.
What wonderful news! God’s timing is perfect, He has been preparing your hearts and minds for this. He will bring the child He has chosen for you into your life, knowing they will be loved and cherished forever! You and Jose will welcome that child into your hearts and life will never be the same! Blessings to you for all of this journey, thank you for sharing with us!
I am so thrilled for you guys. This will be an amazing journey. ❤️❤️
I’m squealing in joy for you both. And tears. Prayers for guidance and wisdom. You’ve got an amazing community backing you and cheering you on! What a very blessed child this will be ?
So so wonderful!!! Our daughter and her husband adopted after 8 years! We have 2 beautiful grandsons, Milo and Logan!!! We love them to the moon and back!! I am so happy and so supportive of this decision. Again so so happy for you!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Check out this page on Facebook. congrats! So happy for you and Jose!
https://www.facebook.com/tricia.bordman?hc_location=ufi
Love to you both.
God already knows the little soul he has planned for you. Our 2 year old daughter was delieved through adoption. The moment you hold them the rush of unconditional love just wipes all the pain and sorrow away. God really does make you new ! It is a journey of love, acceptance, empathy and joy. We got a call on a Saturday morning and by Sunday morning we met our daughter. It can seem slow but keep your faith, it can change in an instance. I am praying for you, Jose and your new little soul.
My heart is bursting with excitement for you two! I am so excited to watch your little family grow. We will be keeping your journey in our prayers.
I am over the moon to read you & Jose are going to adopt!! My husband can’t have kids and if we decide to have kids, that is what we will be doing also! My mom was adopted and she adored her parents and I just know this little babe will adore y’all! You both have the biggest hearts and I will be continuing to pray for y’all!! ❤️❤️ excited to watch this journey!
Both of you will make wonderful parents for the very blessed little one. So happy for you!
Happiness! Wish you all the best in this new journey! God bless you!
Congratulations! I would just like to wrap you in a hug and wish you well! You will be a great mom!
I too was infertile for 4 very long years. We had decided to adopt and then ended up having a child on our own but what we learned is that if doesn’t matter where or how a child comes to you, they are yours no matter how they enter your lives. Blessing to you and your hubby.
How exciting! God does always walk with us, and I am so happy for you and your husband. We have friends who have used Faithful Adoption Consultants and have really loved the community and connections they made through the agency and through other adoptive parents.
As an adoptee, I can say that you will be amazing and loving parents and you are a gift to your baby, as much as your baby is a gift to you ❤️ My parents’ journey was so similar to yours and all the love they had been saving up was given to my brother and me. Much love and success to your amazing story!!!!
OVERWHELMING JOY!!!!! YAYYY!!!! I’m SO HAPPY FOR YOUUUUUUUU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh your lucky baby and your new future little family!!!!!YOUR BABY WILL BE SO LOVED, you already ARE SUCH GOOD PARENTS!!!!! so excited for you and your new little one! CONGRATULATIONS! & all the Best!!!!! love you guys !
Hi Liz Marie,
Congratulations! Your baby is going to be the LUCKIEST kid ever to have you and Jose as Parents… And they get to grow up at White Cottage Farm?! Ugh… Adopt me!
I am sure everything will come so organically for you once you hold your sweet little baby! You are so deserving of this! I cannot wait for your next chapter of life to unfold… You got this!
I’ve know you since way back when… and I’m so happy you both feel led, and are ready to adopt. Wishing you peace and happiness on this journey.
So happy for you both and good luck to you guys
I am a recent follower of yours, I read your words and felt pain. I had suffered 2 miscarriages and felt lost. Luckily I was blessed with 2 baby girls. My best friend of 35 years has done about 8 ivf treatments, sadly lost them all. She has chosen to just let it be and carry on. Everyone’s path is so different.
I am just over the moon happy that you are making this choice!
Your going to give a sweet little baby a wonderful loving childhood ❤️
Sweet Liz and Jose, I am so happy to read this post! I know you two are going to be amazing parents and I cannot wait to follow your journey. How special that you are led to give a child an amazing loving home with two beautiful souls to call Mommy and Daddy. Xo
My parents adopted three amazing little ones with Down Syndrome after they had their three biological children. I was 10 when the first adoption happened. I am 36 now and I cannot imagine our family any other way. Those three have been the lights in all of our lives for the past 26 years. People always say how lucky my siblings are that they were adopted into our family, but we are truly the fortunate ones to have our lives touched by them. Good luck on your adoption journey. It will be even more amazing than you ever imagined.
I know your pain of losing precious babies to heaven. I have 2 babies in heaven. I also have adopted. My son came to me through DCS. I was a relative caregiver until I could adopt. I will tell you, adoption is trying and hard, sometimes your heart will break and sometimes you will get your hopes up. BUT it’s all in God’s timing. It’s a long difficult process sometimes but it’s so worth it. You will think you’re changing this child’s life but that child will be changing you. God used making me a mom to draw me back to Him. He used my son to save my life. He was my miracle! I didn’t know what I needed but God sure did. He will bless you all with the perfect child for your family. There are so many children who need to be adopted. It just takes patiences and God! Good luck and many blessings!
Congrats! There are lots of resources here in West Michigan for those adopting. Unfortunately I can’t be of help but I know they’re there!
Also, check out https://ammasumma.com/. I think you’d love it and they support adoptions!
https://ammasumma.com/collections/all/products/promptly-adoption-journal
This…you must get this!!!
Hi Liz! My name is Michelle, I blog over at The Painted Hinge, and I’m adopted 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that you and Jose have decided to adopt. My parents adopted me when I was three months old, and to me they were always my “real” parents to me – not being their biological child was never anything that caused me any problems.
I want to share with you one really important thing that they did for me. They told me I was adopted from the day one. I don’t remember any specific time where they told me I was adopted, but I always just “knew” because they had been telling me I was adopted before I could really understand what it meant.
Doing it this way instead of sitting me down and telling me at a time when I was older was smart because there was never a traumatic revelation when I found out that I wasn’t their biological child, which I’m sure would have left me questioning my identity and feeling very insecure about my place in the world.
Please don’t take this as me trying to tell you how to raise your adopted child – I know that is not my place. I just thought you might appreciate my perspective as an adopted child on this since it will be something you will have to deal with at some point.
Congratulations and Blessings!
Michelle
I know you are excited but please do your research before selecting an agency. The agency makes all the difference. I chose the wrong one which I will not name here and it was a very long three and a half years before we adopted our daughter. Ask the agency how many couples they have on their waiting list. Ask them what is the average wait time. Ask them what they will do for you to find you your child. You are the paying customer, remember that. Our agency admitted to us after several years of waiting that they don’t actively seek a child for us but rather focus on the birth mother and what she wants. Ask them if you can do a closed adoption or partially closed where the birth mother receives updates through the agency but she doesn’t actually know where you live, etc. Ask them how many infants they place a year and how many of those children are actually adopted. Ask if you can talk to a couple that used the agency and if they have references. Ask them if they allow you to work with other agencies simultaneously. Don’t sign a contract saying you will only work with them. If you pay for the home study then it should be yours and you should be able to take it to other agencies. There are other questions to ask but it’s been 10 years since we adopted. I know you are excited but please take the time to do your research. There are lots of books and websites out there with great advice. There are also sites that rate agencies and allow reviews and comments. Also, after you have selected the agency, make yourself known to everyone there. Go there. Keep checking in. We chose to be patient and we didn’t want to be a bother and it was a mistake. I was patient for 3 agonizing years and shortly after we complained we received our beautiful amazing daughter!!
Sweet Liz & Jose,
How many congratulations and God Bless You are enough ?????? My heart is bursting with tears and joy for you both! I cannot think of a more deserving couple and I know our Father has some beautiful miracles waiting for you both. I pray this process is one of joy, learning, excitement, eternal love and blessings!! Love to both of you!!!
I totally get that sense of peace when you made the decision to adopt. My husband and I had 6 years of infertility, 3 miscarriages and failed IVF attempts. We just realized one day that this is the path we were meant to take and I felt a wave of relief and peace wash over me. 14 months later we were chosen and adopted a beautiful baby boy. We had some legal
Issues along the way with the birth fathers mother. If I could give you any advice it is to have an adoption lawyer involved even if the agency tells you that it isn’t necessary. In the end we have a 6 yr old boy and he is the most wonderful delightful gift!
I am so over the moon happy for you two! Its so funny how life is and how God does lead us through dark waters to come to the light and realization of what our real purpose it! I was adopted by my step-dad, and although that is a different situation, he was the best father anyone could ever ask for. He was the most loving, caring man who not only treated me like his own, he would always introduce me as his daughter, but wanted me to have his name and that meant a lot! God brings us together with the people we are meant to be with in life and I am so glad to have followed your journey here on IG and wish you both nothing but blessings! xoxo
You have done the best thing by putting the word out there. My Mother was adopted by her Aunt. My Grandmother went on to adopt my uncle. She always said God does not put love in a women’s womb but in her heart. Good luck. My SIL’s daughter is adopted after years of miscarriage. Tell the entire world that you guys are ready and a darling baby will come you way. Let all your Drs know. A private adoption may be what works for you guys. Praying every day for a sweet baby for you to love and cherish. One more adoption story for you. A friend after adopting their daughter turned around and had a little boy. That has happened to two people that I know. Love both of you guys a wishing for the best.
Congrats my darlings! What a wonderful decision you have made! Boy, that’s gonna be some lucky baby! I’m so proud you two came together & the Goid Lord pointed you in the right direction! Best of luck in the entire process! you two will be great parents. So goodnight lovelies
I am so happy on your decision to adopt, you will make fantastic parents, my eldest sister (13 years older then me) was in Foster care for years, and was brought into our family much later she had just entered high school, but it was exactly what are family needed then, my mom had become sick and my new foster sister was there to help my mom, just as my mom was there to help her. It was exactly what everyone needed at the exact moment. You’ve found your path and it will be perfect.
This made me cry ? I am so happy for you both. What a blessing ??
I was adopted as an infant and my parents are the most amazing people in the world. You will change the course of your little one’s life and show them the incredible love a parent has for their child and even more so the love that our God has for each of His children.
I am so happy for you. I found you on IG and haven’t read all of your stories yet but I have been wanting to tell you that, looking back as a 60 year old, the one thing I wish I would have done was adopted. So I am happy for you! I understand all of the poking and prodding and testing. Can’t wait for this new journey to begin for you and Jose. I’m from Indiana and I know someone who adopted twice and went two different avenues for each adoption. I’ll try to get some information for you.
Cindy
Liz, so thrilled for you and Jose! This proves that in heartbreak and loss, our God can bring such boundless blessing! I don’t think alot of people realize that when we pray so earnestly for something we may so desperately want, sometimes His answer is no. We start out assuming what we want we will get but His plans for us just might be different. Can’t wait to go on this journey with you! Love to you all?!
I hope all the happiness and blessing for the new member of the family! I am always following your story. Love from Greece
I am so thrilled for you and Jose. I have followed your journey and have prayed for you along the way. I will continue to pray for you and this path that God has led you on. This is JOYOUS news!
My heart is full of joy reading your post. I am so excited for you and Jose. Wow! I keep you both in my prayers all the time for God to bless your life with a little one. ❤️?
When i saw the Squirrel Nutkin book page you displayed about getting the home ready I burst into tears. Oh how special, I am so excited for you both! Please, as so many people posted, check out agencies very very well. Will be praying for your journey as you go forward.
I just got the biggest smile when I read the title, congratulations to you both! You are going to make amazing parents 🙂
This is such exciting news and I’m so happy for you both. I’ve been watching your blog and instagram page for a while, and you and your husband have been such an inspiration to me. You’ve helped me to feel empowered to follow several dreams that I had set aside. My dad, my two aunts, and two of my cousins are adopted. My great grandmother fostered over 90 kids during the course of her life. I promise you two will be blessed beyond all you can imagine. Congrats!
Tears! I’ve long thought you and Jose have so much love to share that it made me wonder if you’d even considered adoption. What a blessing you will be to some precious baby or babies. (!) Congratulations, keeping you and your future family in my heart. xo
Wow. Tears are streaming! “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.” So excited for you and Jose. That baby doesn’t even know how blessed he/she is going to be. Praying for wisdom as you embark on this new journey.
Love you and your blog.
Catholic Charities is a good place to start. You do not have to be Catholic. May God bless your decision and give you life and grace in abundance. This baby will be blessed beyond measure because it will be treasured beyond words. You have been being prepared for this moment. And you are right God will provide everything you need, equip you in all the right ways and walk alongside you in Joy at this miracle that is unfolding in your life. I will pray for you on this journey.
Somewhere there’s a tiny sweet soul waiting for a loving mommy & daddy. I’m sure God will be with you every step of this new journey. Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I would also like to share that your faith and leaning on our Holy Father helps me lean into Jesus during my struggles. Thank you sister for your faith.
Wow, what an answer to prayer!! I am blessed to know that so many of us who love and pray for you (from a distance), get the privilege of watching your miracle unfold! God will direct you to the perfect little person to love for a lifetime ❤️ Continued prayers for guidance!
God Bless You both!!
Love hugs and kisses to both of you on this journey I am so excited for the both of you you will be the most amazing loving wonderful parents I couldn’t be more excited for the two of you congratulations I think this is wonderful love to you both ??????????????????????????
Because of “adoption” I found out last month I’m a grandma .. and a great-grandma! How? What? Long story short, a girlfriend of my son decided to giver her baby to adoption. My son was never told. It was an open adoption. Mom was in the child’s life. 24 years later, mom says it’s time to tell her and my son the real facts.
Everyone is happy and excited. We’re trying to figure how we can all meet up. We’re in CA. MT. Fl. But if she had not chosen adoption, things could, would have been so different. Thank You for choosing to adopt. Open or not, you are giving life to a child. I’m excited for you. Our’s has a loving ending – beginning!
So happy to hear that you two decided to adopt, I ask you about a few ago if you ever thought about it, and you never responded, I was worried I had offended you, I see how that it was a journey for you and jose to go though, I am so happy you have now decided to adopt, you both will be such wonderful parents, and have bulit such a wonderful life for a family, I watch you every morning and love to see your wonderful farm, God Bless!! Oh and I too was adopted 57 years ago
What a blessing you and Jose will be to that little child. How blessed will they be to grow up at your cozy farm. I’m so happy that you have decided to adopt, sending prayers as you go on this exciting journey❤️
What a beautiful story! Our son is adopted and chosen for us! We have 2 biological daughters and I always wanted another baby. 16 years later God finally answered our prayers with a sweet baby boy who is now 5!! The first time I laid eyes on him my heart exploded and i felt God whisper in my ear “here’s your son!” Wasn’t that worth the wait?!? And oh my goodness it was more than worth the wait! Gods timing is perfect. And you will be blessed over and over again! Blessings to you!!
You don’t know me, but I truly think you both are such an inspiration and deserve nothing, but happiness! God puts us on our individual paths for a reason. So awesome to see this wonderful news and am excited to follow along in this next chapter.
Best wishes!
-Taylor
Life is a journey that we tend to plan our own path and for awhile we walk that trail. We may stumble and fall but somehow we stand back up and continue to go forward guided by a force and end up exactly where we should be. At last realizing it really was not our plan in the beginning, but God’s gentle hands picking us up and setting us in the right direction. You and Jose are already the perfect parents. Your precious baby is just waiting for your hands to pick him up. Congratulations.
We adopted our 3rd child 22 years ago. We live in Tennessee but we used Holston Homes for our home study and they were in Texas. So u dont even think it has to be in the same state you live in. But she was a family adoption so our process was a lot different. Good luck to you two. We had 2 of our own and then adopted her and it was the 3 best things we had ever done. Adoption is so rewarding.
I’m so excited for both of you. This is a huge step but it sounds like it’s absolutely the right step and the right timing for both of you! You’ll make such wonderful parents to whomever. Can’t wait to follow this journey you’re on!
Tara
Way to go, Liz! Way to go! ??❤️
I am so unbelievably HAPPY for you two! This is so wonderful!!! You will be changing a little life and opening doors of wonder! This is just so perfect!!! I am so ready to follow your journey!!! I would highly recommend you contacting Elsie from A Beautiful Mess. She is a wealth of information with Adoption and you can follow their journey. They are in the process of adoption #2 : ) Can’t wait to see your next step to your sweet sweet family! Hugs to you all and tons of hugs to all the pups and animals : )
Oh happy day!! I’m so happy for you and Jose?? May your hearts be filled with joy and the unbelievable LOVE that parents give and receive! This has really made my day!! God bless you both!
I have followed your blog for years and am originally from Lowell, Michigan just south of GR. I’m so incredibly happy for you and Jose! God always has a plan for those of us who love Him. We don’t always understand that journey (or trust it), but looking back I always do. My brother and sister in law adopted a baby boy from India a year ago and are now going through the process to adopt through the Crisis Pregnancy Outreach in our area. It is a beautiful program that gives you the opportunity to be a part of the labor and delivery with the birth mother. We also have some friends who just adopted through the CPO. It was a fast process also which was great as my Bro and sis in law waited almost 3 years for the India adoption. We have heard they are trying to fast track the over seas adoptions though. All that said to say I highly recommend looking into a Crisis Pregnancy Outreach. You are not only saving a life, but may also get the amazing opportunity to share your love for Jesus with a young lady making the hardest choice of her life. What a testimony Liz! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for your family! Prayers for you!
You and Jose have made a beautiful decision. My sister and husband adopted our niece through adoption attorneys twenty-seven years ago and two years later were contacted by the same birth mother and then brought her baby brother home. It has been an honor to be their auntie and a wonderful experience to share in their lives. Family is family bonded by eternal love no matter how it was formulated. May God continue to guide you and grant you any needed patience as you navigate into parenthood. Just thrilled for you both!
Our daughter and son in law said from the beginning…we will let God determine the number of children we have…until He said zero. After 12 years of trying to start a family and traveling and ministry and enjoying marriage their little family of 2 became 3 through adoption of a sweet baby girl. Another 6 years passed before their family of 3 became 4 through adoption of a sweet baby boy. Glory! These are the ones God intended for them all along and it has been a little piece of heaven for us all! They would would trade a single piece of their journey because this is as it was always meant to be. There were trials and tragedies and at times I thought my heart would collapse but God…SO happy for you, my heart just smiles with love now for you two.
Ashley@lifewithkids blog would be an amazing person for you to talk to. She lives in the PNW and adopted both of her adorable girls (I think 5 and 3)…and just recently after years of infertility struggles had a little boy via IVF. She would have so much information for you and she is a pretty open book as well. ?I’m so happy for you and am excited to watch your journey. You will be amazing parents and God will choose just the right child for you ❤️ Xoxo
Please, please, please, adopt through foster care. I have taken in four infants through the foster care system. You can become foster parents first by reaching out to an organization like Catholic Charities West Michigan (they’re close enough to you). They will train you. You decide what age child to take into your home. Believe it or not, there are a lot of infants in need of loving homes. You will have to enter into it knowing the child might go back to birth parents, but in my experience, that hasn’t happened. It’s free. It’s a much shorter process than a private adoption. Babies are out there. They need people like you and Jose. I am praying for you.
I have butterflies for you. It’s a terrific decision. My brother (now 50+, adopted through State of California) is adopted; my niece (12, adopted from Vietnam) is adopted. Have I ever looked at them as anything other than family? Absolutely not! It was as if angels put them in our lives. I wish you the very best — a speedy adoption process, a good fit, and total happiness with your decision. I read your blog and am familiar with your desire for a family. This is a great way to achieve that. You two will be fabulous parent. I will also add, both my stepmother and my sister became pregnant after adopting children. Miracles happen!
Liz,
We had a similar journey to you and Jose and we now have two beautiful adopted children. I never thought I would adopt and so many times I would just plug my ears when people mentioned it to me. Now looking back, I wish I had done it sooner but that would mean I would not have my awesome kids! I was so over the top ready to love another person since I mothered our two cats and dog! I knew by your posts that you’ll eventually adopt and never look back! You’ll bond immediately with your child and all those years of infertility will feel like a major birthing process! My husband says that pregnancy is for wimps! Infertility and adoption is so much harder! But so worth it!!!! I’m so so happy for you!!!!!!!
Congratulations! We adopted last year! I would recommend Christian adoption consultants. They would be the best at helping you through the process and recommending an agency in your area to get a homestudy. After you are homestudy ready, I would recommend registering with Special Angels Adoption (we adopted through them and from the time we signed up with them we had a baby in a month!). You can read more about both of them on their websites. I hope this helps! God bless!
Jose and Liz,
Not sure if you know abut Thistlewood Farms blog but KariAnne Woods talks about her niece’s adoption and the America’s Christian Credit Union who help people with the expenses associated with adoption. This maybe something you are already aware of but just wanted to pass it on in case you didn’t.