Our Open Adoption Experience

We dreamed of having children and of being surrounded by laughter, hugs and kisses.  After experiencing infertility and accepting that we could not conceive a child, we embraced open adoption to make our dream for a family come true.  We are now happily raising our daughter in a fully open adoption.

We will be honest, as we started down this path, we were very nervous about who we would meet and how it would work. Then we met Cristina, Allyson’s birth mom, and the wisdom of open adoption became crystal clear!  We grew to know, trust, respect and love each other as our relationship grew.  Cristina has demonstrated the true meaning of unconditional love and we will always share an important and unending bond with her. 

While in Minnesota for Allyson’s birth, we spent time with her birth father, and Allyson’s two half-sisters.  Allyson’s birth father prefers to have less direct contact.  We continue to keep the door open by sending him letters and photos. 

We have a special relationship with Cristina, Allyson’s birth mother, and with her family.  They are still very much a part of our lives.  We have traveled back to Minnesota and Cristina has made several visits to California.  We regularly share pictures, emails, and phone calls.  It is amazing the bonds that have been created and the love we have for them as our extended family… because that is what they have become… our family.