November is National Adoption Month. It is also the month that Andrew and I start the paperwork to renew our home study. A home study is good for one year, and then needs to be updated in order for us to remain “in the book” and ready to adopt a child should we be chosen. On Wednesday, Andrew and I filled out all the paperwork except our annual physical form.

For those who don’t know, we started our adoption journey with Adoption Minnesota in 2019. In the fall and winter of 2018, we learned that my body cannot carry a child due to my kidney disease—it would be too risky to both me and the potential child. Instead, we turned to adoption. Honestly, we always thought we would go through adoption for one child and have one child biologically. Our plans just changed and we are thankful for this opportunity to still be parents.

Adoption can be such an amazing thing. It can also be heartbreaking for all those involved. If you are an expectant parent, know that we are amazed you are even considering placing your child for adoption. We cannot imagine what you are going through, but we are thankful if you consider us as parents for your child. Andrew and I would like to have an open adoption and keep you as involved in your child’s life as you want to be. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. Between us and our rescue dogs Goldy and Jake, there is so much love in our house and we cannot wait to grow our family through adoption. Hope to hear from you soon!

Please check out our waiting families page with Adoption Minnesota (https://adoptionmn.com/families/andrew-natalie/) and our social media (@_buildingournest on instagram, Building Our Nest on facebook), and the rest of this website for more information on us.