Back when Jeremy and I were just married and had purchased our first home, we closely followed the adoption journey of a fellow blogger, Ashley. That experience transformed us. As I shared daily updates with Jeremy, he eventually mentioned he’d be open to adopting a child with special needs. That marked our first real conversation about adoption (earlier talks felt far-off), so we began exploring the option. At that time, we weren’t both 30 yet—a requirement for adopting from China—but we saved the idea for later.
Five years later, we found ourselves in Nashville, finishing renovations on a family-sized home and desperately wanting to start a family. We tried conceiving for a while (more details here), but set a deadline: if we weren’t pregnant by our fifth wedding anniversary, we’d pursue adoption. I gradually realized I was completely okay with not getting pregnant and actually looked forward to adopting just as much—maybe even more. After months of negative pregnancy tests, I never cried. As someone who tears up easily (Super Bowl ads, a slightly harsh text, or whenever 'Forever and For Always' plays—haha), this surprised me. From then on, I embraced adoption as our path, and though it sounds cheesy, I felt it was our destiny.
Following our anniversary, we seriously researched adoption options. After a month of calls, emails, and reading various stories, we decided to adopt from China (reasons here). The rest of the year was consumed by what felt like endless paperwork. As someone not naturally organized, this was a huge challenge. In the end, I appreciated how the process forced me to become more organized, and I’d never felt so adult. It was empowering!
Then came the waiting period—from early winter 2017 until late summer. It was the longest, hardest season of my life. I was anxious, excited, and eager to become a mom, so not knowing when it would happen was incredibly frustrating. I leaned on my support system, traveled, and threw myself into finishing my home renovation and our project house to stay busy. Professionally, it was a productive year, but personally, it was brutal.
During the wait, I shared a few updates: Our Month 10 update, Month 12, and things that helped us cope with the wait to be matched.
Then, one day, it happened! We found our daughter! I recounted the entire match story here. After that, we knew it was just a few months until we’d travel to meet her and become a family of three. It was the most incredible feeling!
During the three and a half months before travel, we educated ourselves about albinism, wrapped up career projects, and prepared our home for a two-year-old. We were SO HAPPY.
On November 30, we departed for China. Saying goodbye to friends, our home, and our dogs, knowing we’d return soon with little Nova, felt surreal. We spent two nights in Beijing at the start. We enjoyed amazing last date nights (the Peking duck was incredible!) and wandered around experiencing China without a toddler. But our minds were completely focused on what lay ahead—plus we had jet lag.
Next, we flew to Changsha, the capital of the province where Nova’s orphanage was located. Jeremy filmed a video starting the morning we met Nova. We sent it to our families on Christmas Eve (we couldn’t be with them that Christmas because we’d just arrived home with Nova). This video is so precious to me; I still can’t watch it without crying.
Music by Sleeping At Last. The song is called “Moon.”
We’ve now been with Nova for two months, and I finally finished writing the story of her adoption day (we call it our “family day”) and the two weeks we spent together in China. Adoptions are never easy for anyone involved. That said, I honestly believe it’s the best decision we’ve ever made, and we feel like the luckiest family in the world.
Since returning home, our bond has grown incredibly strong. We’re so proud of Nova, and I think it’s okay to say we’re proud of ourselves too. Looking back, our transition seemed relatively quick and smooth, but day by day it was extremely challenging. I imagine any new parent can relate.
We’re still discovering who Nova is (she’s full of surprises!) and we love her more each day. She’s funny, smart, confident, and so brave.
On a personal note, I’ve never been happier! I still wake up every day unable to believe this is my life now—it’s the most incredible gift. I’m working hard to stay present and enjoy this season while I’m in it. I’m definitely guilty of over-documenting, but I’m working on that (she’s just too cute!).
Throughout our adoption, I received many questions, so I compiled them into two massive Q&A posts. Read part one (getting started and early decisions) and part two (special needs adoptions, China adoptions, and money questions).
Thank you so much for your kindness and support. Our family felt so loved throughout this journey. xx! Elsie
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