Friends, today is a day I’ve been waiting for for a long time. And, not just for KelleyNan.com. I’ve been waiting for this day for years. I’ve dodged questions from acquaintances, and have been vague with readers but today, all that changes. Today is the day that we finally get to announce that we are going to be parents. We are adopting a baby.
I’m literally crying tears of joy, writing this for the first time. It’s absolutely surreal and honestly, it isn’t necessarily the story we always thought we’d have. But when we decided to start down this journey last year, we became more sure of our path each day. Our hearts feel like they may burst and we are overjoyed to finally be able to share the news with the world.
So, here’s where we are. After starting the home study process in late October, we are prospective adoptive parents who are officially home study approved. If you’re like I was and have no idea what that means, basically, we have been filling out mountains of paperwork; getting background checks; having medical visits; meeting with our caseworker; gathering references, letters, and logs; etc. etc. etc. and we have officially been deemed as able and ready to adopt. For the past several months, we have been working to surround ourselves with the right professionals to help direct and guide us. We have chosen private, domestic infant adoption and here’s the reality — the part that has made me question for months when the “right” time would be to share — we have no idea when that will actually be. We don’t know who our child will be, or the expectant family, carrying this precious soul. We don’t know in which state they live or when he/she will be born. We will be praying for a match; we could match with an expectant mother tomorrow who is due next week, or match with an expectant mother in 11 months from now. We just don’t know. To keep today fun and this announcement light, I’ll be short on the details — until a few months ago, this was all foreign to us. We learn a ton every single day and have a lot still to learn. We are trying to navigate the adoption process while simultaneously navigating the first-time-parent process. We have been working on a nursery and working to stock up on essentials – something that’s a little more difficult when you not only are clueless on gender, but clueless on the season of birth. We are trying to get our ducks in a row because the reality is, when we do “match” with an expectant family, we may have three months or three days (or less) to prepare. We could be able to drive or we may have to fly. We will have to prepare to be out of state for two weeks or longer. Again, we just don’t know. What we do know is that for Dave and I, our greatest blessings in this life have all come from circumstances that contradicted what we thought our plans were. It’s how we ended up together and it’s how my career path totally changed. And as much as I like to prepare, this is just another instance when we have to try to trust Him and His timing.
So, if you have thought I’ve been a little quiet over the past several months, now you know why 😉 I’m still struggling in my inbox and completing everything that needs to be done. I absolutely have fun posts on the way but as we walk this journey, not knowing what to expect or where it will lead, I appreciate your grace and understanding. If you’ve adopted, I would love to hear about it! Have questions? I’ll be putting together some of the most asked questions to share with all of you which will include more details. Thank you for visiting today and for celebrating this alongside our family. Subscribe to emails below if you want to stay in the loop and updated along the way!
I’m a first-time mom and of course, and stoked about all the fun stuff (hello, nursery!) and will be sharing plans on that soon. But, here are some of the sources (contains affiliate links) from today’s post.
Cane Convertible Crib // Throw // Stuffed Bunny // Crib Sheets // Sherpa Bear Rocker // Pillow // Shepskin- Costco (SIMILAR)
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Congratulations I’ve read your blog for awhile but I don’t think I’ve ever left a comment! This made me tear up! I wish you the best and I hope the timing (whenever it is) is perfect for you! I can’t wait to see updates now!
OMG! Congratulations…I am so excited for you and your husband. The nursery is adorable and you will be blessed with a beautiful baby when the time is right. Can wait for updates.
Awwwww, this is fabulous! I’ve been a member of your blog for a long time. I don’t recall you ever mentioning anything about wanting children or struggles with infertility. But this is AMAZING news!You are going to be the best mommy! You and Dave seem to have a wonderful marriage and 100% supportive in one another’s dreams. This child will be blessed. Oh, I can’t wzit to hear more. I’m so excited.
Congratulations! I have adored your blog for quite some time but this deserved a comment and sharing some love directly. I have young children and can’t wait for all to come. I’m wishing you and your husband THE BEST!
Congrats you guys!! Excited for you and hope to see some cute nursery posts or kids rooms depending on the age you are adopting! Lots of love from Indiana!!!
My husband and I have two sons we adopted at birth and now 26 and 21. It was the most exciting and stressful time of our lives. We did not make any announcements until the birth mothers in both adoptions chose us. It’s an incredible time. Good luck.
The. Best. News. Ever. I’m a mother of two amazing young women who were adopted from China at 5 months old and 8 months when we received them. They are now 23 and 19 and I could not be more grateful to have them in our lives. I know this doesn’t happen to everyone, but between these two beauties, I became pregnant and carried full-term and had a boy — who’s 21. My son has Aspergers syndrome (on the autism spectrum) and is very high functioning. Just ask him. Parenting is an series of unexpected surprises. I’m so happy for both of you — and for this new baby who will be in your life forever. Congrats!
Congrats Kelley! Beyond excited for you both!
Beautiful news. I’m very happy for you!
I am so very happy for you. It is a long journey and I am sure it was not an easy decision but you will be parents. There is a lucky baby out there that will be part if your family soon. Congratulations
Congratulations to both of you! Best wishes for everything working out in the way and time that works well for you.
You two are my favorite couple of all times – I’m thrilled for you ❤️
Congrats to you both! Prayers for you as you wait for your child. Remember, His timing is always perfect. God Bless you both.
Congratulations. I’m so happy for you both. This will be an amazing journey.
Congratulations! I am so choked up I can hardly breathe! I am so happy for your family and the blessing you will receive. You will be wonderful and loving parents and I know Mama Nan is over the moon! XOXO
I am soooo very excited for you and your hubby! I’ve got tears in my eyes and will keep you in my prayers!
Congratulations Kelley nan!! So exciting!! Can’t wait to hear all about your little bundle of joy! So happy for you!
Kelley!!! Dave!!!! This is AWESOME!!!!! I am so stinkin’ excited for you guys. Thanks for sharing and allowing us to take this journey with you all. I will add you to my prayer list and pray for a smooth “stroll” the entire way through. Being on the baby bottles! Woot woot!!!!
Congratulations!! Looking forward to seeing your new baby soon!! Praying for the baby and for you and your husband as you will be new parents soon!!????
So happy for you! Thanks for sharing!
omgosh, your adoption sounds exactly like ours 18 years ago. you should see this 6’3″ handsome, sweet, wonderful young man, i am so blessed to call my son.
Our turning point and shortly before we found our birth mom, we were given some very wise advice to start praying for our birth mom. through networking we found her (this beautiful 17 yo young lady) because of soooo many prayers from most of Ohio. Our open adoption and relationship with her and her family made our lives complete because of the gift she gave us! enjoy the ride!
Congratulations. It will be an amazing journey for all of you and I wish you all the best.
This is wonderful; so happy for you and for the baby who will have amazing parents. Congratulations!
I am so THRILLED for you and Dave!!! God has HIS perfect timing and I cannot wait to watch you become a new mama! Keeping you and Dave in my prayers (and your baby too!).
xoxo
Congratulations!!!!! To the future mama and dada!! That is the best news ever! Will be keeping you in my prayers that your journey to becomes parents to this lucky little baby goes smoothly and quickly. This is just soooooooo awesome and i cant wait to see this beautiful nursery! Thank goodness i’m Passed my child bearing years because I probably would consider another one after seeing the nursery. Best wishes always ??
.Congratulations. This is wonderful news. I usually don’t leave comments, but I’m so excited for you and your husband.
Congratulations ? so exciting!! Prayers for you and Dave!!
That’s so exciting!! Congratulations! I pray God will lead you both during this time and bring you your baby soon <3
Kel you know how I feel about all of this! Could NOT be more excited and happy for you. There is nothing like being a mom.. nothing! I can’t wait for you to experience it all. You and Dave will be amazing parents! I’ve been crying all the happy tears over here! ❤️ Love you!! XO
Congratulations! God bless you both! I have raised 4 beautiful children. It has been the best thing I have ever done.
Congratulations! Kelley, that’s great news happy for you and your husband.
Heartfelt congratulations to you and Dave! I wish you joy and happiness as you embark on the journey of expanding your family.
A child is such special gift and I know you will be great parents.
Wishing you all the best!!
Mary xx
Congratulations on this amazing revelation!! You will be wonderful parents. Can’t wait for details as your journey continues to unfold!! ?
This made my day! What wonderful news. That is going to be one very lucky baby who will be loved and pampered beyond belief. Congratulations to you and the Mr. God bless and continue to give you wisdom and guidance on this most amazing journey!
This is wonderful news. Congratulations to you both.
Awesome!! Congratulations!! You two are going to be great parents.
Congratulations! Many blessings to you on this wonderful journey.
Congrats Kelly! I’m 35 years old and adopted — privately, domestically and as an infant. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for beautiful life and love my parents have given me… not to mention the opportunities I may not have been afforded otherwise. I think you’ve made a wonderful decision and I wish you all the best! XO
What wonderful news! I have several friends who have been through this journey and it is quite a process. It will all be worth it when you have that precious little bundle in your arms. Congratulations!
Congratulations to you both on such wonderful news! Hugs!
Congratulations from Canada!
So very happy for you. I know you will be an awesome Mommy!?
Such exciting news, SO happy for you both!!! You will make great parents and I’m sure have lots of love to give, which is the most important thing. Hope the day comes soon.
Oh my goodness, Kelley Nan. 🙂 🙂 🙂
How exciting is this? God’s timing is always perfect, and that sweet precious baby will be the perfect gift that fits perfectly into your arms, mama. Be sure to document your journey. It will be a precious God sized story to share with your baby someday.
((Hugs))~ Deb 🙂
Congratulations to you both. I am the mother of four amazing children, three boys and a girl. Our family was created through private adoption. All four we brought home from the hospital as infants. Their current ages are 31, (2) 29 year olds and 22. My husband and I have always felt that we are so blessed. We have had the most incredible life and continue to experience the joys of parenthood.
When I read your post I felt such joy for you and Dave. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes to all three of you.
My best friend adopted a wonderful little baby boy not long ago and her dreams have come true.
God be with you as you take this journey into parenthood. GREAT news. ♥
OMG!! When I saw the white balloons, I silently guessed, IT’S A BABY! BUT WHEN I READ IT’S AN ADOPTED BABY I SCREAMED!! My husband and I adopted a beautiful newborn baby boy 12 years ago!! And that child is our E V E R Y T H I N G !!! ! We are soooooo grateful to God for this huge blessing! May God bless y’all with a beautiful journey and baby!! Get ready! IT REALLY can happen at the spur of the moment! We received a phone call right after he was born!! I almost fainted at work! Lol. We only had a few days to get the main necessities!! It was crazy but soooooo worth it!! God bless you and ur husband!
I couldn’t be happier for you. My parents were amazing and always told me I was their special gift. I grew up knowing the word adopted never once felt like an adopted child. My parents are my mom and dad. They were the ones who were up late at night when I was sick, helped me through school and walked me down the aisle. I just know you’re new baby will be as blessed.
Crying tears of joy over here! How exciting!! I am excited to follow along on your journey! Sending love!
I’m so excited for you! Congratulations! I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you❤️.
As an adoptive parent myself, I know exactly what you are feeling. We had 6 hours notice and were able to get to the hospital to witness his birth. It’s been 16 wonderful years!
Congratulations!! The best happiest news ever!!! I don’t know you at all but can I just feel your excitement and love and know you will be spectacular parents!!!
I have read your blog for a long time and have been inspired by everything. My husband and I also adopted. We traveled to Russia as we were older parents. Everything about the preparation and home study and everything else involved seemed difficult at the time. She is my heart and at 23, is a lively and lovely young woman. You will be a wonderful and thoughtful mother, as you are an amazing young woman. Get lots of rest and enjoy the time with Dave and the pups. This will be a whirwind. Cherish it all!
Oh Kelly! I am so excited for you and Dave! But as an adoptee myself, I am also excited for the baby that will be blessed by having two parents who will love and care for him/her.
Congratulations!!!! Very exciting news. So happy for you. You’ll make an excellent mom and great parents as well.
I am so happy for you guys!!! Congrats!!! This will be an amazing journey!
Oh my goodness , I am soooo happy for you and Dave, Kelley Nan -Congratulations!!! I was adopted many years ago by my loving parents who have always loved and treated me as their very own flesh and blood. My Mother would always tell me the story of when they got THE call that they had a baby ! My mom lost like 6 pounds over the weekend cause she couldn’t even eat she was so excited/ nervous etc . I know God will send the perfect baby for your family!! ❤️
Congratulations to you Kelleynan and Dave… Everyone that has commented took my words! ?God is good and his timing is perfect! I don’t personally know you two but I feel you will both be great parents.. I got goosebumps when I read your post .. again, Congratulations!!! ?or ?May your wish come true..
Congratulations! You. Are. Going. to have A. Blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I’m going to need a P.O. Box for you guys. I need to send this little one his/her first UGA onesie! Best news ever, and we will be patiently waiting out here in cyberland, right along with you. Love and prayers!
Yippppeeee!!!! I couldn’t be more happy for you and Dave! You can count on my prayers and support…put your family first ????
Congratulations!!!
That is wonderful!!
So excited for you!!
This is such wonderful news! I’m adopted and my parents hid it from me for a long time – so great that you’re being open and honest and putting it out there.
Your post made me tear up!! Best of luck to you and godspeed!
Congratulations, Kelley! What amazing parents you’ll be. I’m do very happy for Dave and you.
Congratulations Kelley!! Thank you for sharing. Your words and thoughts are beautiful. The love and excitement are emitted in every sentence. I’m sure you and Dave will be wonderful parents and shower that baby with love! God bless you.
Congratulations to you and Dave!!!
Brilliant news. Congratulations to you both!
Congratulations!!!! So happy for you!
Congratulations to you both! My husband and I adopted 12 years ago, and what a wonderful way to build our family.
Can’t wait to hear the exciting news of your match and birth.
Congratulations! So happy for you two.
Congratulations to you! You will LOVE being a mom! I love your blog and have made so many changes in my home because of you! Thanks for your inspiration and I wish you the best in parenting and the best future for your little one!
Congratulations! So happy for you and can’t wait to see the fulfillment of this promised blessing. Thanks for your blog. I have recently discovered it and it has been a real pleasure to read.
I’m thrilled for you. Adopting my son was the best choice I ever made. I know what a challenge it was to get to this place and I know how crazy all the uncertainty can feel. I’m wishing you a quick and smooth adoption. I can’t wait for you to meet your baby.
I honestly don’t even know what to comment because I could write an entire book about all the joy and excitement I have for you guys! I have no doubt you will look back on this time in your life and say it was the best decision you ever made – can’t wait to take this journey with you (and of course spoil the heck out of your new baby 🙂 Love you!
How wonderful! That is awesome. Congrats.???
Congratulations ❤️Thank you so much for sharing
We adopted a newborn little girl who is now 19. I was 46, my husband 50.
She is the love of my life and being a mother filled a void nothing else
Could.
It’s a wild ride. I also appreciate hearing about all the other adoptions,
It’s a unique journey in its own way.
Hang in their in complete faith, your child is coming?
Kel, I am just so excited for you and Dave as you venture down this new path! You are truly blessed, and this will be your greatest gift! And of course, the greatest gift that you can give to that precious little life. Sending you so much love, I am so thrilled for you! Love you! xox
OMG what wonderful news! I have been following you for a couple of years now and always enjoy reading your blog & following you on Instagram. It will be exciting to follow this journey that you two will be on. Trust in His timing because it is always right & again congratulations! You will be wonderful parents I am sure!!!
Is anyone else tearing up with tears of joy over this? I have been following you for a few years now & I am so thrilled about this news for the both of you! I feel like this is happening to a friend. I know you will be an amazing Mom Kelley! Hmmm, Wonder what the fur baby is going to think of the new baby? ??
I am just so incredibly happy for you and Dave!!! I’ve been following you for a few years now and absolutely love your blog. Everything you post is inspiring and makes me happy. But this post!!! I’m just so so happy for you!! Wishing you God’s many blessings on your future family. ?????
Congratulations! I too, was thinking when I read the headline with you were being blessed with a baby!! Congratulations again!!!!
I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your blog before, but this brought me out of the woodwork! Thank you for sharing such wonderful news. You are giving the gift of family and home to a little child in need. Blessings on you and your future little one. Please share as much as you feel comfortable sharing about the journey, I know we will all be anxious for any updates!
Congratulations Kelley Nan and Dave! I am so excited for you both!
AMAZING!!! This is fantastic news and our family welcomes you to this very special club! We began our adoption journey 34 years ago when not one of our peers had this option on their radar. We felt a bit alone and it was all so foreign. The mounds of paperwork, intrusive questions, home visits, Dr. appts., not to mention monetary fees at every turn, can overwhelm. Remember God’s heart and love for children is relentless and He chose You and Dave to enter into this love in a profound way!!! Adoption. Is.Amazing.
Blessings, dear family,
Suzi, Jim and our 5 adopted treasures aged 33,30,28, and 18 year old twins…what a ride!
Congratulations!! My heart was so happy reading this, and to know you will soon be a mommy. There is no bigger blessing than having the privilege of being a mother and by mother I don’t mean the one that gives birth to the child but the one that raises, takes care of the child, reads to them, hugs them when they are lonely or scared, nurses them when they are sick, etc. These are the things that describe a mom for me! Best of luck to you and your husband, I’m sure you will be amazing parents!
Congratulations!! I am so happy and proud of you for opening your heart and home up to a child. ❤️God bless your journey! Parenthood is the best gift from above.?
Congratulations! We were matched with a birth mom in September and our baby was born the first part of December. We just had our post placement home visit and are awaiting an official adoption date. It is a wonderful, blessed, anxious time. The waiting is one of the hardest parts. Prayers that you won’t have a long wait and the process will be drama-free!
What a lucky little baby to be yours. You will make wonderful parents. You have such a fun, playful spirit that will reflect onto your child. Congratulations. Just wait till you check out all the cute little baby clothes.
Congratulations! What an awesome Blessing.
Kelly, this is fantastic news! I am so so happy for you and knew it was something like this when you said to swipe up! You will be a great mommy because you put such heart and soul into everything you do, and I can only imagine the kind of life this child will have. God will allow this all to unfold as intended, and I cannot wait to see what happens! I wish the best for you and Dave – this is all so special and so exciting! May the Lord bless you both during this wait time. ❤️
Congrats!! We’ve adopted 3 out of our 4 kiddos. It’s life-changing, challenging-may be even more so than having you’re own. Ride the waves as they come.
Congrats Kelley!!! You and your husband will be amazing parents! What a lucky baby! Big hugs! ??? Kathy
Congratulations Kelley!! I love your blog and get lots of my inspiration from your posts!!! I’m so excited for you and your husband on this new journey!!! I’m an adoption program supervisor over our county by day ( decorator / organizer by night).. so if you have any questions about anything , just send me a message and keep going with those pretty rooms!!!!!!
Congratulations!! By far, the best gift you will ever receive. Blessings to you and your husband.
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and your husband.
Kelley, congratulations to you and your husband! What an exciting journey ahead of you. I can’t wait to hear the news when you find out more baby details and how fun that we will get to follow along on the excitement when that happens! Sending hugs!
Congratulations! I have adored your blog for quite some time but this deserved a comment and sharing some love directly. I have young children and can’t wait for all to come. I’m wishing you and your husband THE BEST!