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"I Felt So Proud of Myself" - How Kelly Gave Her Baby & a Couple a Family

Kelly is a brave birth mother who chose adoption to give her baby a life full of love and opportunities. If you feel inspired by her story, contact us today or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information about the adoption process.

It all started one year ago when I found out I was pregnant. I am a mother of two as we speak, and I love my children with all my heart, but bringing in a third child was not fair for this baby. I went through all the emotions on whether this is what needed to be done, so I contacted American Adoptions and Laurie Walker was the first voice I heard to comfort me in my decisions.

She called me when I needed her, was there when I cried and was also my backbone. I owe everything to her; she is an angel. Laurie sent me so many families to review, and I cried as I read the stories; there were so many families in need. And at that point, I knew my decision was the right one.

As I sat at my kitchen table, one family stuck out: Shannon and Michael. This family is the family any birth mother would want for their child. I will stress it for the rest of my life — they are God-sent. They made me feel so comfortable sitting in the hospital room after Ryan Micheal was born!

We talked about everything: sports, school, their family, my family. In two days, we talked about everything and anything. The look on their faces when they saw the baby for the first time was incredible. Shannon and Michael had this glow about them. You can't explain it. I knew deep down inside that Ryan would have the family any little boy would dream of.

So, this brings me to the day I had to leave. It was so hard to leave my little man; it really was. Shannon grabbed me and held me; we cried together. As I walked out the door, I glanced at Michael and saw happiness for his new family and sadness for me at the same time. As he held that baby close to his heart, I felt so proud of myself for giving a baby and a couple a family.

Pictures and letters from them have been sent, and every time I see them, I cry out of happiness for their new family. Ryan was born the day before my birthday, so April 21 will stick in my mind forever, but I will smile knowing that Shannon and Michael are a family now.

Ready to find out what adoption can do for you and your baby? Contact us today at 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information and support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

The Best for Her Babies - Why One Birth Mother Doesn't Regret Her Decision

Lindsey was already the mother to one baby with special needs when she found herself pregnant again. A single mom in the midst of a divorce, she knew adoption was the way to give both her daughters what they deserved.

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