Adoption Services
Creating loving homes since 1947
Justin & Lauren
Dear Birth Mother,
You are truly incredible. Your courage and strength is so admirable. We cannot imagine how hard this decision has been for you. We are incredibly grateful to be in consideration to be your child’s parents. We have dreamed of being parents for as long as we can remember. Adoption has always been close to our hearts because Justin is adopted. We believe adoption is a remarkable way to grow a family based on love, trust, and connection. If chosen, we promise to surround your child with all the love, laughter, and endless opportunities to thrive throughout their life. Our family is filled with laughter, warmth, and unwavering support and we cannot wait to share all of this with a child. We will honor their story every step of the way, ensuring that they know how much love you have for them and the incredible role you play in their life. We are looking forward to creating a relationship with you, where we can share updates, photos, letters and meetings (if you desire) so that you can stay connected in a way that is comfortable to you. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us and our life. We hope you can feel the love, hope, and respect we have poured into this letter.
Our Love Story
We started dating back in 2017, after meeting through mutual friends. The sparks flew and we both knew early into our relationship that we were meant for each other and we would get married one day. Fast forward to April 2022, we became Husband and Wife surrounded by all our family and friends. It was literally the best day of our lives. Not only are we husband and wife but we are each other’s best friend. We love doing so many different activities together and making new memories for every adventure we go on.
Our Families
Both sides of our families have been incredibly supportive throughout our adoption journey. Their love and encouragement mean the world to us, and it’s clear that they’re just as excited as we are to grow our family. More than anything, they want to see us happy and to welcome a child into a home filled with love, laughter, and endless support.
Our Home
We live on five acres in the country, where we have plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors while still being just a short five-minute drive into town. Some of our favorite things about our home are growing our own garden, having bonfires, watching our dogs run and play, and the goats grazing in the backyard. We can’t wait to share this beautiful place with our future child – exploring nature, playing outside, and making lifelong memories as a family.
Meet our dogs:
Ivy: 7 year old Catahoula mix
Yadi: 13 year old Australian shepherd
Nova: 4 year old chihuahua fox terrier mix
All are friendly with children. We also currently have five goats and are excited to add chickens to our little homestead in the near future.
What We Love to Do Together
Travel to new places
Outdoor activities: Golfing, camping, kayaking/canoeing, boating
Family/friend gatherings
Game night and watching shows together
Sport events: Baseball, hockey, football
Meet Justin (Through Lauren's Eyes)
One of the hardest workers, working outside in all types of Illinois weather installing and fixing garage doors. Always trying to do what he can to help us have the best life possible.
He is the most supportive and caring husband. No matter what life throws our way, he is always there for me, and I know I never have to face anything alone. He is kind and dependable, dropping everything to help a friend or family member in need, and never expecting anything in return. Watching him with our nieces/nephew is one of my favorite things – he’s the fun uncle who makes time to take them to the zoo, to games, or shows up to support them during their different activities.
I once asked Justin his top 10 goals in life. Two of his top goals were to have a child and be a great father. And another was to be cherished by his family. No doubt he will be the best dad and I already cherish him, so I know our future child will too!
Meet Lauren (Through Justin's Eyes)
Lauren is an incredible person, kind, caring, and deeply compassionate. She has the purest heart, always putting others before herself. As a cheer coach, she inspires and uplifts her athletes, teaching them discipline, teamwork, and confidence. As a nurse she dedicates herself to caring for others with warmth and skill. She is a devoted wife, always supporting and loving me with her whole heart. A wonderful aunt and friend, she brings joy and laughter to everyone around her. Lauren is also a proud dog and goat mom, nurturing her animals with love and care. She balances so much with grace, constantly motivated to be the best version of herself.
She will be an incredible mother, offering endless amounts of love, guidance, and support. She is the most caring and nurturing person I know. She has such a big heart and a natural ability to make people feel safe and supported.
Our Journey to Adoption
When we began trying to grow our family, we were filled with hope. But as time went on, we faced unexpected challenges. After multiple failed attempts of IUI’s and undergoing surgery, the doctor stated the only chance for pregnancy would be IVF. Again, we were filled with hope, knowing only successful stories through IVF, but it was again unsuccessful. Lauren’s body was unable to produce the amount of eggs hoped for, and we had two failed IVF transfers. We still have one frozen embryo, but the heartache to go through those two failed treatments was unbearable. That is when we officially decided to adopt and began our journey to becoming parents. Adoption has always held a special place in our hearts due to Justin being adopted by his Dad. From the beginning of our relationship, we talked about the possibility of adoption one day. As our journey unfolded, that “maybe someday” quickly became a clear and joyful “yes!”.
Our Adoption Plans
Openness: We would love to build a relationship with you that feels right for everyone involved. Maintaining a connection that honors your role in your child’s life which could include visits, letters, pictures, and phone calls. We would be more than willing to work together to create a plan that is comfortable to you.
Honoring Birth Parents: If we are chosen by you, your love, strength, and selflessness will always be part of your child’s story. We will always speak about you in the highest regards. We want our child to feel pride in every part of who they are, and that includes knowing they were deeply loved by you!
Sharing Their Story: We will always speak openly and lovingly about adoption from the very beginning, using story books we make and share. And will continue to talk about adoption throughout their life in age-appropriate ways, so they grow up knowing where they came from, and how they became our child.
Culture and Identity: If our child’s ethnicity is different from ours, we will be intentional and active in making sure they are surrounded by people, experiences, and education that reflect and celebrate their culture. We want our child to grow up with a strong, confident sense of identity, and to feel connected to every part of who they are.
Parenting and Childcare: We believe in parenting with love, patience, structure, and communication. We plan to set clear expectations and boundaries while also encouraging open communication and emotional expression. We also are fortunate to have a strong support system and flexible jobs. Lauren plans to take short-term disability if you were to choose us, allowing us to bond as a family. When the time comes to go back to work, we both have parents and other family members that are more than ready to jump in and help in any way that we need.
Thank You
…so much for taking the time to read through our letter and get to know us. We can only imagine how many emotions and decisions you’re navigating right now, and we want you to know how deeply we respect your strength, your love, and the thoughtfulness you are putting into this journey.
It means the world to us that you would consider us as a possible family for your child. We have so much love to give and have always dreamed of building a family where a child feels safe, cherished, and celebrated every single day. If you choose us, please know that your child will grow up knowing how deeply they are loved – not only by us, but by you too. No matter what you decide, we are grateful beyond words for the opportunity to be a part of your thoughts and for allowing us into your heart, even for a moment.
With love and gratitude,
Justin and Lauren