Jessica and Jacob's Story

Why We Chose Graceful Adoptions

Jacob and I felt called to adoption long before we were married. We were high school sweethearts who dreamed of a big family, and from the very beginning, we knew adoption would be part of that story. What we didn’t anticipate was the depth of our fertility journey. While we were blessed with two biological daughters, we also experienced multiple pregnancy losses that left lasting emotional scars.

When we finally reached the point of being done with fertility treatments, I wasn’t sure my heart could endure any more trauma. And yet, for months, I felt a gentle but persistent knock, one that kept drawing us back to adoption. Through prayer, reflection, and faith, we felt God calling us to move forward. Adoption wasn’t just something we wanted to do; it felt like an overflow of gratitude for what God had already done for us.

Our Biggest Fear—and How Graceful Adoptions Helped Us Walk Through It

Our greatest fear entering adoption was the possibility of a disrupted placement. After experiencing the pain of being pregnant and then not bringing a baby home, the thought of opening our hearts again felt terrifying. We understood, intellectually, that if a mother chose to parent, it would be something to celebrate, but emotionally, we were afraid of reliving that loss.

Graceful Adoptions never minimized that fear. Instead, they met us exactly where we were. From the beginning, we felt heard, supported, and advocated for. They acknowledged our past trauma while gently guiding us through a process that kept the expectant mother’s needs at the center—something we deeply respected and ultimately came to appreciate even more.

Why We Chose Graceful Adoptions

We learned about Graceful Adoptions through our local home study agency, which encouraged us to partner with a national agency due to their size. As we researched, Graceful Adoptions immediately stood out.

What drew us in was their heart. Faith mattered to us, and it was clear that faith was woven into the agency’s values, not in a performative way, but in how they treated people. We were especially moved by how much time, care, and support they devoted to expectant mothers. It was obvious that they truly knew the women they worked with and were committed to helping them find the right fit, not just a family.

From our very first interview, the connection felt natural. The staff was warm, personable, and deeply invested. It felt less like onboarding with an agency and more like joining a family.

What It’s Like to Work With Graceful Adoptions

What we loved most about Graceful Adoptions is how personal the experience is. You’re never just a file or a case number. Karen, in particular, works tirelessly to support everyone involved. We felt advocated for, listened to, and reassured through every question, fear, and anxious moment.

Even after experiencing a disruption early on, Graceful Adoptions continued to walk with us patiently. When we were chosen for another interview, we were understandably guarded and nervous. But the process was calm, thoughtful, and unpressured. The interviews themselves felt surprisingly natural, less like being evaluated and more like getting to know one another as people.

When we finally met our daughter’s birth mother, there was an instant sense of connection and peace. Despite our past fears, the process felt steady and grounded. We were able to spend meaningful time together, build trust, and truly appreciate her story. Visiting her and seeing where she grew up only deepened that connection, and we are so grateful Graceful Adoptions supports visits when everyone desires them.

A Beautiful Beginning

Meeting our daughter for the first time was nothing short of magical. Holding her in the hospital—after so many prayers, losses, and waiting—felt surreal. There were tears, smiles, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Being able to spend time with her birth mother at the hospital was one of the most sacred experiences of our lives. The love, strength, and selflessness she showed will forever be part of our daughter’s story.

Why We Recommend Graceful Adoptions

Graceful Adoptions is more than an agency. They are a team of people who truly understand adoption because they’ve lived it themselves. Their size allows them to remain deeply personal, while their experience ensures every step is guided, explained, and handled with integrity.

They care deeply about both adoptive families and birth families, and they don’t rush the process. They prepare you emotionally, advocate for you compassionately, and walk beside you every step of the way.

If you are considering adoption, we wholeheartedly recommend Graceful Adoptions. The journey is not easy—but with the right support, it is meaningful, intentional, and ultimately worth every step when you’re holding the child meant for your family.