I love adoption! I am a part of a wonderful organization called Red Thread Sesions that gives adoptive families a free session when their child becomes a part of their family! If you or someone you know has recently adopted, I would love to bless you with a session. Please e-mail me for more information!
Today is the story of the sweet Loney Family! I was able to meet this sweet family and photograph their little one Ben. Below are some of the questions I asked Amy, and they are her answers! Enjoy and have a blessed Monday!
How were you introduced to adoption?
We were introduced to adoption through friends of ours that also adopted through the same agency.
How did you know adoption was for you?
We always talked about the possibility of adoption when we started dating. When we looked at all options we could take to have a family, we knew adoption was the best choice for us.
Tell me about your adoption journey.
We started the process October 2013. The process to just get accepted into the agency was long, but we now realize this is not a rushed process for good reasons. We were officially accepted and in the adoption book May 2014. We met Benjamin’s birthmom February 2015 and two of Benjamin’s half siblings and half cousins the following month. Everyone just clicked and got along very well. At first we were all nervous, but eventually we started to joke around, get to know each other, and started the process of becoming the family we are now. Benjamin was born May 8, 2015. We were at the hospital when he was born and was able to take him home on Mother’s day.
How has adoption changed you?
I don’t know how adoption has necessarily changed us since we view our family as any other regular family. Family doesn’t have to be biological. Our family consists of never ending love for each other. We love Benjamin more than we could ever imagine loving another being.
What is the most rewarding aspect of adoption?
The most rewarding aspect of adoption is the openness we have in our relationship. Benjamin still gets to know and see his family. On his first birthday he was able to play with his half siblings and cousins, which made my heart melt. I consider his birthmom a friend of mine, and vice versa.
What do you wish people knew about adoption?
Not one adoption is the same. We were lucky to have a pretty smooth adoption with only a couple of bumps in the row. Most adoptions are open and keep some sort of communication with the birthmom and/or birthfather. I think the openness is what people have the hardest time understanding. Some think it’s not good for the kid to know this other part of their life, but I feel as long as it is explained thoroughly and in keeping mind with age appropriateness then it is actually a positive experience for everyone involved.
What are some myths about adoption you wish you could dispel?
The birthmom or birthfather never wanted the child or are druggies. This may be the case in some scenarios but everything I have experienced or heard about is quite the opposite. Usually the birthparents are just not in the situation to take care of the child the way they would want to parent the child. They want what is best for the child. They love the child so much so that he/she may need different parents to provide the life they wish they could.
What are some of the greatest resources that you have used in the adoption process?
Friends that have also gone through the process are nice to talk through the stressful times. “In on it: What adoptive parents would like you to know about adoption” A great book for your family members. Helps them understand modern adoption. Children’s books: The best for you. A book written by a birthmom explaining her reason for adoption.
Matt and I have been married for 16 years. We always joke that Matt was my 18th birthday present. Mutual friends set us up and I was completely surprised. By the 3rd date I knew he was my future husband. I had never met anyone with such passion on every issue, especially his passion for God.
These two are just so sweet together. Rachel is the kind of person you want to be around. She is bubbly, and kind and has a way of making you feel like you are the most important people in the room. 
Dan is the type of guy that you would want to be friends with. He is quiet and kind and made Rachel laugh!
At the end of the day, we were all cold and I just had to shoot these two on the bridge as we walked to our car. Thankfully their June day will hold much higher temps and I am sure, much more laughter!
