In 2003, after seven (yes, 7) failed attempts at carrying a pregnancy to term, my husband and I decided to adopt a baby. I began doing research on the Internet and quickly found how expensive both International and Domestic adoption were going to be.  Like many couples out there who want to have children, we did not have an enormous amount of money to spend on traveling to another country or paying expenses for a mother here in the USA. Because we were not "stuck" on the idea of adopting an infant, we decided we'd become foster parents to adopt a child. After going through training, inspections, and more, we finally received our license, and in 2005, we were blessed with something we definitely weren't expecting--a newborn baby boy.

Most foster parents, even if their goal is adoption, will not have the opportunity to adopt an infant like we did, though it does occasionally happen. However, there are many older children who are in desperate need of homes all over the US. I urge any of you who have room in your home to open it to one or more of these children. They need "forever homes" and parents who will love them. I can't imagine what it would be like without my son, and I know that it must be terribly difficult for all of these children of varying ages who desperately want to be part of a loving family. You can find out more about fostering to adopt in your area by contacting your local Department of Social Services or browse the listings of many "waiting" children on the Adopt US Kids Website.

We are proud to announce that Meant To Be Babies Nursery will be donating a portion of its profits into an adoption fund for those of you who cannot find it in your heart to foster and adopt an older child. These monies will be awarded once a year, in the Spring, to one couple who is already going through the adoption process and in need of emergency funds. For more information, check out our Adoption Fund page.