If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, then it is probably pretty obvious how very precious adoption is to our family; after all, that is how we were blessed with 4 precious daughters! Having been through the process ourselves, we know first hand what an arduous and taxing journey it can be on even the most amazing of families. It takes a special family to commit to the journey, and the emotional roller coaster ride that accompanies the adoption process. And, in my humble opinion, adopting through the foster care system may just be the most challenging type of adoption. So, the first family chosen for this project—one I would like to honor—has battled through and overcome that very journey!

Last week I had the incredible privilege to meet and photograph this beautiful family—I will call them the "H" family. Not long after getting married, Michael and Kristi chose to add to their family through adoption. Michael already had two sons whom Kristi adored, and they couldn't wait to have a little girl. Due to medical reasons, Michael and Kristi thought adoption would be their best choice to have the little girl of their dreams. As with most couples, they had no idea where to start and were watching different opportunities close to them because of their high costs. Then a dear friend told them of a special foster-adopt program called Options for Recovery, which catered to babies. Every door began to fly open as they began their journey. They became licensed foster parents in January of 2006. Just a few months later, a darling 3.5 month old baby girl named Brianne was placed with them.

Over the next year and a half they would wait, pray, go to court appearances, and walk through the reunification/visitation roller coaster to see what would become of the little girl they fell immediately in love with. When I asked what brought them through such a challenging process while keeping them close as a family, they explained it was their faith that God had a plan. Finally, while on a trip to Disneyland, they got the phone call with the wonderful news that Brianne was indeed going to be theirs. In October of 2007, Brianne's adoption was finalized.

As I got to watch this family interact, the thing that most impressed me was how much they all truly enjoy each other. Brianne is doted on not only by her parents but also by her two big brothers, Zane and Andrew. I would have to agree with the H family: God did have a plan. He put together a beautiful family that totally digs each other. Love that!

Michael and Kristi, thank you so much for allowing me into your family's life for a bit; it was a beautiful thing to behold. Enjoy your pictures!

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