My name is Katie and I would like to share my journey with you so that you can hear the story of a baby’s first mother.  This chapter of my life has forever changed every aspect of my being, even the deepest depths of my soul.

I was 16 years old and had a lot going for me.  I was finally starting to build a good relationship with my mother, going into my junior year of high school, and was living the best summer of my life.  Then I looked at that little white stick with the two lines and my world came crashing down around me.  I was now living a teenage girl’s worst nightmare.  The original plan was to get an abortion and move on as if nothing had happened.  But I couldn’t do it.  After talking with my boyfriend, we decided we would consider adoption.  We called CCS and began receiving counseling.  We received so much support from our caseworker there, as well as family and friends.  Soon it became time to choose an adoptive family for my baby.  The moment I saw Tim & Lauri’s profile, I realized they were the perfect family for my baby.  I was ill-equipped, but they were incredible.

I had a rough pregnancy and was on bed rest for the last 5 weeks.  But after only 7 ½ hours of labor, I was holding the most beautiful human being I have ever laid eyes on.  I finally understood the love a mother has for her child.  Jay, the birth father of my baby, looked up at me with his eyes full of tears and said he did not want to give him up.  Suddenly, neither did I.  So we didn’t.  However, after about 2 weeks, Jay and I realized that it was in our son’s best interest to follow through with the original adoption plan.  Although it made giving him up a thousand times harder, I decided that I wanted him to stay with me until the relinquishment court date.  Although he will not remember the nights where we sat in my rocking chair and he looked at me with wondrous eyes, I would not trade that time for anything in the world.  The moment I placed my son into the arms of his adoptive mother, there was no doubt in my mind that I had made the right choice.  He was where he needed to be.  I miss him so much that it still hurts sometimes, but that doesn’t change the fact that I made the right decision.  During my baby’s month with us, my son was dedicated at the church that helped me through the hardest part of my life.  At the dedication a little girl came up to me and asked me, “Why are you giving him away?”  I looked her in the eyes with mine full of tears and answered, “Because I love him so much.”

It is hard to believe that it has been almost eight months since my daughter was born and placed with her adoptive family.  Both she and I have been incredibly blessed during this time.  She is thriving and has brought so much joy to her adoptive family during her short time on this planet.  I receive weekly updates and photos from her adoptive mom and I cherish each and every one.  When I see Sayla’s beautiful, happy look of contentment I know that she is exactly where God intended her to be.  I see Sayla about once monthly and Sayla’s older brother and sister delight in knowing her as well.  I am forever grateful to CCS for their dedication, empathy, encouragement and love.  Sayla will always know how very much she is loved by both her families.

Mandy

My name is Mandy. I am the birthmother of a beautiful girl, Lauren. I emphasize my title as birthmother because adoption was the best choice for me. Here is my story.

In 2006 I gave birth to an amazing baby girl. Four years later, I can see she is a happy, healthy bundle of joy. She is truly a blessing to her adoptive parents/family.

My unexpected pregnancy left me with an abundance of uncertainties. The only thing certain, in my mind, was that I knew I was not ready to raise a child, emotionally or financially. With the guidance of God, and the support and dedication of the staff at Colorado Christian Services, I made one of the best decisions of my life. I chose adoption for my baby. My counselor, and the staff at CCS, reached out to me and became such an important part of my life and the decisions I faced with my unanticipated pregnancy.  I am grateful everyday for their caring services, and still maintain a wonderful relationship with the staff involved in my adoption case.

Today, I am a proud member serving in the United States Air Force. With the strength God granted me to make my decision of adoption, opened the doors of opportunity for my life.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kortni

Often times it seems when one is placed in the harshest of circumstances they come out on the other end with a friend they can trust.  In October of 2009, I found myself in a harsh circumstance and needed help.  The staff of Colorado Christian Services helped me place my son into the arms of another family and became that friend that I could trust.  Without them I know that I would not be where I am today; I am thankful for everything they have done and will continue to do for me.