I’m so thrilled to have Sarah posting today. This is something dear to our hearts as we would love to add to our family, but are unable to, at least at this time. You may remember Sarah from these awesome Ranch Chicken Pillows. One of the reasons we have chosen to work on the blog together is that most adoptions come through word of mouth so please pin or share on social media the last image in this post. You never know who might see it. I’ll let her take it away!
We are so excited to be back on Oh Sweet Basil! If you don’t remember our introduction on here it was when Carrian posted one of our favorite recipes: the Ranch Chicken Pillows. Now we get to go a little deeper! We hope that you will take time to click on our picture to learn more about us through our blog, but as this is our first post we will introduce ourselves just a little bit. Dave and I have been married for 6+ years. The beginning of our relationship was a bit of a whirlwind experience being that from our first date to when we were married was 5 months, but in reality it is because we had never felt—and knew we wouldn’t feel—anything more right and more real! How can you deny that?!
For that moment everything was absolutely perfect.
After almost a year and a half of hoping to get pregnant with no result, we made those first awkward steps toward getting help. With some medical assistance and lots of prayers we were able to become pregnant and have our beautiful, spunky daughter Aliyah. I know all mothers (birth and adoptive) can never fully express what it feels like to hold their child for the first time, but it was a moment of pure peace, complete happiness and overdue relief. For that moment everything was absolutely perfect.
As time passes, things seem to cycle through, even trials. Seeking out medical direction we learned the same help we got before would not work again. In two years time we had two pregnancies and two miscarriages. I cannot describe the sense of loss, frustration, confusion, defeat, and pain that we experienced after the second miscarriage. We knew we were supposed to have more children and we felt strongly that that pregnancy would go full term. But it wasn’t to be.
It took time to emotionally be ready to move forward and when we were, we were told that if we wanted to get pregnant again we would need to do IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). We came to the conclusion that our family needed to grow and that our options were to go down the path of IVF or adoption. After attending meetings for both we felt confident that the path for us was adoption. It has been 6 months since we have made that decision and the waiting and hoping is not always easy. When it seems like everyone and their sister, aunt, mother and fellow grocery shopper in the world is pregnant, we wonder why we have to experience infertility. But we have grown more in the process than we ever thought possible-we love our family, friends and neighbors more deeply, we cherish the many Aliyah firsts, we have grown closer as a couple, and we have greater perspective of life.
And now here we are…putting ourselves out there all in hopes that you can help us find our family! We have never been more humbled as we set aside the pride that everything is ok–that we can do it on our own–to hoping for help. We cannot do it by ourselves. We hope that YOU will share our story.
And now here we are…again…you’ve read through our little intro to get to know us, we’ve asked you to help us, and now in return we will share with you one of our very favorite desserts next week: NUTELLA BARS
~~~Sarah and Dave’s Blog~~~ Sarah on Instagram~~~
So, as much as Carrian will not like this we have to thank her for ALL that she has done to help me and my family in “marketing” ourselves as we try to grow our family through adoption. It is not an easy thing to put us out there, trying to gain attention, all in hopes that an expectant parent choosing to place their child for adoption might find us. On our own we could not reach anywhere close to as many people as we have without Carrian and her family’s help. We are grateful to be a part of Oh Sweet Basil and hope that through our posts you can get to know us, share our story with others, and enjoy some of our favorite food.
Rae
Your family is beautiful and your love will conquer all. We are thinking and praying for you. Much love from the Downings.
Yvonne @ Tried and Tasty
Sending prayers and happy thoughts your way that you will soon be able to add to your family, hopeful that getting the word out will help you reach your goal soon 🙂 Best wishes!
Leigh Anne Wilkes @YourHomebasedMom
I know how difficult it can be to put your cares, concerns and problems out there for the world to see. It can be hard to ask for help but I have learned from first hand experience that when you do – amazing things happen. Heavenly angels and angels on this earth come to your aid to help. May you be blessed to have angels come to your aid, be by your side and guide you in the direction you should go.
sarah
What beautiful words! And a beautiful thought. It has touched us deeply. Thank you!
Becky @ Babes in Hairland
We have several family members and friends who have been in your shoes and I can only imagine how hard it must be. Our prayers are with you guys that you will be able to grow your family and you’ll be able to bless the life of another cute little child.
sarah
Thank you so much Becky!
Mk
I’m so sorry for your struggles! Praying you find success in growing your family soon. We struggled for 8 years of infertility, adoption waiting lists and 6 miscarriages. After a pure miracle, we finally had our sweet daughter after 8 painful years. We now have 3 beautiful daughters. The Lord really does answer prayers in his own way and in his timing. We have been married for 16 years now and feel so blessed. Although your heart is aching, find ways to find joy in the journey and trust in good things to come. Hugs to you!
sarah
Thank you for sharing your story. We are humbled by the difficult experiences that others have had in infertility. Your story is beautiful! What a wonderful reminder to find joy in the journey-because we are so very blessed and have so much in our lives?
Sarah Buck
Your story brought tears to my eyes. What a blessing to be able to experience even one pregnancy and have your beautiful little girl, but I also know the frustration that comes with fertility treatments and miscarriages. After 7 years of fertility treatments that failed, 5 miscarriages, and 3 adoptions that fell through last minute it was finally our turn. Our story was finally ready to begin. Hang onto hope and don’t ever give up and you will also have a story to tell. I have lots of tips on adoptions and easiest, best, cheapest way. Too much to share on here but would love to share with you if you are interested. Carrian has my info. You all will be in our prayers.
sarah
Sarah, thank you for sharing your story. It is by hearing others experiences that we feel hope! We are excited to see how are story unfolds!
Mariel @ Or so she says…
I love Carrian, love adoption, and love that you shared your story on here. I pray that you will feel peace and find exactly what you’re looking for! If you haven’t checked out Forever Bound Adoption and United for Adoption, I highly suggest them… both based in Utah. 🙂 Good luck!
sarah
Mariel (beautiful name by the way!) thank you for your prayers of peace-that is what we need most as we wait. And thank you for pointing us toward those resources!
Sweet Basil
Awesome resources Mariel! Thanks!!
aimee @ like mother like daughter
Oh my goodness, I have many friends and family members who have struggles with infertility and I know how hard the struggle and pain is of knowing you are missing and waiting for that little one to join your family. I will prey for you and your family that you will find that little one that is searching for you and you are searching for!
sarah
Thank you Aimee! We will take all the prayers we can get!
M. Weber
I will keep Sarah and Dave in my prayers as they eagerly wait for their new angel to come into their lives. I know what it feels like to deal with the sadness of infertility – my husband and I waited for seven years before we were blessed with our first adopted child, and then 2 years later we were able to adopt our daughter. We have never taken our children for granted (even though we have always marveled at those couples who have children without any effort, or so it seems) – and we thank God for allowing us to raise these two (now adult) children of ours. Your angel is out there – you just need to be patient. I speak from many years of experience! : )
sarah
Thank you for your words of comfort and hope! We are grateful for the insight and experiences you’ve shared with us.
Emily
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your story. I have pinned your photo and hope your prayers will be answered soon. Much love.
sarah
Blessed Emily! Thank YOU for sharing our photo. We are so grateful!
Aubrey
my heart really goes out to those who struggle with infertility.
Becky @ lovetobeinthekitchen
You guys are brave for putting yourself out there! You have a beautiful little family and I wish you the best. I know it’s not easy waiting for something you want so much. I’ll share your story on my facebook page to help get the word out more.
sarah
Thank you Becky for sharing our story. You have no idea how much it means to us!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
I hope the Lord blesses you with another child who you can love and call your own soon! Best wishes!
sarah
Thank you so very much Amber!
Rachel Farnsworth
I am a huge fan of and believer in adoption. It has always held a sacred and tender place in my heart. I wish you the best of luck in your search for a child. There are so many wonderful littl people out there in need of a loving home like yours.
sarah
Thank you Rachel. We need all the luck we can get!