When our suspicions of fertility issues were confirmed, my husband and I decided on adoption straight away, rather than riding the emotional rollercoaster of in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

We didn’t know anyone who was adopted, nor anyone who’d adopted, so it was all new to us.

We started the process in 2015 and were approved ten months later. It took longer than expected because between us we had mental health, addiction and weight issues. Our social worker was very supportive, assuring us our challenges wouldn’t prevent us from adopting.

We were then matched with our eldest son in January 2016, and he came home in March, just before his first birthday.

At first, we were a bit like rabbits in the headlights. You go through the process talking about parenting styles but you’re never fully prepared. It took a while for us to get to grips with therapeutic parenting after realising traditional parenting wasn’t working for us or our son.

It was four years until we were ready to adopt again. We started the process in April 2020 and before we knew it, we were in lockdown. We thought everything would be put on hold, but it was all done virtually, and we were approved four months later.

We were matched with our second son in November 2020, and he came home a week before Christmas aged six months.

All four of us were at home together from mid-December 2020 to mid-March 2021, because of introductions and then the national lockdown. This gave us more time to connect and attach, which wouldn’t have happened ordinarily.

Life is a bit bonkers at times, but the rewards of adoption are endless. Starting the family unit that we always wanted has made our lives complete. 

Our eldest is so funny, wise, emotionally intelligent, and empathetic.

It's still early days, but our youngest has bonded to us very well. At first, he would come to me for comfort, but at the same time push me away. Now he puts his arms around my neck and squeezes me tightly - I love it!  It helps us to know he’s feeling safe in our care and that things are going in the right direction.

Our two boys are amazing together – they hug each other and play together. We feel that their connection will continue to grow as they get older - it’s fab!

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