Sanders Family Adoption

 

Sanders Family Seeking Private Adoption

We were contacted by our friend’s church who recommended us for the private adoption of a newborn.  The church chose our home as the best match for this arrangement and we were very happy. However, when the delivery date approached, the birth mom and family refused to complete the necessary paperwork, retracted their commitment, and the arrangement ended abruptly.  To say we were shocked would be an understatement.

We were devastated and surprised because the baby's family initiated this. We opened our hearts and did all the preparations we could. This required the contributions of many people. Various campaigns were set up such as a FundMe for legal costs, home study, and more. In addition, a number of individuals, including neighbors, friends, friends of friends, strangers (who have become friends), co-workers, and others, contributed gifts to ensure this would be a smooth transition. 

It has been said that "it takes a village" and we are proud of how well this village came together! Especially grateful for the person who organized these campaigns on our behalf. 

Moving forward we are asking our village to help us get the word out about seeking a new private adoption or other means.  We know that there are many arrangements that can lead to babies having great homes.  So in addition to private adoptions - we are open to other methods. Please share this with any families, churches, agencies, or mothers with whom this may apply.  Thanks in advance for your time reading. 

Adoption Home Study Completed!

On a positive note, the private adoption we had - caused us to quickly get all of the legality in place.  So after going through the home study investigation - we are proud to announce that we have been approved and we've done everything we need to adopt!  This means we can petition to the court when the time comes for birth certificates and we have the necessary certification for the baby's time of birth at the hospital. This is a huge milestone and we thank all who helped us to reach it. Now that we've covered the background and good news, here's some information about us. 

Sirena and I are in our mid-forties happily married twenty years.  We have been together since our mid-teens. Therefore our marriage and friendship together is our strongest asset.  Together we overcame obstacles such as three miscarriages and three ectopic pregnancies. This has not stopped us from being a happy family.  

Our Boys Beamer and Bentley

God has blessed us with our bulldog sons Beamer and Bentley.  They are the sweetest boys and we love them very much.  They were both given to us (we say spiritually adopted) at birth and they are now healthy 10-year olds.  We keep them healthy by going for walks, hikes, or other adventures daily. A fun fact about Beamer and Bentley is: They might be the only bulldogs that have been baptized.  They have truly been the greatest blessing that we could every receive. They are very excited about a baby coming soon.

The Home

Our home is in the Village of Scotia New York.  Scotia is known for being family friendly with lots of parks, playgrounds, and activities year round.  There is a strong spirit of community here. Homes are occupied by generations of families, business are owned by locals, and the history of things in this community is engrained in the people.  We know this is the perfect place to raise a child.  

We purchased this home (our first) two years ago. It has four bed rooms and a converted space off the master turned into a baby room.  There is also a Montessori play area in the main living space with carefully selected age-appropriate toys designed to help the baby develop essential skills from the day of birth.  Our home has good lighting and positive messages around the walls. 

In the outdoor space of our property, there is a garden. This was started as a fun/healthy project for our family to work on together.  The garden is 500 sq. ft. and successfully grew kale, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and more in its first season.  There is also a fenced-in private yard for Beamer and Bentley and an open yard for physical activity or Christian gatherings we hope to start this spring.  

Overall we believe this will be an encouraging and safe place for a child to experience life.

Our Careers

Nutrition is my career.  I have worked in this field with colleges, family services, and now a New York State government agency.  I also have an extensive background in health and wellness.  Wellness is my career and way of life.  I am proud to have been working in this arena for the past fifteen years.      

My wife's career includes working with non-custodial parents in the court system. She did this for thirteen years.  After that we relocated for my studies and work.  So she, given her passion for caring for our boys, began working for a reputable pet supplies chain. She is now a certified pet raw food specialist.  Sirena currently works part-time studying to become a licensed real-estate person. 

I work from home half of the time and Sirena is home for the other half.  One of us is always on the home front.  Our work-life balance enables us to prioritize the needs of the home, especially family. 

Hobbies 

Sirena enjoys photography and I enjoy videography.  We occasionally work together to assist with weddings and other special events.  Sirena is well known in the pet adoption and pet communities for her pet portrait sessions.  I am also a musician who enjoys recording inspired music. 

Faith

Sirena and I are Christians.  Both of us came from Christian homes.  I served as an ordained minister beginning in 2011. Most people know us for our zeal for God and efforts to live by Christian values. 

Contact: The Sanders Family

Email: jamalandsirenaadoption@gmail.com