Almost four years ago, Cody and Kayleigh got a call from a family friend who runs an organization called Project Cuddle, which helps birth moms in crisis. Kayleigh had had her 3rd Endometriosis surgery when she got the call and had realized her chance for giving birth had passed. A birth mom in the hospital had picked their profile to meet to adopt her baby possibly. Cody and Kayleigh were prepared for that call; they had saved, received gifts, and had time to plan and prepare. Kayleigh spoke with her, and they decided on a plan to meet. That night, they met the birth mom at the hospital, and she asked them to adopt her baby girl. That baby is now their daughter, Elle Lou Carlin.

This year at the end of July, Kayleigh got a call from that same family friend that Elle’s birth mom was pregnant again and wanted to see if they would adopt Elle’s half-sibling. She was five months pregnant at the time. They rushed to meet with her and take her to a hospital to get her seen by a doctor. The birth mom told them that when she initially went to the hospital, they said she had an ectopic tubal pregnancy, which seemed impossible because she had had her tubes tied after Elle's birth. They learned that she was expecting a boy during the second hospital visit and ultrasound. He had moved from the fallopian tube and looked healthy-due in October. They got started right away on their home study. (This expires after a year, so they could not use the one they had with Elle). It does take time and money, and they might have gotten it done by the time he was due to arrive. However, on August 26, 2022, Riley Dudley Carlin made his big debut! Unfortunately, he weighed only 3 lbs 14oz due to his early birth. Kayleigh got to be with Riley and Elle’s birth mother during the delivery, but Riley was rushed to the NICU shortly after. The doctors say that Riley is expected to be in the NICU for about a month to 6 weeks. On 8/28, Riley was transported to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, where they have a better-equipped NICU for his situation as he is still in critical condition but stable.Currently, Cody, Kayleigh, and Elle are staying at the fantastic Ronald McDonald House in Pasadena, across the street from Riley. They are beyond excited to bring Elle’s baby brother home as soon as possible.

Bonding is essential with adoption, as they have to spend a lot of time away from work to do so; we ask for your help. Elle's adoption cost approximately $30,000; therefore, we have set this same amount for our goal.

In addition, Cody and Kayleigh are trying to ensure the birth mom is safe and cared for; any donations will also help her as her recovery has been more challenging. The desire is to do anything they can to help her financially and logistically recover safely. Cody and Kayleigh are also trying to determine why doctors didn't catch what made Riley so sick and premature. They are waiting on the requested medical records but are battling with the system.

The family is incredibly mindful that these are challenging times for everyone since Covid, but any help will be recognized and thanked by the family directly. Updates on baby Riley to follow as they come available ❤️