Hi there. Thanks for your interest in our family’s exciting news!!

My husband, son, and I are FINALLY able to announce to the world that our incredible Ruth can officially add our last name to hers!

Before I tell you a little more about the process and our journey so far, I want to make sure we’re all on the same page: Kyle and I do not harbor any animosity toward her biological father. We will not remove her biological father’s name from hers. We respect and love who Ruth is and where she comes from and will always honor that for her.

Ruth has known Kyle as her Dad and his son as her brother for over 4 years. Kyle has been her Dad in every way that matters: he provides for her, puts a roof over her head, takes her on trips, spoils her and has surrounded her with stability and safety. But even then, if something were to happen to me, custody of our daughter, who hasn’t been away from us for any significant amount of time since birth, would go to a person who is unfortunately a stranger to her.

As her mother, I have been battling in court for her best interests regarding both custody and visitation since she was only weeks old. Over 5 years later, we recently got the news that our battle in court is OVER! Kyle is legally and officially able to take responsibility for her and Ruth is able to bear a surname that ties her and her identity to ours. He will be able to make educational and medical decisions for her and not live in fear that she could be stripped from him in the unlikely case that I passed away. She will no longer have to explain to curious friends why her brother, mom, and dad have matching names and she is left out.

We can’t wait!

As you may know, court fees and attorneys are not cheap and have slowly become a financial strain on our family over the years. All this on top of regular day-to-day expenses for the kids like childcare, clothes, food, school trips (brother is heading to Washington DC in 8th grade!) has really added up. 

We know there were other more frugal options such as representing myself, but navigating the family law system alone is scary, confusing, and frustrating. I chose to have the wisdom and protection of an attorney who has been through this journey countless times. We trust our attorney and his staff wholeheartedly and are so thankful for their hard work.

With our already mounting court fees and now further attorney retainers, filing fees, and representation costs associated with the adoption, we humbly come to each of you and ask that if you feel any connection to our journey or want to assist us in moving the process along, you support us financially in any amount you can. Even sharing our fundraiser with others helps our story grow and impact others who may be on the same journey.

I wish I could say that every family court hearing will end as ours did, but unfortunately the law is multi-faceted and complicated. Each case is unique and ours could have easily had a different outcome. Not a day goes by in which we are not humbled and grateful for this amazing blessing!!

Thank you for your support, prayers, and love while we navigate these next monumental steps in our lives!