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Love Beyond Biology: My UK Adoption & Parenthood Journey

"Our UK Adoption Story: Accepting Infertility, Embracing Love, Sharing Real Experiences & Helpful Resources

The Day We Met Our Daughter For The First Time

Adoption, Uncategorized · May 28, 2025

This is one I write through tears of gratitude—I can still feel it, the magnitude of meeting our daughter for the first time. The moment she peeked around the corner, carried gently by her foster carer, left us in total awe. I hope that feeling never fades. I hope I always remember what that dayRead the Post

Adoption Leave in the UK: What It’s Really Like (From Someone Living It)

Adoption · May 22, 2025

I had a vision of myself on adoption leave — and let me tell you, it was blissful. I pictured early starts, waking up refreshed, sneaking in yoga or a workout before she was up. We’d laugh over breakfast, then head out for zoo trips, soft play, nature walks — soaking up every wholesome moment.Read the Post

Adopting in the UK: A Life-Changing First Week

Adoption · May 5, 2025

We woke up one morning with a toddler. It sounds surreal even now. One day we were a couple, the next we were parents, after adopting a toddler in the UK. There was no labour or gradual build up, just the thundering arrival of a beautiful, bewildered, and strong-willed little girl named Willow. It wasRead the Post

Grief Before Hope: Our Infertility Journey – Diagnoses, Loss and Love

Adoption · April 20, 2025

One of my frequent daydreams had always been the big reveal of my pregnancy. I imagined the joy on my family’s faces, the tears, the hugging, the laughter. I’d mentally stage it over and over- This month it’ll happen, and I’ll tell them at Christmas… No, maybe on my birthday. That would be perfect. WhatRead the Post

Top UK Adoption Books for Prospective & New Adoptive Parents

Adoption · April 28, 2025

Whether you’re at the very beginning of your adoption journey or already knee-deep in the joyful chaos of parenting, the right books can provide wisdom, comfort, and the sense that you’re not alone. These are our top adoption books for UK prospective adopters and adoptive parents. During our own journey to adopt our daughter, Willow,Read the Post

How We Prepared for Adoption Panel- What Really Helped

Adoption · May 13, 2025

Panel. That word loomed over our adoption journey for months. It felt like a final exam, a job interview, and a life milestone all rolled into one. It’s hard to describe it to people outside the adoption world. Imagine an emotionally-charged, life-altering episode of The Apprentice, but instead of pitching a business, you’re sharing yourRead the Post

How Long Does Adoption Take in the UK? A Step-by-Step Guide

Adoption · April 9, 2025

For me, this was the burning question we wanted answered, so I thought I’d address it early on. Through my personal journey, experience and what I have learned, I have written How Long Does Adoption Take in the UK? A Step-by-Step Guide post about the timeline to simplify best I can. Whether you’re just beginningRead the Post

Why We Chose Adoption After Infertility – Love Without Limits

Adoption · March 27, 2025

One thing I have always grappled with is the thought of adoption being a second-best option. Would we have adopted if we hadn’t faced infertility? I can’t say for sure. Probably not. But just because it wasn’t our first choice doesn’t mean it wasn’t the best choice. This is why we chose adoption after infertility.Read the Post

How Much Does Adoption Cost in the UK? The Truth From My Personal Experience

Adoption · April 14, 2025

When my husband and I first started thinking about adoption, one of our biggest questions was simple: how much does it cost in the UK? I remember quietly typing that exact question into Google and I know many others are doing the same. Please note: This post is based on our personal experience of adoptingRead the Post

How We Shared Our Adoption Journey: Reactions, Support & Love

Adoption · April 24, 2025

Moving toward adoption after infertility felt like finding our footing on unfamiliar ground. Not firm, not steady at first, but new. Not the path we expected, but one we began to trust more with each step. It wasn’t a decision we made overnight. It came slowly, through tears, late-night conversations, and long walks filled withRead the Post

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Recent Posts

  • The Day We Met Our Daughter For The First Time May 28, 2025
  • Adoption Leave in the UK: What It’s Really Like (From Someone Living It) May 22, 2025
  • Adopting in the UK: A Life-Changing First Week May 5, 2025
  • Grief Before Hope: Our Infertility Journey – Diagnoses, Loss and Love April 20, 2025
  • Top UK Adoption Books for Prospective & New Adoptive Parents April 28, 2025

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adoptingwillow

📖 Sharing our adoption story
🤍 From infertility to motherhood
💌 Support, insight & resources
🌿 Living with stage 4 endometriosis
👇 Blog below

Officially a family 💗 The adoption order was g Officially a family 💗The adoption order was granted a while ago, but this weekend we celebrated our family with the people who helped us get here. We waited until she was settled, secure, and ready.A garden full of love, and the little girl who changed everything, surrounded by her old and new worlds coming together.Her foster family came and met the rest of her forever family. There were hugs & laughter and a quiet sense of what’s meant to be. A day we’ll remember always.#officiallyafamily #adoptionjourneyuk #ukadoption #familycelebration #lovemakesafamily #adoptionstoryuk #foreverfamily #adoptioncommunityuk
Our adoption story so far.. What was missing fou Our adoption story so far.. What was missing found a way & grief made space for hope. Then came her profile—5 weeks before panel. Willow. This tiny soul became my entire world.The adoption order made it official. But in every way that mattered, it already was. Now we’re soaking up every moment of adoption leave. And this is just the beginning. I’m so grateful for this community here. I wish I’d thought to look on Instagram during the hardest parts—for stories, for honesty, for hope.Wherever you are in the journey, I’m sending you strength. Full story on our blog- link in bio 🤍#adoptionjourneyuk #ukadoption #adoptionstory #lovemakesafamily #AdoptionJourney#adoptionstory #foreverfamily #familybylove #ukadoption #ukadoptioncommunity #adoptiveparents
I wanted to take a moment to honour the people who I wanted to take a moment to honour the people who gave Willow such a safe, loving start in life — her incredible foster carers.When Willow was placed with them, she was unwell. I won’t share her full story— that belongs to her, but what I will say is that they nursed her back to health with devotion, patience, and love.By the time we met her, she was thriving— joyful, strong, and deeply attached to the people who had wrapped her in care. And when we arrived for our first visit, they welcomed us just as warmly. That day is one I’ll never forget.We feel incredibly lucky. Lucky that Willow had them. Lucky that they welcomed us into her world. Lucky that we were able to start our journey into parenthood with such a strong foundation beneath us all.To her foster carers during this Foster Care Fortnight— thank you. You’ll always be part of Willow’s story. And forever part of ours.#fostercarefortnight #adoptionjourneyuk #GratefulHeart #thankyouforyoursupport #adoptioncommunityuk #familythroughadoption #lovemakesafamily #ukadoption #fostercarefortnight2025
Mothering with a chronic illness — in my case, s Mothering with a chronic illness — in my case, stage 4 endometriosis.It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it can be completely debilitating. With so little medical support, you’re left to figure it out the hard way: trial and error, heat packs, planning, patience… and painkillers that barely scratch the surface.It’s not every day, but when a flare hits, it’s excruciating. Still, it’s my privilege to show up for her. She makes everything brighter, even on the hardest days. Solidarity with anyone fighting it out one flare, one nap, one snack at a time. 🧡 Full story on blog- link in bio 🤍#endometriosisawareness #parentingwithchronicillness #invisibleillnesses #endometriosisuk #lifewithendo #chronicillnessawareness #endometriosis #endometriosissupport #motherhoodunfiltered #chronicpainsupport #adoptionjourney #ukadoption #adoptingwillow
That first week as a family was nothing like I ima That first week as a family was nothing like I imagined. No big outings. Just us getting to know each other.We took the walks we dreamed about and forgot what day it was. Everything had changed. We listened. We repeated. We stayed close. And slowly, gently, she began to trust us. Our first week as a family of three 🤍📝 Blog post: Adopting in the UK – A Life Changing First Week 🔗 Link in bio#adoptionuk #adoptivemum #adoptionjourneyuk #RealMotherhood #firstweektogether #adoptionawareness #ukadoption #familyof3 #adoptionjourney
We worried adoption meant we’d miss the firsts. We worried adoption meant we’d miss the firsts. First words. First steps. Maybe even first memories.But we were so wrong, adoption gave us new firsts.The first day we met her.The first night in her forever home.The first time she met her family.The first Christmas together.The first playdate.And honestly, I could go on and on.They might not have looked like what we once imagined— but they’re ours. And they’re magical. ✨If you’re wondering whether the milestones matter… they do.They’ll just come in your own way, in your own time. ☺️#adoptionjourney #ukadoption #foreverfamily #adoptionstory #familybylove #adoptiveparent #adoptioncommunity #adoptionfirsts #milestonesthatmatter #postadoption #adoptionuk
These are words we rarely used, until adoption cha These are words we rarely used, until adoption changed our everyday language.From “panel” nerves to the tenderness of “contact”, these terms now shape how we speak, think and love as a family.I’ve googled most of them at some point, it’s strange and wonderful how language shifts when life does. If any ring a bell I’m glad we’re in the same corner of the internet. 🤍 #adoptionjourneyuk #adoptioncommunityuk #adoptionawareness #adoptionsupport #adoptiveparent  #adoptionprocess #ukadoption #adoptionuk #adoptionjourney #ukadoptionsupport #adoptionfamilies
☀️ Sunny days and snack breaks. Adoption leav ☀️ Sunny days and snack breaks.Adoption leave has been the sweetest kind of chaos. It’s flying by — and yet some days feel never-ending too. I feel so incredibly lucky. We’re soaking it up, but I’m also on the hunt for fun, cheap, low-effort toddler activities… that don’t end with me crawling through soft play. Any suggestions welcome! #adoptionleave #toddlermum #mumlife #toddlerlife #adoptionuk #adoptionjourney #toddlertips #honestmotherhood #ukadoption
Endometriosis stole years of my life, my fertility Endometriosis stole years of my life, my fertility, and so many moments that should have been easier.But it didn’t stop me from becoming a mum- it just rerouted the way I got there.The reality behind it?Unbearable pain. Missing out. Planning every part of your life around a cycle you can’t control. Leaving work early. Being told it’s “normal.” Being told to just take paracetamol. By the time I was taken seriously, it was too late.It’s a relentless, invisible battle that so many live with — often for years before getting answers.Endo took a lot from me.But it didn’t take everything.Because it led me to my Willow, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. 🤍#endometriosisawareness #notjustabadperiod #stage4endometriosis #endometriosisuk #adoptionuk #adoptionjourney #adoptionafterinfertility #adoptionstory #ukadoption #infertilitytoadoption #infertilityawareness #paintopurpose #chronicillnessawareness
Shoutout to anyone who got through a panel day and Shoutout to anyone who got through a panel day and all those waiting to. I remember trying to act calm, full of caffeine and nerves. Now we’ve got a small human, a loud home and a very full heart. 🤍Full story on the blog- Link in bio #panelday #adoptionjourneyuk #approvedadopters  #ukadoption #whatajourney #FromPaperworkToParenthood
I still have to pinch myself. This time last year I still have to pinch myself.This time last year, we were at prep training- nervous, hopeful, trying to imagine you.Now we know your laugh, your sass, your volume and how funny you are.The spare room isn’t empty anymore, thank you for giving it a purpose. So grateful you’re home. 🤍#adoptionjourney #frompreptoparenting #oneyearlater #adoptionuk #adoptionlove
The best thing I never carried, but was always mea The best thing I never carried, but was always meant to hold. 🤍Link in bio, our full adoption story on our blog 📖 #adoptionjourney #ukadoption #adoptionawareness #thebestthinginevercarried #lovemakesafamily #thisisadoption #adopt #adoptionuk
“5 Things I Didn’t Expect on the Road to Adopt “5 Things I Didn’t Expect on the Road to Adoption”Adoption is beautiful, but it’s layered. There’s joy, but there are also moments that catch you off guard, things you grieve, and parts of the process no one really prepares you for.These are 5 honest reflections from our journey. Not expert advice, just what I’ve felt, fumbled through, and am still learning.If you’re waiting, navigating panels, parenting through trauma. I’d love to hear what suprised you 💬#swipethrough #infertilitytoadoption #adoptionuk #adoptionjourney #honestmotherhood #adoptionawareness
This picture means more than it shows 🧡 Behind This picture means more than it shows 🧡Behind it is the heartbreak of infertility, the waiting, the paperwork, the doubt, more waiting. All before she came along. I’ve shared the full story on our blog, from infertility to adoption, and everything we faced through the UK process.It’s written honestly, for anyone still in the thick of their ‘before’. Adoption made us a family. And that’s the greatest gift of all. 🤍#adoptingwillow #ukadoption #infertilityjourney #adoptionsupport #youarenotalone #adoptionintheuk #adoptionjourney #adoptionmatters
Navigating the adoption process can feel overwhelm Navigating the adoption process can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when you’re just starting out. We have written a detailed timeline and expectations guide on our blog, along with this visual roadmap and our personal experience. This will help to break it all down into stages of what to expect along the way.Explore Our full story and more resources at adoptingwillow.co.uk#AdoptingWillow #UKAdoption #AdoptionJourney #AdoptionProcess #AdoptionUK #AdoptionAwareness #AdoptiveParent #FutureAdoptiveParent #AdoptionSupport #UKParents #BuildingFamilies #FamilyThroughAdoption #AdoptionTimeline #AdoptionSteps #AdoptionCommunity #AdoptionStory #ParentingJourney #AdoptionEducation #AdoptionBlog #AdoptionInfo #AdoptingInTheUK #AdoptionMatters #AdoptionRoadmap
Hi 👋 this is Adopting Willow After years of na Hi 👋 this is Adopting WillowAfter years of navigating infertility, heartbreak, and hope, we made the decision to pursue adoption in the UK- and it’s been the most life-changing experience.This space is a little corner of the internet where I share honest moments, insight, and all the ups and downs of choosing adoption after infertility.Whether you’re walking a similar path, considering adoption, or simply here to follow a story filled with love- you’re very welcome here.Follow along as we share the highs, lows, and everything we’ve learned while adopting Willow.  www.adoptingwillow.co.uk #AdoptingWillow #AdoptionJourney #InfertilityToAdoption #UKAdoption #LifeAfterInfertility #NewBeginnings
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