They ‘Said Yes’ to Adopting Foster Kids
by Ebony Dooley, Samaritas Communications  

Annmarie and Brad had a passion for fostering and a clear plan to embrace the process while raising their biological son Elijah. As a former child welfare professional, Annmarie was confident that she’d planned for all the potential variables that come with fostering children.
 
As a former child welfare professional and advocate, she was prepared. However, unexpected turns and circumstances led the couple to a blended family in an impressive way.
 
“We fostered Ariana from when she was a baby. As she got older, we quickly realized that she was a full-throttle kid,” said Annmarie. “She was extreme about everything, like everything. She was all in or nothing. So, we decided to focus on her and our biological son and to only take in another foster kid when she could be unified with her biological family.”
 
After a year and a half of fostering Ariana through Samaritas, the couple learned that Ariana’s biological mom was expecting a new baby boy, and after a lot of thought and prayer, began the process to foster him.
 
Their expediency was driven by their personal belief in keeping siblings together for their emotional well-being. Annmarie and Brad enjoy close relationships with their own siblings and felt strongly that it was in the best interest of both children to keep their sibling bond intact.
 
While the family was looking forward to fostering Ariana’s baby brother, they were concerned about how they could manage the foster care process during the COVID pandemic.
 
“That situation was not what I pictured, and suddenly we had three kids all in diapers, during COVID,” said Annmarie. “But we looked at this as kind of a blessing. We got to see the pregnancy and prepare for his arrival.” 

The family successfully adopted Ariana through Legacy Adoption Services (LAS) in 2021 and then later adopted Easton in 2022. The family couldn’t be happier. “I think God weaves families together with individuals that are perfect for each other.”
 
“My kids have such a special bond,” said Annmarie. “I can't imagine them not being in the same home. Even though it stretched us a bit to keep this brother and sister in the same home, I can't imagine them not being together.”
 
She expressed the relief and joy of finally adopting Ariana and Easton, commenting that it is a relief to know that they’ll all be together forever.