48-year-old Christie Werts, from Ohio, had adopted the newborn baby of her husband’s ex-wife, because she didn’t want the child to suffer as she did in the fostering houses.
Christie Werts had married with 45-year-old Wesley, in 2018, and they had mixed their families of, Christie’s children Megan, 21, and Vance, 15, and Wesley’s two children, Austin, 14, and Dakota, 10.
But after learnt that the ex of Wesley had lost her life after giving birth to baby Levi, they had decided to adopt the newborn too.
“When I heard about Levi, without hesitation I said we should take him.” Christie said.
“I myself was a foster kid and, although for the most part I had a great experience, I did not want him going to foster care.”
“My husband did not really speak to the biological mother’s family often, but she had Levi on a Monday and passed away that Friday.”
“We lived in another state at the time so we sold our home in Ohio and rented a house in Texas because we had to officially foster to adopt him.”
“So we did – the process took 16 months.” She added.
“Although, my experience was overall as good as it can be in foster care, I just knew I loved my stepkids enough to make sure they got to be with their half-brother.” Christie continued.
“I did not want Levi to end up in the foster care system.”
“If I said I did not have concerns beforehand, that would not be honest.” She added.
“I love kids and bonded with my stepkids real quick.”
“I also was in love with my bio kids at first sight.”
“This was different – I was going to walk into a child I never met and was worried the circumstances would hinder this ‘instant love’.”
“But […] he stole my heart.”
“I also felt this intense need to protect him.” She added.
“We already felt he was our son. But on paper, he was a child with no first name, no birth certificate, and was a ward of the state. Just to know he would have a birth certificate [and] a legal first name was very emotional.”
“I had dreams about him before we even knew about him. We prayed for him, so here was the moment we feel god had planned.”
She later on continued, “He’s great, he is the king of the house! We are all very close.”
“He won’t understand the journey right now, but someday I will let him know we fought for him!”
“The kids are living a normal life again, no case workers, inspections – just sports and friends.”
“First, make sure your relationship is super solid before you introduce the kids.” Christie advised couples who would like to adopt a children.
“I think my husband and I both made the mistake of introducing people [former partners] to our kids, just for that person to not be around anymore.”
“They may have other parents but treat those kids as if they were yours – that’s important for both you and your partner.”
“The process to adopt from foster care is not for the faint of heart. I read a comment once that someone said people adopt out of selfishness for themselves, not the child. You must have that desire for a child [but] a desire to want, love and care for a child at any age has to be just as important as helping a child. Take each day at a time because the system is not perfect.” She concluded.
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