Check Out Our Puzzle

It has been a few a weeks since we’ve updated our adoption blog. We thought we’d fill you all in on what’s happening. First, Eliana is growing like crazy (as you’ve likely seen in some FB pictures). She is wearing 6-9 month clothes comfortably and weighed in at 17 lbs 2 oz Friday at her 4-month check up (putting her in the 92^nd percentile). She is discovering her voice and is thinking about rolling over. Parenthood is a lot of work but a lot of fun.

In the months leading up to Eliana’s arrival, our focus was split between reading books about parenting and fundraising for her adoption. On both fronts we’ve come a long way. People have been so generous throughout the entire process too. So many things were given to us and so many people have stepped in and supported us with their time and resources. Between individuals donating, adoption grants, and our own contributions we’ve been able to raise 71% of the adoption costs! For that we want to say thank you. We’re blown away by your generosity. 

A few months back, a family member designed this puzzle as part of our fundraising efforts. The idea was that each piece would represent a dollar amount we needed to come up with to fund our adoption. As you can see we’re mostly done but have a little left. We can’t wait to reveal the finished product, but there is also a message on the back of the puzzle. We want to write the names of people and organizations that have helped fund Eliana’s adoption. The puzzle will be a visual representation of others helping us put our family together.

Consider this post the beginning of our final fundraising push. In the spirit of full disclosure there are still a couple grants/scholarships we’ve applied for but have not heard back from. But the remaining 29% you see here is roughly $8,200. It is hard to ask for more money because it feels like we’re not being grateful enough for what’s already been given. We are very grateful. But throughout this entire process we’ve tried to be very honest about things on this blog and in person.

That said, this outstanding debt is a bit of a burden, as many people understand. We’ve been chipping away at it monthly since we got back from New York but our agency expects us to pay our balance off sooner rather than later to cover operating costs for other adoptions. They’ve been working with us as well to come up with fundraising ideas.

3 ways to give:

1.  Check out our You Caring page. This page will be the main tally for what we still owe. (2.9% goes to a processor’s fee)

2. Make checks payable to Bethany Christian Services and indicate the donation is for Adam and Lauren Dolson.  The address is 901 Eastern Avenue NE, PO BOX 294, Grand Rapids, MI. 49501. (It is important to note that since money is going specifically to our account, there is no tax deduction.)

3. Send us funds directly. Inbox us if you want to do this and we’ll send you our address.

Again, we are so grateful for all that everyone has given us up to this point. We’ve been overwhelmed with your prayers, financial support, time and for helping us welcome Eliana into our family. It is hard to even ask for more and please do not feel obligated. We promise to keep you updated as the weeks go by and to keep posting pictures of our beautiful girl!

Thank you for reading

Adam, Lauren and Eliana