Some of the Best Stories Don’t Follow the Expected Path
Why foster-to-adopt journeys deserve all the celebration—and how we can show up better
There are moments in life that deserve to be shouted from rooftops, framed on walls, and celebrated with the people who love us most. This is one of them.
When Monique told me she and Ramiro were fostering to adopt, I felt that beautiful collision of tears and joy that only happens when something truly profound is unfolding. And then I felt something else: a fierce determination that this announcement would be documented, celebrated, and shared with the same enthusiasm we give to any family expansion.
Because here’s what we need to talk about: not every path to parenthood looks the same, and yet it is worthy of celebration.
We’ve normalized the pregnancy announcement, the gender reveal, the baby shower. We celebrate the traditional timeline because it’s familiar. But what about the families who are being formed through foster care, through adoption, through chosen love rather than biology? Those stories—those incredible stories—deserve confetti too.
This isn’t just a feel-good moment. This is life-changing on every side.
A couple opening their hearts and home. A child (or children) gaining stability, love, and belonging. A family tree growing new branches in the most beautiful way possible. If that’s not shower-worthy, announcement-worthy, bring-baby-home-photo-session-worthy, then I don’t know what is.
I’ve known Monique since we were just kids learning to drive stick shift in parking lots (unsuccessfully, for me) and occasionally making questionable decisions about attending third period (not recommended, stay in school, kids). We’ve moved each other into apartments, stood beside each other at weddings, and held each other through the kind of losses that reshape you. She’s shown me what loyalty looks like, what resilience means, and now—what courageous love does.
And let me tell you: she’s going to be an incredible mom.
Here’s my challenge to you:
If you’re on a non-traditional path to parenthood like fostering, adopting, a journey that looks different than the “expected” one—let people celebrate you. Share your announcement. Register for that shower. Take those photos. Document the moment you bring your child home.
Not because you need permission, but because your community wants to support you. They want to show up with casseroles and onesies and “congratulations” cards. They want to witness your joy. But they can’t if you don’t let them in.
And to everyone else: when someone shares their foster care or adoption journey, celebrate them exactly as enthusiastically as you would any other family announcement. Show up. Ask questions. Bring gifts. Take photos. Make noise about how beautiful this is.
Because it is beautiful. It’s messy and uncertain and requires paperwork that would make anyone’s head spin, but it’s also one of the most profound expressions of love that exists.
Different doesn’t mean less-than. Different means brave. Different means expansive. Different means more love in this world.
So yes, I’m going to photograph this announcement with the same joy I bring to every maternity session. I’m going to capture these images of my oldest friend, her husband, and their pup—the first family member ready to welcome whoever comes next—and I’m going to help them share this news with unabashed celebration.
Because this? This is exactly what celebration looks like.
And I cannot wait to walk through every documented moment of this journey with them.
To all the families being formed in unexpected ways: Your story matters. Your joy matters. And you deserve every bit of fanfare, support, and celebration that any other growing family receives. Don’t hide your light—we want to see it shine.
And to you, my friend:
Let your guard down. Let yourself be celebrated. The walls we build to protect ourselves from hurt also keep out love and joy. You are worthy of all of this—the celebration, the support, the joy. We’re here for every step, and we can’t wait to show up for you the way you’ve always shown up for everyone else.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
