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See You Soon, Baby Girl!

October 27, 2025

Since the beautiful moment we were chosen by our expecting mother, life has felt like it’s been on fast-forward—but in the best, most surreal kind of way. Every step has been filled with anticipation, emotion, and a deep sense of gratitude as we prepare to meet our daughter.

Our home has slowly been transforming into a space ready to welcome her. One of the most meaningful parts of that preparation was completing our nursery puzzle—a gift that reminds us how many hands and hearts have come together to support us on this journey. Each piece represents someone who has poured love, prayer, or financial support into our adoption story. To those who gave, thank you. You’re now forever part of our daughter’s story. 🧩💕

Completed puzzle from puzzle piece fundraiser now hanging in the nursery!

In mid-September, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to Texas to meet the expecting mother and her family. Those couple days there were tender and unforgettable. We spent time with both the expecting mother and father—connecting over meals, bubble tea, and long, intentional conversations. We even shared a moment we’ll never forget: watching our future daughter on a 3D ultrasound for the first time. Seeing her sweet face brought everything into focus.

Cute little 3D ultrasound of baby girl!

The next day, we explored a bit of Corpus Christi—allowing ourselves a moment of wonder before joining the expecting family again for dinner, this time with the expecting mother’s mother as well. The warmth, honesty, and love we felt during that trip reassured us: this is the story we were meant to be part of. We left Texas already counting down the days until we return for the birth.

But life, in its complexity, rarely allows us to exist in pure joy without moments of heartbreak. Shortly after returning home, our beloved dog Reilly—our first “baby,” our constant companion for over seven years—began showing signs that something wasn’t right. He stopped finishing his meals and if you knew Reilly – this was very unusual behavior because that dog devoured everything in sight. Taylor took him to the vet on 9/25, and the news was devastating: Reilly likely had a splenic and/or liver mass, possibly hemangiosarcoma. We were given two options—aggressive surgery and treatment, or comfort care at home.

After much prayer and conversation, we made the heartbreaking but clear decision to keep Reilly at home, surrounding him with love in his final days.

And so, his last week was filled with joy in the small things—salmon dinners, seared zucchini, In-N-Out burger patties, eating all his favorite treats, and trips to Petco and his favorite park. We cherished every moment. Bryan began carrying him up and down the stairs, we shortened walks to make them manageable, and we leaned into gratitude even in the grief.

By the following week, it became clear Reilly was declining. He stopped eating altogether, struggled to walk, and was no longer himself. We knew we had to make the most painful decision any pet parent faces. On Friday, 10/3, we scheduled Paws into Grace to come to our home the next day. At 12:37 p.m. on 10/4, Reilly passed peacefully in our arms, at home, without fear or pain. He was 12 years old (turning 13 years old next month). It was the hardest goodbye—but it was exactly what he deserved. We’re so grateful he didn’t suffer, and we’re grateful we got to be with him until the very last moment.

We are going to miss you Ry dog </3

Adjusting to life without Reilly has been harder than we imagined. He’s been with us since just after our first anniversary, walking with us through dating (parents owned him at this time), marriage, infertility, IVF, miscarriage, and finally, adoption. He’s been there through every tear and triumph. I (Taylor) especially hoped he’d get to meet baby girl. Bryan believes that Reilly knew he had fulfilled his purpose—that he stayed until we were no longer just waiting, but chosen. Maybe he knew it was time to hand off the baton. In this strange in-between—mourning and preparing—we’ve been focusing on time together. We’re soaking up the quiet moments, finishing the nursery, buying the last essentials, and packing our bags.

This weekend, we installed the car seat and packed the car! And today, October 27th, we hit the road for Texas once again—this time with hearts wide open, ready to meet the daughter we’ve prayed and longed for.

Thank you to everyone who has walked this road with us. Your prayers, support, and encouragement have meant more than you know. This journey has held both deep sorrow and overwhelming joy, and we know both are shaping us into the parents we’re about to become.

What we need: your continued support

1. Prayer Requests – Your prayers mean more than we can express. Thank you so much for all those that have been praying for us. We ask that you continue to pray for:

  • Expecting mother:
    • Strength and good health as she nears delivery
    • Peace of mind and calmness, free from anxiety or fear
    • Emotional and physical preparation for labor
    • Safety and protection throughout these final weeks
  • Our future child:
    • Continued growth and development in the womb
    • Protection from any complications or risks during the birth
    • Peace and comfort as she prepares to enter the world
    • That she senses the love waiting for her
  • Our marriage:
    • Patience and unity as we prepare to become parents
    • Wisdom in final decisions and preparations
    • Strength to support each other emotionally and spiritually
    • Grace to handle any uncertainties or challenges

2. Meal Train – We are thrilled to be welcoming a baby girl into our family through adoption after a six-year journey filled with waiting, praying, and perseverance. This Meal Train is one way our community can help support us as we step into this long-awaited chapter of parenthood. We are so thankful for your love, encouragement, and care as we prepare to bring our daughter home and begin life as a family of three!

3. Online Registry – If you’d like to contribute in a tangible way, we’ve created an online registry with items that will help us prepare for our little one’s arrival. Every gift, big or small, will make a meaningful impact as we get ready for this life-changing journey.

We seriously could not have done this without our incredible village of friends and family. Your generosity has blown us away — together, we raised $30K, and over 50% of our registry was purchased by you all! We’re beyond grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support every step of the way. Thank you for surrounding us with so much love — we truly feel it. 

With love and anticipation,
Taylor & Bryan

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