PEWAUKEE, Wis. — A Pewaukee family grew by one, thanks to a huge decision by perfect strangers.
Open adoption is not for everyone, but it is growing in popularity. For the families we spoke to, it has meant everything.
It is a dream Jennifer and Keith Smith have had for years. They have two healthy boys who were both adopted under different circumstances. Their first is Kurt who they adopted from their niece.
Baby Lincoln joined the family 16 months later through Adoption Choice Inc.
"There's always a grief with adopting out," said Micalyn Wilcox, Lincoln's birth mother. "We were both having hiring issues because of COVID and we weren't sure we would be able to do that, you know?"
Open adoption has made it much easier for them.
"We try to get together every six weeks or so," said Jennifer.
In fact, they celebrated Lincoln's first birthday together over the summer, and made Christmas ornaments together just last month.
Jennifer said they were only going to give themselves a year to adopt, and little Lincoln fell into their lap right at the end of that goal.
"I knew that Jen and Keith would give Lincoln the best life he could possibly wish for," said Micalyn.
Visit AdoptionChoiceInc.org to learn more about the organization this family used to adopt Lincoln.
You can also visit DCF.Wisconsin.gov to learn more about becoming a foster parent.
