Expectant Parent Call 480-900-5520 Text 602-922-0408 Or 602-922-0401
Para español 888-222-8702
Adoptive Parent Call 480-999-4310
Serving Expectant Parents Statewide With Offices located in:
Phoenix | Flagstaff | Tuscon

Our Services, Your Adoption

 

Domestic Adoption

Arizona AdoptionDomestic adoption (or private domestic adoption) refers to the placement of U.S. born infants for adoption by their birth parents, who legally consent to the adoption with an adoptive family of their choosing. Learn how domestic adoption works with Adoption Choices of Arizona by contacting us! We are your trusted, licensed agency for building Arizona families!

How To Adopt – The Domestic Adoption Process

Adopting a Baby Through Private Domestic Adoption

Requirements to Adopt a Child

Adoption For Same-Sex Couples

Transracial Adoption in America

Military Adoption Information

Schedule an Orientation

Arizona AdoptionWhat is a home study or certification study?

A home study or certification study is required for all individuals seeking to adopt in the state of Arizona. Arizona requires that all household members five years and older are interviewed and interviews shall occur on at least two separate occasions with no less than a total of four hours of face-to-face contact. If you have regular or seasonal visitors, they may also need to be interviewed and/or complete some of the paperwork.

The home study, along with the agency’s recommendation, is submitted to the Superior Court in the county in which you reside. The Court has up to sixty days to review and certify the applicant as being acceptable or not acceptable to adopt children based on the report and recommendations. If the court finds that the prospective adoptive parents are acceptable to adopt children, an adoption certification is issued and it will remain in effect for eighteen months from the date of its issuance. If no adoption petition has been filed within that time, certification can be extended for one year periods if the court determines that there have been no material changes in circumstances that would adversely affect the acceptability of the prospective parents to adopt.

We are your partner in building your family in Arizona! Our office strives to make the certification process informative, seamless, and positive, while helping you discover the unique attributes you bring to parenting an adopted child. Our specialists are trained professionals who are compassionate and understanding with many years of experience in working with prospective adoptive parents. We will provide you with all the documents required to complete your home study, including the contract for services, application, financial statement, physician statements, and other agency paperwork.

Once you receive your adoption certification and have provided copies of your profile books to our agency, you are ready to be presented with adoption opportunities!

Need a Home Study? Have a Home Study?

The first step for all applicants (needing a home study or wanting to apply with our agency) is to complete an orientation to provide you with the necessary information about private adoption in Arizona, as well as Adoption Choices of Arizona. It is strictly for informational purposes and it is at no-cost to you. If you are married or in a relationship, it is best to have both of you available for the presentation. A copy of the presentation as well as the orientation paperwork will be provided to you at that time.

Once the paperwork has been submitted, our staff will contact your home study agency to obtain the necessary documents to create your file and will obtain additional information after you have been matched.

If you have any questions, please email us at mmccraneygonzalez@adoptionchoicesofarizona.org

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Arizona Adoption Once your child is home, we complete the required post-placement supervisory visits. These required visits enable us to assist you and your child as you settle into becoming a family.

Post-placement supervision is required by the state of Arizona and all states. It is the period between the placement of a child with the adoptive parents and the time that the child’s adoption is finalized in court. The purpose of post-placement supervision is to gather the compulsory information that will be required for our agency to prepare written reports to the Court. The final report will recommend that the adoption petition be granted and state that finalization will be in the best interest of the child.

The number of post-placement visits required will vary state to state, based on the laws of the state whose agency has custody of the child. Arizona statutes require about 2-3 visits after placement, depending on when the adoption is finalized. The first visit must occur within 30 calendar days of the date of placement and occur every once every three months until the adoption is finalized. In cases when the adoptive child is a child with special needs, the visits shall occur at least once a month. Should a child be placed from a state other than Arizona, Adoption Choices of Arizona will adhere to the laws of that state and will provide visits and reports at more frequent intervals, for an additional fee.

Arizona Adoption Your family profile is often the birth parent’s first introduction to your family, so it should provide a picture of what the child’s life will be like with you. Show your unique personality and lifestyle through specific and descriptive examples of your activities, feelings, and relationships.

Think about what you like to know about people when you first meet them and share that information about yourself. If you have children of your own and they had to be placed with someone who you did not know, what questions would you ask or what would you want to know? Nobody is perfect, so you do not need to portray your family as the utopia of all families.

As you write, it may sound like the biographical information in your home study. However, this is written TO THE BIRTH PARENTS, who will not see your home study. Any identifying information that is provided by the adoptive parents on any forms that are given to the birth parents will not be deleted since it is presumed that it is intentionally placed on the documents. Only include information that you are comfortable sharing. Do not feel obligated to answer every single question listed.

Adoptive Parent Training

Adoptive Parent Training Adoption UAs a client with Adoption Choices, you are entitled to Adoption U’s, Adoptive Parent Training course.

Adoption professionals from all over the U.S. review each step of the adoption process through short videos and interactive activities.

  • In short training sessions, learn the ins and outs for the most important steps of the adoption process
  • Learn at your own speed to best understand the material
  • Interactive training ensures you are armed with the knowledge you need
  • Quickly find adoption resources
  • Become Adoption U certified Adoptive Parents

From the home study to matching, hospital etiquette, post placement communication and more, we will cover a variety of topics so you are well equipped to become adoptive parents.

Sign Up Here

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The Adoption Process

If you are just starting your research into adoption, thank you for your interest in Adoption Choices of Arizona! The adoption process can be confusing and overwhelming without the proper guidance. There are a lot of details to review and many options to consider; we can help you throughout the process.

If you are already a certified or licensed adoptive parent and would like to join our Adoption Choices of Arizona network, please contact us so we can talk about your preferences in relation to the needs of our Arizona birth moms.

The first step for all applicants (needing a home study or wanting to apply with our agency) is to complete an orientation to provide you with the necessary information about private adoption in Arizona, as well as Adoption Choices of Arizona. It is strictly for informational purposes and it is at no-cost to you. If you are married or in a relationship, it is best to have both of you available for the presentation. A copy of the presentation as well as the orientation paperwork will be provided to you at that time.

After you have completed the orientation, the following documents will need to be submitted to our office. Once the paperwork has been submitted, our staff will contact your home study agency to obtain all the required documents to create your file.

* Orientation Attended form and other orientation paperwork

* Adoption Choices of Arizona Application along with the non-refundable application fee

* Copies of Driver’s Licenses

* At least 5 copies of your profile book and 1 electronic PDF version

An adoption specialist is assigned to each of our birth mothers to support and help them prepare for their futures. When a birth mother chooses to start the adoption process, paperwork is completed and she is ready to view profiles. We only show your profile to birth mothers for whom you have already been sent information and have given your approval to present.

When you are chosen by a birth mother, you will sign a contract and send the total estimated amount of your adoption fees, expenses, and costs, which will be deposited into the agency escrow account.

In the meantime, start looking for an attorney in your area to handle the finalization of your adoption. Once you are matched, we will need to obtain a letter from your attorney. Please note that not all states require an attorney for finalization. www.adoptionattorneys.org

After the baby is born, you will sign a temporary custody placement agreement allowing the baby to leave the hospital with you. The placement agreement should be e-mailed to your insurance company to ensure that the baby will have medical coverage. Federal Law requires that insurance companies cover an adopted child from date of placement. However, you should check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage. If your baby is delivered outside of Arizona, other states have similar documents that you will sign, allowing you to provide the child with medical care while you are awaiting the final decree of adoption.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@adoptionchoicesofarizona.com

Or Schedule an Orientation online.

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The Home Study Process

The home study (or certification study) will include:

1. A complete social history.

2. The financial condition of the applicant.

3. The moral fitness of the applicant.

4. The religious background of the applicant.

5. The physical and mental health condition of the applicant.

6. Any court action for or adjudication of child abuse, abandonment of children, dependency or termination of parent-child relationship in which the applicant had control, care, or custody of the child who was the subject of the action.

7. Whether the person or persons wish to be placed on the central registry

8. All other facts bearing on the issue of the fitness of the prospective adoptive parents that the court, agency, or division may deem relevant.

The home study, along with the agency’s recommendation, is submitted to the Superior Court in the county in which you reside. The Court has up to sixty days to review and certify the applicant as being acceptable or not acceptable to adopt children based on the report and recommendations. If the court finds that the prospective adoptive parents are acceptable to adopt children, an adoption certification is issued and it will remain in effect for eighteen months from the date of its issuance. If no adoption petition has been filed within that time, certification can be extended for one year periods if the court determines that there have been no material changes in circumstances that would adversely affect the acceptability of the prospective parents to adopt.

Our office strives to make the certification process informative, seamless, and positive, while helping you discover the unique attributes you bring to parenting an adopted child. Our specialists are trained professionals who are compassionate and understanding with many years of experience in working with prospective adoptive parents. We will provide you with all the documents required to complete your home study, including the contract for services, application, financial statement, physician statements, and other agency paperwork.

We will also need copies of the documents below (if applicable).

* Birth Certificates

* Marriage License (you must be married at least one year before starting the home study process)

* Divorce Decree

* Employment/Income Verification

* Income Tax Returns for the last three years (1st page only)

* Bankruptcy discharge

* Social Security Cards or Passports

* Copy of Native American Heritage enrollment (if applicable)

* Arizona Driver’s licenses

* Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card – additional fees will apply (If you do not have one, we’ll provide the information for you to apply for one.)

* Health Insurance under which the child will be covered

* Life Insurance or Will information

* Auto insurance and registration

* Rabies vaccinations and licenses for all dogs

* Military discharge

* CPR training (if you have a pool or other body of water on the property)

* Photos of your family and home

Once you receive your adoption certification and have provided copies of your profile books to our agency, you are ready to be presented with adoption opportunities!

If you have any questions, please email us at info@adoptionchoicesofarizona.com

Or Schedule an Orientation online.

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Adopting A Baby Through Private Adoption

Why Families Pursue This Type of Adoption

Why do so many people pursue a private domestic adoption and choose an adoption agency to adopt a baby?

The following is a list of the types of people who choose to work with an agency like Adoption Choices of Arizona to complete their private domestic adoption:

1. People who want to adopt a newborn

Private domestic adoption is the only type of adoption that promises prospective adoptive couples a newborn baby. On average, Adoption Choices of Arizona completes the adoptions of xxx healthy newborn babies per year.

Families who want to adopt a newborn will find the most success with a private domestic adoption agency.

2. People who want one partner throughout the adoption process

Adoption Choices of Arizona provide adoptive families with their own Adoption Specialist whom they will work with throughout the adoption process. The Adoption Specialist is their main contact who organizes the steps of the adoption and the people required to complete it.

Other people involved in the adoption process often include social workers, attorneys, hospital workers, case managers, media staff, and more. While you will interact with many of these people, everything will be set up in advance and your Adoption Specialist will be involved as well.

An Adoption Specialist will also provide support, education, and adoption counseling leading up to placement, during placement at the hospital, and after placement. They are always just a phone call, text, or email away.

Schedule an Orientation

3. People who want to adopt a baby quickly

Low adoption wait times are determined by the number of birth mothers an adoption professional receives. Private adoption agencies are usually able to offer families lower wait times than other adoption professionals because they work with birth mothers across the county, not in just one state or region.

Adoption Choices of Arizona takes this one step further with our strategic marketing efforts and online presence, in hospitals, in crisis pregnancy centers, with other adoption professionals, and more.

More than xxx percent of our families adopt a baby within xxx months of becoming active with our agency.

4. People who want to adopt a boy or girl

Adoption Choices of Arizona offers a gender-specific opportunity for families interested in adopting a certain gender.

5. People who want to be financially protected

In many ways, adoption can be a leap of faith, especially financially. Adoptive families work hard to save enough money to make their dreams of adopting a baby a reality. But if an adoption doesn’t work out, many families are financially devastated.

Our (risk sharing program) protects families from adoption disruptions.

This adoption insurance is rare among other types of adoption and adoption professionals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of home studies do you provide?
1. Domestic adoptions

2. Designated adoptions (you locate the birth mother on your own)

3. Gestational carrier/surrogate home studies

How long does it take to complete the home study?
On average, the home study process takes about 4-6 months to complete. You can speed up the process by gathering the required documents, applying for the fingerprint clearance card, scheduling your medical appointments, and submitting your paperwork in a timely manner. Our staff works with your schedule and is available days, nights, and weekends.
What happens if the birth mother chooses to parent?
Our staff is trained to counsel birth mothers and provide all options to them. We strongly encourage all birth mothers to make their decision based on what they feel is the best for them and their babies. If a birth mother chooses to parent, we will discuss the next steps for you as soon as possible.
How open or closed will our adoption be?
Adoption is a shared gift of love between two families. Openness in adoption is a continuum and no single arrangement is right for everyone. Through careful consideration of options, a child-focused approach and commitment, you will be able to decide on the amount of openness that is right for your family. While birth parent and adoptive parent relationships may seem awkward at first, over time, the involved individuals typically become more comfortable with the plan they have chosen and pleased with their decisions. Creating openness between the birth family and the adoptive family provides a child with a lifetime of loving and meaningful relationships. Please remember, in open adoptions and semi open adoptions, the level of openness is changing and shifting throughout the adoption and after birth.

Confidential (Closed) Adoption

In a Closed Adoption, there is no contact between birth parents and adoptive parents except for the birth parents’ non-identifying social/medical information that is provided to the adoptive parents. This type of adoption is rare in private adoption situations due to social media and the internet.

Semi-Open Adoption

In a Semi-Open Adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents usually meet prior to the birth of the child, and the adoptive parents are often present for the birth. After placement, communication, such as pictures, texting, phone calls, letters and emails, may occur. Last names and addresses of both parties are not disclosed, unless otherwise agreed upon by the birth parents and adoptive parents. This type of adoption allows for some communication between the birth parents and adoptive parents while also maintaining some privacy. Keep in mind, the level of openness is always changing and shifting throughout the adoption and after placement; relationships change as time goes on.

Open Adoption

In an Open Adoption, birth parents and adoptive parents are in direct contact with one another and share identifying information with each other. This type of adoption may involve the methods listed above in the semi-open adoption as well as in-person visits, without going through the Agency. The plan for openness is decided and agreed upon by both the birth parents and the adoptive parents. Open adoptions allow the child to connect more easily to his or her birth parents and to maintain a relationship. Keep in mind, the level of openness is always changing and shifting throughout the adoption and after placement; relationships change as time goes on.

Resources for Adoptive Families

 

the abba fund
The ABBA Fund helps Christian families overcome the financial obstacles of adoption by providing interest-free loans that can be paid back over time. They also administrate Matching Grant and Interest-Free Loan Adoption Funds for churches at no cost to the church so that local communities can help their families with adoption costs.
www.abbafund.org

academy of adoption and assisted reproduction attorneys
The mission of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys Family Formation Charitable Trust is to provide financial assistance to those individuals and non-profit organizations seeking to build families through adoption and assisted reproductive technology. For more information and access to the grant application, please visit adoptionattorneys.org/aaaa/charitable-trust/applications-for-grant.

a child waits foundation
The adoption assistance programs through A Child Waits are open to qualified couples and individuals who are seeking to adoption internationally.
www.achildwaits.org

adopt together
This non-profit funding platform helps families raise money to pay for adoption costs. Check out how it works by visiting Adopt Together.
adopttogether.org

adoption loans
Check with your local bank on the availability of unsecured adoption loans, or how to qualify for a home equity line of credit. In addition, some employers allow loans against 401K plans.

adoption tax credit
Most families qualify for the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, available for up to $14,300 in adoption expenses per child; to be used to pay for adoption fees, court costs, medical care and other adoption expenses. Learn more by going to the IRS website. Contact your tax specialist to determine whether you qualify.
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8839.pdf

Adoption Tax Credit FAQs by North American Council on Adoptable Children

america’s christian credit union
Adopting a child is a special event for the Christian family. While many financial institutions do not understand the unique situation surrounding the adoption process, ACCU choose to respond to those needs. As part of their continuing effort to “reach, serve and teach,” they are happy to offer Adoption Loans.
www.americaschristiancu.com

anna cheri foundation
The foundation’s mission is to inspire people to orphan care around the world through both adoption and adoption support. They will award a grant every year to a family who is selected. For more information, please visit inspiringorphancare.org

buescher foundation
Families that are adopting domestically and have been approved by an agency or facilitator can apply for a grant. There is no income requirement.

www.thebuescherfoundation.org

cade fondation
The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation’s Family Building Grant provides up to $10,000 per funded family to help with costs of domestic adoption and medical fertility treatment. The only restrictions for applying are must have a diagnosis of infertility from your doctor and be a legal, permanent US resident.
www.cadefoundation.org

dave thomas foundation for adoption
The adoption assistance programs through Dave Thomas Foundation awards grants to adoption organizations that connect children with families, particularly adoption through foster care. The website provides general information about adoption, as well as prototypes for employer assistance programs.

www.davethomasfoundation.org
www.adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org

domestic infant support fund (scholarship)
The Domestic Infant Support Fund was originated to provide assistance to flexible families, reducing the costs and breaking down financial barriers associated with the adoption of infants or older children through the Gladney Domestic Infant Program. Each family must meet the program qualifications and those outlined in Support Fund Request before the request for a support fund may be submitted.

dove men+care paternity leave fund
A $1 million commitment to fund paid paternity leave for real dads across the country over the next two years. Dove’s fund will extend $5,000 grants to dads without access to paid leave so they can spend time with their children and show how paternity leave benefits families, workplaces, and communities. Take the Pledge for Paternity Leave here.

dream4adoption is accepting applicants for grants for the home study phase of adopting families. This program seeks to fund up to $1,500 directly to the agency involved in your home study phase. When the adoption is finalized Dream4Adoption also gives grant recipients an additional $500 as a “Welcome Home” portion of the grant.
www.dream4adoption.org

family formation charitable trust
Formed to assist those in their efforts to form their families and to help children.
https://www.facebook.com/familyformationcharitabletrust

federal medical and family leave act
Visit Here.

frost financial adoption assistance
Since 1868, Frost has been offering products and services to people in our community. Their commitment to doing business honestly and ethically explains why so many Texans trust them as a safe and sound place for managing their finances.
Frost Application Process

gift of adoption
This organization provides adoption assistance grants that give vulnerable children a permanent home and the chance to thrive. www.giftofadoption.org

helping kids cope
Adoptive couple can be of any race and child to be adopted can be of any race, age or gender.
www.helpingkidscope.com

help us adopt 
Helpusadopt.org is a national 501(c)(3) financial grant program that helps couples/individuals (regardless of ethnicity, gender, marital status, religion, or sexual orientation) with the cost of their adoptions by awarding grants up to $15,000.
www.helpusadopt.org

it’s a child’s life foundation
A small non-profit organization based out of Ada, OK with a heart for helping in the areas of foster, adoption, mentoring and support for children.
www.itsachildslife.org

jewish free loan association
Loans up to $35,000.
www.fundyouradoption.org/adoption-loans/

katelyn’s fund  – orphan ministry
Provids grants to Christian families.
www.katelynsfund.org

lending club
The world’s largest online marketplace connecting borrowers and investors.
www.lendingclub.com

lifesong for orphans
Rncourages Christian couples to adopt a child by relieving some of the financial burden of international and domestic adoption. They provide Adoption Matching Grants from $1k-$4k per child, and also offer Interest-Free Loans up to $10,000. Contact them at info@lifesongfororphans.org, or call 309.747.3556.
www.lifesongfororphans.org/adoption/apply/

lightstream
Adoption loans from $5,000 to $100,000
www.lightstream.com/adoption-financing

military subsidies
National Military Family Association, Inc.
Phone: (703) 931-6632
www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/adoption

national adoption foundation
The adoption assistance programs through National Adoption Foundation are available to any family whether they are adopting a child domestically, abroad, or from foster care. Open to all legal adoptions or non-related children and does not exclude private adoption, agency adoption, international adoption or special needs.
www.nafadopt.org
www.fundyouradoption.org/adoption-grants

oxford adoption foundation
Helps families adopt internationally by providing low interest loans to assist with the expenses associated with the international adoption process.
www.oxfordadoption.com

pathways for little feet
Provides interest-free loans to qualified adoptive families who need financial assistance to finalize their adoptions.
www.pathwaysforlittlefeet.org

project hope ministries
Provides matching grants to Christian families that adopt older, special needs, or sibling groups from Colombia. The purpose of the match is to help encourage your friends, family, and church to give to your adoption. Please download a PDF version of the grant.
Link to pdf

prosper
Provides hopeful adoptive parents across the U.S. with access to low-interest, unsecured adoption loans.
www.prosper.com

resources 4 adoption

This website provides you with a database of adoption grants and loans and many resources to help you start the adoption process. www.resources4adoption.com

show hope

Through adoption assistance grants, Show Hope donors have helped provide loving, Christian families for over 2,000 waiting orphans from 40 different countries, including the U.S.
www.showhope.org

the sparrow fund
An organization committed to encouraging and supporting these families in the adventure of adoption. We do this by providing grants to families in financial need to enroll in programs specifically designed to provide counsel and comprehensive medical reviews of their referred child.
www.sparrow-fund.org

Adoption Walkathon

Bonfire Fundraising T-Shirts

Both Hands helps families fundraise for their adoptions. A family gathers a team of volunteers and Both Hands coaches them to coordinate a service project fixing up a widow’s home. Similar to a 5k race, the volunteer team sends letters to raise sponsorship for their day of service. However, instead of running, the team serves a widow in their community.

Crowdfunding (GoFundMe)

Garage Sale

Pure Charity Adoption Fundraising

Selling t-shirts

Using Social Media to Help Pay for Your Adoption Journey

More fundraising ideas with Adoption Choices

Testimonials

 

Our Magical Little Boy

“I wanted to thank you both so much for everything you did for us. Without your dedication and expertise, we probably would not have our magical little boy."

 

- Love, Shelby, Conor, and Owen

High On Our List

“And you and ACAZ are way high on our list of folks that we have worked with as well. After some of the hassles and headaches we've dealt with on other adoption endeavors, including the one that ultimately placed these twins with us, we realize now just how great and smooth you guys made the process (with our first adoption)."

- Mike & Michelle

Right Decision For Me

"When I first found out I was pregnant, I was totally freaked out. I knew there was no way I was going to have an abortion, but I knew I could not raise another child right now.

The only right decision for me and my baby was to look at adoption.

I had a friend who did adoption so I asked her for her counselors name. I am not sure what I would have done if not for Adoption Choices. My counselor was there for me every step of the way even on her day off sometimes.

She always had great ideas but would never push me and she never judged me. In the hospital she was my voice when it was not such a good experience.

Thanks so much."

- Michelle C. (Adoption Choices Birth Mom)

No One Knew

"No one knew I was pregnant. My plan was to have the baby and use Safe Haven at the hospital. When the hospital social worker told me CPS was Safe Haven or I could pick my own family through an adoption agency – I did not want my baby in a foster home so I called Adoption Choices. They were in my room in less than an hour, helped me with the paperwork and my discharge. I did this in the best interest of my baby. Sometimes I’m sad... but I know my baby is happy and in a wonderful home."

- Anonymous (Adoption Choices Birth Mom)

It's People Like You

"It's people like you that make the world for kids like me better. People like you who help children and parents makes me happy, because people like you helped me get adopted by my family. I can't thank you or others enough for that."

-Samantha W. 

I Am So Happy To Have Had You

"I wanted to say that through the entire pregnancy I was nervous that we'd get to delivery and I'd feel second thoughts or hesitation but when that moment arrived I felt so happy and completely secure in our decisions and I've felt so happy ever since. It's like a huge anxiety just disappeared and, for me, that's amazing. Thank you for everything you've done through this. I am so happy to have had you personally working with us."

-Kayla, Birth Mom

I Am So Happy To Have Had You

"Mike and I adopted twin girls through Adoption Choices. I'll never forget our conversation with you after our failed adoption. While we were deep in our grief, you told us about the special nature of failed family adoptions and how each one feels like it was hand-picked for us. Well, you are absolutely correct.  We had an instant connection Francis, the girls' birth mom. It was so different than the one we had with Amanda. 

Thank you for comforting us and giving us hope. There is no doubt you played a significant role in expanding our family!"

Anna & Mike Kraftson

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