A local couple that first talked about adopting years ago, can finally say their dream has come true. They always wanted to have a boy and a girl and now they do thanks to the gift of adoption. And their journey led them to their daughter Rose.
Two-year-old Rose is climbing to new heights, now that she has a stable family - a mom and dad who adore her and who are there to help pick her up, when she falls.
"She had had several placements, and she was really well adjusted considering she had several mothers," said Alison.
Rose was 16-months-old when she joined their family, making six-year-old Jordan a big brother.
"It's wonderful it's so great. They get along really well together the age difference is perfect," added Alison.
Alison and Chris began talking about adoption more than a decade ago.
"We had always wanted to. We talked about it when Chris and I were in college even. It was always something we wanted to do," Alison continued. "We just wanted to help make the world a better place. We thought the best thing to do was to give a child who needs a home a stable and loving home, and that's what we have."
They say, though Jordan is biological, and Rose is adopted, the love they have for each child is equally unconditional.
"A lot of parents who have biological children wonder, 'Am I going to love an adoptive child just as much?' You have both, is there any difference?" asked News 8's Marcella Lee.
"Absolutely not. Whatever child you're caring for 24 hours a day, you put the same love and attention into it, and you get the same love and attention out of it. You get that same feeling. Biological or adopted, it doesn't matter," answered Alison.
Alison and Chris say the classes they took through San Diego County Adoptions really helped them understand the process, and they encourage anyone who's considering adoption to at least attend an orientation session.
"Everybody has a different travel, different path to get to where they're at. It works for some people, not for others, but certainly I'd recommend it," said Chris
They say the experience has been wonderful for them, and as they continue to raise their little girl, have chosen to stay in contact with Rose's biological family.
"We want to have an open relationship with the parents. The more people that love her, the better," noted Alison.
If you are interested in adopting from foster care, or becoming a foster family, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U to learn more about getting started or go to their website to take that first step and fill out an adoption form.