SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — A local couple who learned about San Diego County Adoptions through News 8's Adopt 8 segments never imagined they would one day be profiled in one.
They say seeing the need to find foster youth good homes inspired them to adopt through the county.
"This is Angel - she's one. This is Azul - he is 7; Lion is 5 and Major is 4," said mother Cindy introducing her children.
Cindy and Ryan always knew they wanted to adopt.
"From the get go, our plan was to probably have a couple kids, adopt a couple," said Ryan.
But when getting pregnant didn't happen right away for Cindy, they thought, "Why wait any longer to start a family?"
"So we decided we'd get involved in the foster program, open up for adoptive placements and that was over 5 years ago," said Ryan.
And they've never looked back: fourteen foster children and four adoptions later.
"I think at this point, for now, at least, we're good," Ryan said laughing. "We'll see where the future takes us."
Ryan and Cindy say life has been an amazing journey with their four wonderful kids.
"We have a great time," Cindy said. "These kids are amazing and we wouldn't have it any other way."
They first adopted their son Azul and his biological brother Lion.
"We had gotten Azul and a few weeks later we found out that he had a little brother," Cindy said.
About a year and a half later they felt they had "plenty of space and love" and brought home Major.
And then, this family with three sons, was blessed with their daughter Angel.
It was a Christmas surprise when their social worker called in mid-December to say their son Major's biological mom, had just had a baby girl.
"We were kind of in shock," said Cindy. "And so we brought her home and put her under the tree."
They say all of their children are priceless gifts.
When possible, Ryan and Cindy do try to stay connected to their kids' biological families.
"The day is definitely going to come where they're going to start asking those questions, and we have no secrets," said Cindy. "We want to be able to answer those questions and let them know we have kept those kinds of relationships with the birth family."
And they encourage others to consider San Diego County Adoptions, especially those who are curious about how their beautiful family came to be.
"[When we are asked] 'are they international?' [We say,] 'no, they're from right here in San Diego and there's plenty other kids out there that need a place too.'" said Ryan.
If you are interested in adopting or becoming a foster family, please call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U.