THE BRADLEY'S

To the mother who is considering adoption. Words seem so inadequate to express the love and empathy that I have for a mother in this situation. I would do anything for my children and feel such a mama-bear type love to keep them safe and happy. There is no greater way to show love for your baby than by doing what you unselfishly feel in your heart is best for them both now and in the future. I hope I can share with you an honest glimpse of myself, my husband, and our 4 children.

My name is Alexis and I am biracial (my mother is from Utah and my father is from Jamaica). I grew up with a younger sister and we were, and still are, best friends. My father passed away when I was two years old and my mom was pregnant with my sister so I was raised by my mother. I had a wonderful childhood full of family, friends, playing outside, and my mom taking us on adventures (some near and some far). I was raised in a very religious home where a relationship with God, love, kindness, and education where emphasized. I worked hard in school and attended Brigham Young University on scholarship. I was very involved in both high school and college in activities such as dance, performing groups, service groups and I served in many leadership roles. I graduated from college in sociology with a strong desire to do humanitarian work and travel. I met my husband in college and we got married while we were both finishing school. I am a stay at home mom and am so blessed to be able to spend time with our kids teaching, loving, and cuddling them.

My husband Brandon is from Tallahassee Florida and but grew up in Alabama. He is an African American southern boy and loves soul food, being active, and spending time together as a family. He came to Brigham Young to get an education and play football. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sau Palo Brazil and speaks Portuguese. He coached college football for the past 5 years but now works in Sports Administration and oversees several sports at Brigham Young University. He has a BA in Global Sudies and a MA in Sports Administration and Coaching. He is a very involved dad and is a true partner - he cooks, cleans and does it all. He loves to rough house and wrestle with our kids and is such a fun hands-on dad. With his southern upbringing, he is really big on work ethic and respect but also has such a wonderful balance in teaching boundaries, respect, love and having fun! He loves to teach our kids how to play sports but is also an even bigger believer in education and how it can change your future.

We have four children and are totally nuts about each of them and their different personalities, sense of humor, and strengths. We often talk about how truly amazing and special they are. Our baby number four is 7 months old. After her birth I had an emergency surgery where they found a tumor as big as my baby and had to remove both of my ovaries in the process of removing it. It seemed our family was complete because I no longer can have children. Very recently I have had very strong feelings that there is a little boy who needs to be a part of my family. These impressions have been very strong, consistent, and are something that I haven't been able to ignore. I have been praying that I will not only be able to understand this but that I will also be able to find my baby boy. We've started researching and gathering information and praying that we will know the timing of all of this and the direction we need to take.

When I saw Rachel's Facebook post about you and the heart rending decision you have, I felt like I should contact her.

To be honest, I am not sure when we are supposed to embark on this journey but I have learned that I have love to give to all my children now and to that child that will come to us in the future. It will take planning and prioritizing on our part, but our hearts are open and we are willing. My children love each other fiercely and are so close. They are tender, kind and protective of each other. They adore babies and love to read to the younger children and will do anything to make them laugh. Not only will this child be loved by two adoring parents but also by 4 brothers and sisters, by involved and loving grandparents, aunties, uncles, and cousins. We have a large tribe of family and friends and we gather often, love fiercely, and are deeply loyal.

Dinosaur trip with grandma

Day at the lake with granny

Easter Egg hunt with cousins

Our children:

Amiah is 8 yrs old and is wise beyond her years. She loves soccer, basketball, dancing, art, and singing. She is such a good student and is self-motivated. She truly has a heart of gold and is so connected to others’ feelings and emotions. She is responsible and fun loving! She is kind and goes out of her way to help others. I am always hearing stories from teachers and friends about her big heart and her willingness to help and comfort anyone who is struggling. She is also sassy and determined when the situation warrants it. I love watching her do hard things because she really pushes through and works to master them. She is such a good big sister and loves her brothers and sister so much! She prays and thanks Heavenly Father often for her siblings and says the sweetest things about each of them.

Amiah's soccer team

Field trip with my girl

Mekhi is our 6 year old boy and he is so energetic and happy! He is in constant motion and so active! He loves when daddy gets home so they can run around and play football, soccer, or wrestle. He enjoys being outside and loves to learn cool facts about animals. He has such a big heart and is so protective of all his siblings. In fact, sometimes we have to calm him down because he is ready to fight the battle and defend what is right in any situation. He is so sweet and cuddly and his smile can light up a room. His siblings adore him and his warm and fun-loving nature.

Zaden, our 2 year old son, keeps us on our toes and laughing. He is so athletic and tough! He amazes all by is athleticism and energy. He loves to play with his brother and dad and acts like he is just as big and tough as they are. He also is so sweet and cuddly and loves his mommy and daddy so much! He doesn't like being without his whole family and constantly asks for whoever isn't there at any given time. He is so loving and sweet and has such a cute sense of humor.

Azara, our 7 month old, is delightful and busy! She is ready to explore the world and will lean out of our arms to get down and get into all the action with her other siblings. She walks around furniture and is a speed crawler. She is so sweet and wraps her arms tight around your neck and gives lots of kisses. She is happy and bursts with smiles and giggles when we even glance her way. And, oh, do her siblings love her!!!

We are a close family and you usually will find us all in the same room of the house together. I love to cook with our kids and we enjoy planning and going on outings. We are Christian and that is a big part of our lives. We love to teach our kids about their heritage and find service opportunities we can do as a family. We love to travel and plan fun activities. Sometimes Brandon takes us along on his work trips and we have such a fun time!

back seat crew

Daddy gets home from work

bike trail and picnic

I feel like one more child would be such a blessing to us and fit right in with all this love! It is important to us that we provide every opportunity to our children for success and education. And we are supported by a loving extended family that are always near and eager to be involved. I hope this gives you a glimpse into our family. I believe strongly in mothers intuition and know you will do what is best for your child.

Love,
Alexis Bradley

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