The Lemoine family came to us from Louisiana with their two wonderful boys. The mother, Jane, had complications with her last child, preventing her from having more kids. Even though Jane and her husband Beau couldn't have any more kids, they knew their family was incomplete. Two years ago, Jane and Beau initiated the adoption process, which involved numerous ups and downs, but it all became worthwhile when they welcomed their baby boy, Gideon.
The adoption agency called one morning, informing them that the birth mother was in labor. Without a set plan, Jane and Beau embarked on a 13-hour trip to Wichita, KS, determined to be there for the birth mom and their baby. They arrived just in time to witness Gideon's birth and share a special moment with his birth mom.
“As an adoptive mother, it was a gift to be able to get here in time to watch him enter the world and take his first breath and hug his birth mom.” - Jane
Gideon, born prematurely at 34 weeks, faced challenges due to exposure to substances before birth. Despite uncertainties about potential withdrawals, the Lemoine family chose a holistic approach recommended by the doctor—spending as much time as possible with Gideon through eating, sleeping, and cuddling.
“She had to be at the hospital all day while he was born, and we realized the complications of sitting in the hotel and knowing what to do with the boys.” - Beau
During their stay, the social worker introduced the Lemoines to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita, providing them with housing and amenities just across the street from the hospital. This support allowed them to focus on their purpose, eliminating the complexities of navigating a new state and adoption process.
“Having our housing set up and all the amenities and such let me focus on the purpose of being here. It took away all of the complexities of figuring out a new state and a new adoption, and we were just able to relax into it.”- Beau
In total, the Lemoine family spent 11 days at Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita.
“It was great having access to the computers upstairs for education purposes for the boys, and entertainment was limitless with having access to check out Nintendo games and playing yard games in the courtyard. Everyone talks and smiles at each other, and it's just so comfortable to be here in this setting. The staff would even get on the floor and play with Beyblades with the kids, and cornhole outside.” - Beau & Jane
The Lemoine Family is back home and Gideon is now 9 months old and is doing great!
