Claire & Drake

We feel that adoption is, and has always been, God's plan for us. After experiencing infertility struggles, we chose to pursue adoption instead of signing up for more doctors visits, tests and procedures. As soon as we made the decision, we felt a sense of peace that had been missing from our lives when thinking about the future. We've been together 13 years, married for 8 and raising our first Gladney baby, Sophia, for 2 years. Our pup is named Otis, and we are hoping to grow our family with another child. We know we're not perfect, and we aren't perfect parents. But we will give it our best effort every day, love our children unconditionally, and do our best to raise them like our parents raised us... With a confidence to take on life's challenges, A gratefulness that acknowledges life's many gifts, A humbleness to know that much of life is out of our control, And a joy that makes life fun to live with those around you. The world can be a crazy place, but we will do everything in our power to give our children the best chance to succeed. We will love them, support their interests, and give them the best opportunities for education, serving their community and any other activities they choose. Thank you for taking the time the learn more about us and our community of friends & family!

We live in the area where Claire grew up, so she knows all of the best spots - parks where Sophie can swing, ice cream places, and the comfiest seats in the local library. We love the safe and small-town feel that comes from living in a suburb of Atlanta. Our town even hosts the biggest July 4th parade in Georgia! There are great schools nearby (that Claire also attended), and we also get the benefits of being near a big city - sports arenas, theaters, a children's museum and an airport. We go to the church that Claire grew up in, Claire's parents still attend, and Sophie was baptized in. Drake led a church small group for over six years and coached a basketball team (2020 league champions!). It is a supportive community, a place for fellowship and outreach, and a wonderful place to raise a child. In 2019, we moved and chose our current house because of the natural light that brightens every room, the deck and yard for Otis to play in and more bedrooms to fill as we grow our family. Our house is the spot where everyone gathers for tailgates, showers, or a random weeknight dinner. If friends are in town, they know they have a place to stay with us. It's a real joy to see our house transformed as it becomes our true family home.