Josh & Kenna : Looking For Our 'Little'

...found...

2010-12-29T20:22:00.000-08:00

we are blessed and proud to announce that we were placed with our little man, harley, on december 10, 2010.

the details

2009-07-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

josh & kenna
who we are

Josh

Age : 27

Birthday : March 7

Height : 5'11''

Hair Color : Blonde

Eye Color : Blue

Education : Bachelor Degree in Biology, Pursuing Doctorate in Pharmacy

Kenna

Age : 26

Birthday : May 16

Height : 5'6''

Hair Color : Blonde

Eye Color : Grey

Education : Pursuing Bachelor Degree in SE Biology

a little more about josh

2009-07-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

Josh Says. . .

I recently graduated from Utah Valley University where I was studying biology and chemistry. I am striving to get into Pharmacy School. I enjoy learning new things and being able to teach others. I have always liked the outdoors as well as sports. Sometimes I even take time to relax and play a few games on the Wii. I feel that I work hard to get what I want. I am patient with people and am very slow to anger. I like opportunities to help others in whatever way possible. Most important of all, I can't wait to be a dad to my own 'little.'

Kenna Says. . .

Josh is the most loving, strong and calm man I have ever encountered. This is, of course, why I snatched him up before anyone else could get to him. He has been my stability through the trials we have faced. He is my best friend, my sounding board, my partner in crime. Josh is a disciplined, proactive worker & leader. He has a tenacity and drive that I have never seen in an individual. Josh also has a gentle, soft side, especially when it comes to the 'littles.' Children adore him and are drawn to him. He is playful and patient. Josh wants nothing more than to be a daddy to his own 'little.'

a little more about kenna

2009-07-14T11:51:00.001-07:00

Kenna Says. . .

I am a sassy music junkie who often expresses my feelings through the lyrics of a song. It is something that I connect deeply with. I relish the quiet, calm moments in life. I love my family and friends deeply and am fiercely protective of them. I am passionate and driven so when I put my mind to something, I accomplish it. I love to write, whether on my blog or my book. In turn I also love to read. My true love, other than Josh of course, is the ocean. I am looking forward, and want nothing more, than to being a mommy to a sweet 'little' through adoption.

Josh Says. . .

Kenna is a very caring person. I have always enjoyed watcher her do secret acts of service for others. She'll write beautiful notes to people to lift them up and help out in any way possible. She has a great sense of humor and can always bring a smile to my face. I am always amazed at how strong she is. Kenna is very determined. She knows what she wants and will do everything in her power to accomplish her goals. She is very smart and loves to learn. This comes in very hand for me because she helps me out in school. Kenna is very organized and keeps things in order. She is tender and calm and she is going to make an amazing mommy to a lucky 'little.'

our families

2009-07-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Kenna's Family

Kenna is the eldest of 4 kids in a family of 6. We are a little crazy.

From L to R : Josh, Kori (19), Kirsten (21), Kyle (16), Kenna

Kenna's Mom & Dad, Traci & Mark

We are close & we like it.

L to R : Josh, Kenna, Kyle, Traci, Kori, Mark, Kirsten, Ernie (Kirsten's Husband)

All the kiddos at Oceanside, CA. Our favorite spot. We go every summer. Our favorite tradition.

Cold, cold river. Dunns River Falls in Jamaica on our family cruise.

We love to travel. We love vacations.

We like to jump & we like Van Halen, so it works.

Josh's Family

Josh is the 4th of 6 children in a family of 8.

our wedding

2009-07-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

We were married July 29, 2006 in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.

our favs

2009-07-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Josh digs. . .

...running fast
...the color green
...'the office'
...the movie, 'hitch'
...mexican food
...hiking
...tubing down the provo river
...track (ran in high school, state level)
...the beach
...boogie boarding
...reading the 'prelude to glory' book series
...snickers bars
...fishing
...driving my truck
...spending time with friends and family
...playing the Wii
...running around the front yard with the 'littles'
...long boarding
...grilling

Kenna digs. . .

...writing
...reading
...C.S. Lewis
...the restaurant pf changs
...singing
...cleaning with some good tunes playing
...so you think you can dance
...sitting on the porch with friends on summer nights
...car dancing
...the beach
...soccer (played in high school & college)
...a good run
...the arts
...classical music
...ANY music
...my 'little's'
...rice krispie treats
...horses

our story

2009-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Josh and I met via a mutual friend during the summer of 2005. We were both dating other people at the time, but hit it off as friends. The relationships we were in fizzled and as our friendship grew, we realized there was something more between us.

Josh proposed in March of '06 and needless to say, I said 'Yes.' To this day it's the best decision I've ever made. We were married 4 months later in the Mount Timpanogos Temple in American Fork, Utah.

We found out shortly after we were married that we were pregnant. It was quite the surprise. After almost 20 weeks of pregnancy we lost our little girl, Addalyn Leise, to complications. We were devastated. We wanted to add a 'little' to our family, so we kept trying. After almost a year and two more miscarriages, we were devastated and confused. We had gone through numerous tests, blood draws, doctors, the works. They couldn't find anything wrong. Then, in November of '07, after an MRI scan a tumor was found in the middle of my brain. It was on my pituitary gland, which is super important when it comes to hormones and subsequently, getting pregnant, and threatening my brain and my optic nerves.

It had to come out, and fast.

I had brain surgery in February of '08. Josh was there by my side every step of the way. After significant time in the ICU and recovery I was sent home. It was a glorious day, & I have fully recovered, but now we know that we will not be able to have our own biological children.

Josh once told me of an experience he had while in seminary in high school. During a lesson he said he had the distinct impression that he would adopt to become a father. He dismissed it, as he was only 16 at the time, but now as he looks back he realized that this was Heavenly Father giving him a 'heads up' about how we would begin our family.

I have seen the miracle of adoption impact the lives of others and my life as well. With my own adoption story my Dad remarried when I was 3 years old and my step mom adopted me when I was 8 years old. She has been the most amazing mother to me, and I couldn't imagine life without her as my Mom. I'm grateful to my birth mom for allowing me to have the life I lead today.

We are excited about adoption and adding a sweet 'little' to our family. We've wanted nothing more than to be parents, and we are looking forward to the miracle of adoption to add to our family.

our family and friends sound off

2009-07-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

Traci Pritchett Says...
kenna's mom

Josh & Kenna are wonderful individuals. I couldn't ask for a more perfect husband for my daughter, or son-in-law. These two are fun to watch together. You can tell they are really, 'connected.' They work hard for what they have and what they want. They are strong. Having had more than their fair share of trials, it has made them resilient and more unified as a 'team.' It is my firm belief they can make it through anything.

These two are full of humor and wit. They are always cracking me up. Along with their humor, they are fun to be around and also great 'Rock Band Rockers.'

Most importantly, Josh & Kenna are grounded. They know what is most important in life and they are faithfully pursuing those goals. Even though, at times, it's so incredibly hard. They are dependable and strong. They are going to love your baby unconditionally and bring him/her into a wonderful family with awesome grandparents, aunts, uncles & cousins.

Lauren Soderberg Says...
friend of josh & kenna

When I look back at the years I have known Kenna, I can't exactly tell you the day or time we became friends. It was just this organic process that left us one day as an integral part of each other's lives. One day, she became this fixture of friendship and of loyalty in my life, and I can honestly say that my life is better with her in it. I was lucky enough to witness from afar the process of Josh sweeping Kenna off her feet and their subsequent marriage. I have seen all of the ups and the downs that they have been through since then.

Yet, in spite of all she has been through, Kenna would drop anything to come to my aid. (And she has, many a time.)

I can assure anyone who is reading this who doesn't know Kenna or Josh that they are amazing people who will be incredible parents. They care so much about others and are so unselfish, that any precious child would be blessed to call them mom and dad. I think their trials have strengthened them in ways that have matured them far beyond their years, and I can't wait until they day where they can hold a child, their child, in their arms.

Jen Nelson Says. . .
friend of josh & kenna

I have known Kenna for years and literally loved her from the moment I met her! She is warm and caring and thoughtful. Josh is a smart man for snatching her up when he did. He is so patient and loving and I cannot wait for them to have a child of their own to raise.

Kenna is always thinking of other people. She helped me through a couple of very rough times in my life with little notes, phone calls and a care package full of chocolate.

They are such a fun couple and are always doing things to strengthen their marriage and relationship. They are truly an eternal family in every sense of the word. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. I so look forward to watching their family grow through the miracle of adoption.

Janel Lyman Says...

friend of josh & kenna

Our journey to getting to know Josh and McKenna came through our kids. Our son, who is almost 4, came to be best buddies with Josh. He knew when Josh would come home each afternoon between classes and was always at his driveway to greet him and go hang out with him as he ate his lunch. Carter could often be found dragging Josh down the street to watch and cheer on the garbage man. I've lost Carter a time or two, only to find him up with Josh drinking juice boxes and playing with nerf guns, balls, or balloons. Many times I told Josh that if Carter was bugging him to send him home, or to just lock his door, as I'm sure Carter just walks right in. As often times as I've said that I've only been reassured that his is a loved presence and always welcome in their home just to hang out. I've seen Josh change from being scared to hold a baby, he'd hold my baby like a sack of flour, to following that same baby around as she's just learned to walk making sure she was staying safe. Letting that little girl crawl in his lap and eat the food off his plate (sorry Josh!) Both of my kids LOVE Josh and McKenna, they run to them when they see them come home. Carter always knows that McKenna will be there to give him chocolate, a cheese stick, or a juice. But most of all he knows he's got a friend who loves him and will listen to all his little stories! As Hanna grew she claimed Kenna as her own. She'd scream if Kenna picked up another baby, sit at her legs and just cry when she had another baby in her arms. That was her Kenna and she wasn't going to share her arms with any other baby! I find it kinda cute that she would love someone other that her mom that much, and seriously, she couldn't care less if I had another baby in my arms. How lucky we are to have such good friends that love our kids and love to have them around.

We've now gotten to be good friends with Josh and McKenna. They are some of the kindest people I know! Kenna has taught me so much about what to say when there are no words to say. She's taught me about being a friend who is there no matter what your day has been like. I truly am a better person for knowing them. They truly will be the best parents. I wish nothing more for them than to fulfill their dreams of being parents. And they'll be the best parents a child could ask for, fun, loving, caring, hard working. Able to provide a stable home with two people who love and respect each other as well as their kids.

Jamie Bates Says. . .
friend of josh & kenna

The first time I ever talked to Kenna I felt an instant connection to her as if we’d been friends for years. She isn’t afraid to open up about herself and her life and I’ve always appreciated her genuine honesty. This is one of the qualities that draws people to her. As I’ve gotten to know her, I’ve come to realize what a selfless person she is. She shows an enormous amount of concern for the people in her life even when she might be going through a difficult time herself. She is what I consider a true friend to be. She listens without judgment and gives advice when necessary. She consistently tries to uplift those around her. Kenna is one of those people who loves to love. And when she loves, she does with all her heart. I know how much being a mother means to her. I also know that not being able to experience the joy of nurturing a child is an ache she lives with day in and day out. Bringing a child into her and Josh’s life would make them two of the happiest people in the world. I can’t think of another couple that is more deserving of parenthood than these two loving people.

Rick & Doretta Shumway Say. . .
josh's mom & dad

Why do Joshua & McKenna make good parents? We believe that one of the first and foremost factors is that they have a great desire to have children. Plain and simple, McKenna wants to be a mother and Joshua wants to be a father. They have made a conscious choice; it is a yearning from within their souls. How else can we say it except they desire, they want to have a family that is more than the two of them.

They have had difficulties and experiences, including the loss of the only opportunity to have a baby, in their marriage that would probably overwhelm most young couples. However, because of their individual strength, commitment and love for each other they have been able to persevere through their challenges. This is not to say that all is perfect for them but it has spiritually strengthened them so they can meet the demands and vagaries of life.

Joshua was a good child, an outstanding young man and is now an exceptional adult. Strong words coming from 'unbiased' parents. We are sure that if you were to ask anybody that has know Joshua all his life, or any part of it, they would describe him in similar terms. He has excelled in all that he has determined to do.

We love McKenna. Joshua chose to marry this woman who has traits akin to his own. She is sharp, intelligent and has a quick wit about her but a tender nature that reveals itself especially when she is around children. And, you know, she is fun! To know this girl is to love her.

We wish you could see how well they interact with children. It is interesting to observe how children seem drawn to them. Sit them down with family or friends and the children, no matter their age, gravitate to them. Children recognize their goodness. We see them interacting well with their own children. This means not only playing and enjoying time with their children but also teaching with a hands on approach. Not a, 'let us tell you how to do it' approach but rather, 'let us teach you how to do it.'

They have a strong sense of responsibility Once they commit to something it is as good as done. This applies to family, education, church, employment and financial management. These are characteristics that they will teach their children not only in word but by example.

*if you'd like to be featured on this page and write a little something about us, email Kenna @ jkshumwayadoption{at}gmail{dot}com*

pics of kenna

2009-07-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

taking a nap with one of my favorite 'little's', maya

wakeboarding.

shot gun shooting

hanging out on the beach with sister, kori

cannonball. swimming with friends.

petting a stingray @ seaworld

horse back riding

nap time with another 'little', andrew

tubing down provo river with some pals

my favorite birthday present. a slip 'n' slide.

festival of colors.

pics of josh

2009-07-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

josh & best friend mikey surfing in oceanside, ca

juggling with cousin brady in a shop on the island cozumel, mexico.

trying on rhasta hats in jamaica

skimboarding in oceanside, ca

josh with his boogie board

on the beach.

floor seats, kelly clarkson concert.

lego shop @ disneyland

josh getting his study on

playing with friend, thomas

kayaking in the ocean, cozumel, mexico

making (and eating) christmas cookies. josh & kenna shumway tradition.

hugs. polar bear @ coke factory in las vegas

our home

2009-07-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

our humble pad.

family room. where all the fun happens.

we love movies.

our favorite wall of pictures.

family room. love seat. love sac. love the love sac.

where we eat on occasion.

kitchen. full of good food.

wall art special made for us by our 4 year old pal, india.

master bedroom.

our most amazing bed. love it.

sleeping room.

comfy guest bed.

our guest bedroom/office/one day a kiddo will sleep in here.

kenna's books, in color order, of course.

kenna's desk. where she pays bills, answers emails, and does um, other desk related things.

kenna's space.

kenna's blogging (and napping) chair.

our letter to you

2008-07-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Our Dear Friends,

First off, thank you for taking time to read this letter. Thank you for considering adoption. It is because of your brave decision that we have hope and the opportunity to become parents to a sweet little one. We recognize the sacrifice you are making for your unborn child. We are filled with so much emotion for you. We pray that you will be blessed with guidance, inspiration and peace as you make these decisions. There truly can’t be a harder choice to make than the one you are faced with. We know of the love you have for your child and we hope that we may be the family you are looking for. Thank you for being so brave and so full of courage.

We were married on July 29, 2006. Talk of children has always been communicated, but our journey was not meant to be short, easy, or traditional. We want nothing more than to give a child a safe, secure home. It’s been a dream of ours to be parents, and while our path to parenthood isn’t necessarily going as we thought, we couldn’t be more excited about adoption. We have seen it bless the lives of our friends and family and know that this is the right decision for us.

Hi there, this is Josh and I'm going to take over for a moment to tell you more about myself. I come from a family of six children and two very loving parents. I'm the fourth and have three brothers and two sisters. I have always enjoyed being with my family. I'm about to graduate from college with a Bachelors Degree in Biology and I plan on attending Pharmacy School and, of course, becoming a pharmacist. I chose this career path for a few reasons. First, it's a good career to provide for my family and I'll get to work comfortable hours so I have time to spend at home. Second, I'll get to help others improve their lives through the research and development of new medications. While I work hard, I love to let loose and play. I am a very active person and love sports, with football & basketball topping the list. I really enjoy running and I do some 5k races here and there. I have decided to train for a triathlon and I'm really excited, although my swimming skills need some improvement. I truly love to live life and get all I can from each day.

Something that has been a challenge for me in life is that I am dyslexic. I am determined and have overcome this disability and I can thank my parents for that. As I was growing up, school was hard and I had to put in double the effort to understand my schoolwork. My parents spent endless hours helping me learn to deal with this disability. For the most part you can't even tell I have this disorder.

Enough about me, let me tell you about my wife, Kenna. She is a wonderful person to be around. One of my favorite attributes about her is her sense of humor. There isn’t a more sharp witted lady out there. She is a very generous person and is very aware of other people. She often takes time to write thoughtful notes to friends, family, and even people we've never met. She’ll offer them words of encouragement and let them know that she is their friend. Kenna always makes time to be the friend that everyone wishes they had. Kenna also has a special gift with infants. She’ll never admit to it but she can get pretty much any baby to be calm and at ease. I’ve seen her help out a few of our neighbors with their little one’s. They’ll try to calm their child and call Kenna in for backup. She gets a hold of them and the next thing you know the baby is sound asleep. Kenna loves to read and is extremely talented when it comes to writing. When she writes it’s so articulate and graceful. She also loves music and loves to sing (her voice is amazing). Her first love is the beach. That love has worn on me and now I love making memories with her and her family. Kenna has a deep love for her family. I have grown to love them as much as she has. Her parents are so kind and thoughtful. They have strong family values and I’m grateful to be a part of that.

This is Kenna, and I want to shed a little more light on who I am. My family has four kids and two awesome parents. I am the eldest, followed by two sisters and one brother. I am lucky to have an adoptive mother who has changed my life in more ways that I could ever express. My dad is my biological dad, and married my adoptive mom when I was three. When I was 8 I was legally adopted and was sealed to them in the Salt Lake Temple. It is one of my most vivid and cherished memories. We are all very close and love spending time together. Our favorite pastime is our yearly vacation to the beach. My love for the beach and ocean was instilled in me at a young age. I studied biology in college and continue to love to learn. I enjoy reading, even college text books, and I do it often. Along with reading I love to write and minored in English. It’s a calming outlet for me, and has blessed my life by allowing me to convey my life experiences to others, which in turn often results in cherished friendships. Lately photography has sparked my interest. I invested in a new digital camera and I plan on taking some classes to help me learn the ropes. I relish the calm and tranquil moments in life, and I always try to take time each day to refocus myself and remember all the good.

Now Josh is, truly, one of the most amazing individuals I’ve come across in my lifetime. He offers such a calm presence to my life and to our home. Josh has a sense of humor that compliments my own, so we are always playing off each other. It sounds cliché, but we mean it when we say we love to laugh, and we do it often. Josh is a kind and caring man. Stuck in a parking lot with a dead battery? He’ll stop to give you a jump. Need help moving, or maybe a lift? Josh will oblige. He is innately selfless. Josh also has a way with the kiddos. He is fun and active and loves to play. All the kids from the neighborhood love to come over and play ball or tag in the front yard. (He can even keep up with them.) One of the most admirable traits J has is his perseverance. Nothing can stop him. He is driven and tenacious and it shows in his work, in school, and in his life. He has overcome a lot of obstacles and made it further in his education than anyone ever thought. Dyslexia plagued him as a child, but he has worked hard and adapted and proven that you can do anything if you keep at it. He applies that to all areas of his life. J is an outstanding person.

Although we are not yet blessed with children of our own, we have been blessed with friends who are willing to share their little one’s with us. We believe ownership is not a prerequisite for love, and we have gained deep and lasting relationships with the little ones around us.

Our hearts still ache with emptiness when we allow ourselves moments to acknowledge the absence of our own little one. We want to hold a child and know that God entrusted him/her to us. They don't need Kenna’s grey eyes. They don't need Josh’s dusty blonde hair. We just need to know that they are an eternal part of our family.

We have spent many years making our home beautiful and comfortable. This is not only in aesthetic appeal, but also with a calm spirit. There is nothing that means more to us than each other, and we work daily on treating one another with respect and love. We have grown as a couple through our struggles and know that we are better prepared for the blessing of parenthood. We love each other fiercely and that will, indeed, be the same case for the little one who joins our family.

We believe there is a plan for each of us, tailored individually to what we need to become more of the person Heavenly Father needs us to be. Our plan is to search for the child that belongs in our family, yours is to find that family for your own little one. We know that through faith and hope these decisions can be made through the spirit, and can enrich our lives more than we understand at this moment.

We look forward to getting to know you and continuing our relationship through letters, pictures, and visits. We feel the utmost respect for you and for what you are going through. You have our love and prayers.

Stay strong and take care.

Josh & Kenna Shumway