One family did everything they could to prevent an innocent baby from having to endure foster care. Family isn’t just about blood—it’s about love, commitment, and stepping up when it matters most. That’s exactly what Christie and Wesley Werts did when they made the life-changing decision to adopt a baby who wasn’t biologically theirs. Their story is one of compassion, resilience, and the belief that every child deserves a loving home. When faced with an unthinkable tragedy, they didn’t hesitate to do what felt right, even if it meant uprooting their lives. Their journey proves that love, not DNA, is what truly defines family.
A Heartwarming Decision to Expand the Family
Imagine blending two families and then choosing to welcome another child under extraordinary circumstances. That’s precisely what Christie and Wesley Werts from Ohio did, proving that love has no limits. Christie, 48, had two children from a previous relationship: Megan, 22, and Vance, 16. Wesley, 45, also had two children: Austin, 15, and Dakota, 11. Five years ago, they united their families, creating a supportive and nurturing household filled with love and understanding. Their journey together was already unique, but it took an unexpected and deeply emotional turn when Wesley’s ex-wife tragically passed away shortly after giving birth to a baby boy named Levi. Instead of allowing him to enter foster care, the Werts family made a life-changing decision that would reshape their future. Their story is a testament to the power of family, resilience, and choosing love even in the most challenging moments.
Embracing Levi: A Choice Rooted in Compassion
Levi’s arrival into the world was fraught with difficulty. Born prematurely at just 33 weeks, he was small, fragile, and in need of extensive medical care. Sadly, his biological mother passed away just days later due to complications linked to drug addiction and COVID-19, leaving Levi without a guardian. Wesley and Christie felt an undeniable calling to welcome Levi into their family, giving him the love and stability he needed, even without a biological connection. Christie’s own experiences in foster care as a child played a significant role in their choice. She understood firsthand the uncertainty and emotional strain that can come with growing up in the system. “I myself was a foster kid, and although for the most part I had a great experience, I did not want him going to foster care,” she explained. The couple knew they had the means, the space, and most importantly, the love to give this little boy the home he needed. What started as a moral obligation soon turned into an unshakable emotional bond that neither Christie nor Wesley could ignore.
Overcoming Challenges to Build a Family
Bringing Levi into their home wasn’t as simple as signing papers and making a promise. The legal and logistical hurdles they faced made the journey challenging in ways they hadn’t anticipated. Christie and Wesley first had to become Levi’s foster parents before they could begin the adoption process. This requirement meant undergoing extensive evaluations, background checks, and legal proceedings to ensure they could provide a stable environment. One of the biggest challenges was that Levi had been born in Texas, while the Werts family resided in Ohio. In order to meet Texas’ foster-to-adopt regulations, they made the difficult decision to uproot their lives, selling their home in Ohio and relocating to Texas. The process took 16 months, during which they faced countless emotional and bureaucratic obstacles. Christie initially had doubts, as she had never met Levi before agreeing to care for him. But the moment she held him, she felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility and love. “As soon as I saw him, I knew I couldn’t walk away,” she shared. That instant connection solidified their decision, pushing them forward through every challenge until Levi was officially theirs.
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Celebrating Levi’s Official Adoption
In January 2023, just weeks before Levi turned two, the Werts family reached a momentous milestone—his official adoption. The finalization of the adoption process was not just a legal victory but an emotional triumph that brought immense joy and relief to the entire family. For Christie, the significance of the moment was overwhelming. She recalled how Levi had initially been a ward of the state, lacking a first name and a birth certificate. By adopting him, they didn’t just give him a name—they gave him an identity, a family, and a permanent place where he would always be loved and supported. As if guided by fate, Christie had dreamt of a blue-eyed, blonde-haired boy multiple times before even knowing about Levi’s existence. Looking back, she believes that those dreams were a sign, a glimpse into the future she was meant to have. “I truly believe he was meant to be ours,” she said. This chapter in their lives reaffirmed their belief that family is created through love and devotion, not just biology.
Life After Adoption: A Thriving Blended Family
With the legal adoption finalized, life has taken on a new sense of normalcy for the Werts family. They no longer have to worry about caseworkers, inspections, or navigating the uncertainty of the foster care system. Instead, they can focus on what truly matters—being a family. Their home is now filled with the usual chaos and joy of raising kids, from school activities to sports and weekend outings. Levi, now almost three, has seamlessly blended into their household, bringing laughter and happiness to his parents and siblings. Christie often reflects on their journey and offers advice to other families considering adoption. She emphasizes the importance of patience, resilience, and above all, an unwavering commitment to love. “The system isn’t perfect, but if your heart is in the right place, the rewards outweigh the challenges,” she says. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected events lead to life’s greatest blessings.
Final Thoughts: Love That Knows No Boundaries
Levi’s adoption wasn’t just a legal formality or a way to keep him out of foster care—it was a promise, a declaration that he would always have a place where he was cherished and protected. From the moment he entered their lives, the Werts family wrapped him in love, proving that family isn’t about shared DNA but about showing up when it matters most. What began as a leap of faith blossomed into something extraordinary—a forever bond forged through compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Now, as they create memories together, Levi’s laughter echoes through their home, a reminder that the greatest families are built with the heart, not just biology. The Werts didn’t just adopt a child; they embraced a son, filling his world with love, security, and the promise that he will never walk alone.
