Adoption is just one of many ways to be a mom

Like so many young couples out there, Jodi Martin and her husband, Zachary, of East Earl, wanted a family. The problem was, it wasn't happening for them. As Jodi explains, she struggled for two to three years with fertility drugs before they decided to consider other options. And that is how their son, Ashton, came into their lives. Adopted at 7 weeks old through Bethany Christian Services in Lancaster, Ashton instantly became a part of their family. "I sometimes forget he did not come from me," Jodi says.

But their story doesn't end there.

"Two months later, I was pregnant," Jodi says with a laugh. She describes the scene of standing with an infant in her arms while staring at the magical little stick that delivered the news. "We didn't believe it. I don't know how many pregnancy kits we bought!"

And that is how their son, Connor, came into their lives.

It's a funny and sweet story of how a family can be built. There are so many ways that parents and children come together, yet each one is just as significant as the other. Jodi considers the speedy adoption of Ashton to be fate and Connor's subsequent conception a result of being less stressed about trying to become a mom, having finally achieved it. Whatever the reasons, she considers herself very, very fortunate. "God has truly blessed me by giving me my true heart's desire in two different ways," she says.

Jodi is interested to see how the boys will develop together, especially considering that neither one of them will remember a time when the other wasn't in his life. She has taken a very open approach with Ashton about his family history. Already, they are reading books about adoption. And she feels strongly that there should be no surprises, like a sudden announcement of his birth story when he turns 18. "Everything will be given to him as he can handle it," she says with confidence.

Will there be more children in Jodi's future? She smiles and readily admits that she and her husband are thinking of adopting like before, or going through a foster-care program that will lead to adoption. Or perhaps they will become active with a Big Brothers Big Sisters program. In any event, they anticipate playing an important role in another child's life.

"We really need to be involved with kids in a meaningful way," she concludes.

Family: Husband, Zachary, married eight years; Ashton, 2, Connor, 1.

Pets: Fish.

Employment: Occupational therapist assistant at Landis Homes in Lancaster.

Advice for parents considering adoption: Everyone should attend a seminar on domestic adoption. It gives you a really good idea [of the process].

If adopting, you should know: In the state of Pennsylvania, there's a "30-day trial period" that [birth] parents can decide to take the child back. We chose to bring [Ashton] home rather than wait in foster care for that time period. If he would have been taken from us, we could say that we loved him for as long as we had him.

How I met my husband: The very first meeting was in fourth grade in band. I played clarinet; he was a drummer. I asked him to be my boyfriend. He said no.

My family's favorite meal: One that everyone likes? Then it has to be chicken nuggets. But if just my husband and me, then pork, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

Books currently on my nightstand: Anything that has to do with parenting, including "Little House on the Freeway: Help for the Hurried Home" by Tim Kimmel.

My favorite TV Show: "American Idol."

Exercise of choice: Walking and running.

Our favorite family activity: Singing. We have a band ... we pretend to play drums, use tennis rackets for guitars.

My ideal weekend is: Time away with my husband, somewhere warm near water and with drinks.

I'm passionate about: My job [in occupational therapy at Landis Homes] and my family.

How I indulge: A massage and a facial.

I always tell the kids: No one is perfect; we all make mistakes.

Toughest part of being a mom: Making those mistakes.

What people may not know about me: That I have a passion for the elderly.

If I had more time: I would sleep.

My favorite shortcut: I get the sitter to cut the kids' hair. And ordering out; no cleanup.