This article was originally published on our site: beautyvsfashion.com
Sarah and Andy Justice wanted to have children for a long time. But no matter what they did, Sarah was unable to conceive and become pregnant. They tried for years and then decided it was best to adopt.
Life didn't go easy on this Oklahoma-based couple. Even after countless interviews and agreements, birth mothers refused to give their babies at the last minute. The Justices continued to struggle, until one day, there came a call. Sarah and Andy were finally able to adopt not one but three beautiful triplets!
But just when they thought they couldn't be happier, there came an unexpected twist. What could have happened to the Justices? Did they get the happily ever after they deserved or things worsened? Read more to find out their mind-blowing story!
A Lovely Life
Sarah and Andy Justice married in 2010. Ever since then, the pair absolutely loved being together in their Tusla (Oklahoma) home.
They loved, nurtured, and supported each other the best they could. People who met them couldn't resist but notice and compliment the beautiful chemistry between the couple. But, similar to any other couple, the Justices soon started wanting more.
For them, it was no longer about spending time and being together. They didn't want to stay just a couple but were eager to grow together into one happy family. And so, acting on that desire, Sarah and Andy decided to have children and become parents.
Early Challenges
Sadly, the pregnancy journey for the Justices didn't start quite well. The couple tried to conceive on their own for a long time. When the good news didn't come, both of them decided to visit a fertility specialist.
Tusla is the second-largest city in Oklahoma, with a population exceeding 400,000 (2020). But even after multiple consultations, Sarah and Andy Justice were unable to find the right expert who could offer them a solution. The efforts were fruitless.
So, the couple decided to travel to St. Louis. The distance was long and difficult. But their determination didn't let them hesitate for a minute.
The Catastrophe
The fertility expert they hoped to meet in St. Louis was very reputable in the industry. Finding a solution there seemed like a long shot, but the Justices were still very hopeful. So, they packed a few essentials and set on a road trip to St. Louis, Missouri.
They drove for six consecutive hours in the same direction. When they finally reached the expert's office, Sarah had to go through several examinations. The specialist took his time analyzing the reports while the Justices waited patiently.
But the result of all this effort pushed the couple into a pit of sorrow and pain. According to the reports, there was little to no possibility of pregnancy for Sarah!
Their Expensive Alternative: What If?
The heartbreaking news in St. Louis left the couple sad. They really wanted to have kids, but things weren't going in their favor at all. Now, they had only one other option left: in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In vitro fertilization is a process where an egg gets fertilized outside the body. Although many people opt for it, the chances of successful pregnancy are quite low. It typically takes a lot of IVF cycles to ensure embryo survival.
Plus, the process is extremely expensive. A basic IVF cycle can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 (without medical insurance). Since many cycles are necessary for fruitful results, the treatment can range up to $60,000.
Considering all this, Sarah and Andy decided this was not the best option for them.
A New Hope
Till now, one thing was clear for the Justices: they couldn' have children of their own. But that fact didn't deter their resolution of becoming parents. They decided to go ahead with the most logical and practical step - adoption.
It meant visiting countless adoption agencies, submitting documents, waiting in long queues for a review, and whatnot. The average time taken for child adoption in Oklahoma is one year. Despite all of this, Sarah and Andy wanted to stay persistent in their journey.
They felt dedicated and committed. It didn't matter whether the process took a year or more. Nothing could stop them from fulfilling their dream!
Visiting the Adoption Agency
The Justices were well-aware of the fact that child adoption was demanding and tiring. Most agencies take a lot of time to review the applications. Even if a couple's case gets approved quickly, the chances of agreement from the birth mother are low.
So, with their new-found motivation, Sarah and Andy decided not to waste a single minute and searched for the adoption agencies in the area. They researched each agency, consulting relatives and friends in the process. Finally, they had a list of the best adoption agencies ready.
They collected all the required documents and submitted their case. Once done, the two waited patiently, hoping to receive an interview call soon.
Home Study Requirements
Home study is one of the most crucial stages when adopting a child. It refers to the assessment of the prospective adoptive parents' capability and suitability. In simple terms, a home study decides whether you are eligible to take care of the child or not.
Most adoption centers require legal documents like marriage licenses and birth certificates. They also send a home study worker to interview applicants individually. The interviewer will ask questions related to the family history, financial condition, and background to ensure a safe environment for the child.
For Justices, the process was very difficult and intense, too. Every second of the home study seemed like a threat to their dream - what if the outcome was unfavorable? But, regardless of the negative thoughts, Sarah and Andy worked hard.
It wasn't long before they won the confidence of the adoption agencies. Finally, they could adopt!
Interview with the Birth Mother
After approval, the adoption agency started working on the Justices' case instantly. They contacted all the potential birth mothers who would want to give their children to Sarah and Andy. Surprisingly, many of them agreed too.
However, the talking stage that came afterward wasn't that easy. The interviews with birth mothers were emotional and intense. And most importantly, they were demanding because they determined whether Andy and Sarah will get to fulfill their dreams or not.
Nonetheless, the couple gave their best. They catered to all of the concerns and answered the questions honestly. They also provided additional details and information that would help the birth mother make her decision.
Finally, Some Good News!
By the time it was all over, Sarah and Andy already felt hopeful. They had given several interviews to both the agencies and birth mothers. At least one of the birth mothers would surely choose them as the child's adoptive parents.
Well, the Justices were right in their probability. Soon enough, a call from the adoption agency made them cry out in joy. A birth mother had agreed to give them her baby!
In return, Andy and Sarah were to support the mother through her pregnancy. From tests to delivery, it was now their duty to ensure the mother could bring the baby into the world safely. Hearing this made Justices even happier. They couldn't believe that their dream was finally coming true!
Last-Minute Changes
Sarah and Andy spent the following months preparing for the arrival of their miracle baby. They were over the moon as they imagined the possibility of holding their tiny human in the upcoming months. But, who knew a storm was soon to hit and crumble their happiness?
At the very last minute, the birth mother changed her mind! She withdrew her adoption agreement and decided to keep the baby. As the mother, there was nothing unreasonable and unfair about her decision. Sarah and Andy accepted it without a single word.
But deep inside, their heart was broken and scarred. Just when they thought their dream was finally coming true, everything turned upside down. The poor Justices were back to square one.
The Justices Reach Their Lowest Point
Sadness and sorrow filled the days for the Justices after that event. They felt disappointed and frustrated with how things were going. They were unable to conceive naturally, and now the adoption wasn't going well either.
The adoption agency had connected them with a few more mothers who were willing to give up their babies for adoption. Sarah and Andy went through the whole interview stage again. And when one mother finally agreed, there was another heartbreak.
She backed out at the last minute, too. The event made the Justices feel as if everything was crashing down. They had reached the lowest point.
Unwavering Determination
There goes a saying - when there's a will, there has to be a way. Despite all the emotional damages, Sarah and Andy felt more determined than ever. Parenthood was not merely a wish for them. It was a vision, a goal that they hoped to achieve.
They knew, deep down, that becoming parents was their destiny. It didn't matter what price they had to pay. They were ready to go through all challenges and make their dream come true.
So, after all these heartbreaking events, Sarah and Andy got back in touch with the adoption agency. They decided it was best to persevere and not give up.
The Hopeful Call
Time continued to pass for the Justices as they waited patiently. The adoption agency was in constant search of a birth mother who would agree to their case. But, till now, there has been no good news.
Although they were resolute about becoming parents, the emotional turmoil was too great for the couple. They were devastated by the events so far. A cloud of fear surrounded them as they hoped for betterment.
Soon, there came a phone call. Hesitancy took over as the Justices answered, and then there was nothing but teary eyes. The agency had called them - a mother had selected them to become her baby's new parents! But that wasn't all. There was something unusual about the new baby.
What an Amazing Surprise!
Sarah and Andy Justice rushed to visit the birth mother as she was ready to meet them. Everything went well, and the mother even invited the two to join her at the ultrasound appointment. The Justices were overjoyed!
At the appointment, the Justices and the birth mother joined the doctor together. The examination began, and all of them noticed something different in the scan. Sarah and Andy gasped in surprise as they realized what it meant.
Soon, an overwhelming sense of happiness replaced the surprise. They couldn't be happier. The scan showed a perfect, healthy human baby - or, perhaps, it would be better to say, babies!
A Dream Come True
The Justices took the ultrasound scan in their hands and examined it for a long time. At first, they thought something was unusual about their upcoming baby. But, as they studied it further, they realized there was something extraordinary.
Three strong heartbeats were present on the scan. Each one is different from the others. Sarah and Andy were about to have triplets!
After all this trouble, the Justices couldn't believe having three kids at once was a possibility for them. They had struggled so much for one child, and now they were being blessed with three. Without another thought, Sarah and Andy agreed to adopt all three children together. They were meant to be parents and this was a dream come true!
Preparation for the Newcomers
Sarah and Andy had always wanted kids. So, having three at once meant they wouldn't have to go through the hassle of adoption again. It was like they had been showered with the best blessing!
That being said, three was a big number. They knew that if they wanted their children to have a good start, they must prepare the house as quickly as possible. So, after finalizing the adoption papers, Sarah and Andy busied themselves with preparations.
They transformed the largest room into a beautiful, well-furnished nursery. They filled it with three separate cribs, toys, diapers, pacifiers, and other baby supplies. What's more, they fixed the rest of the house so that everything was safe for the new souls.
Premature Birth
As time drew near, Sarah and Andy couldn't wait to welcome the babies into their life. They had managed to complete all last-minute arrangements. Everything was perfectly in place.
Then, just 8-weeks before the delivery date, there came a call. The birth mother had faced some complications and was in the hospital. T Justices rushed to the provided address.
The mother was in labor, giving premature birth. Since triplets are rare, the Justices were told that the birth might not be safe. Worry took over as the two waited at the hospital, praying for things to go well. Finally, after several hours, the doctor came out and announced the arrival of three healthy babies! Sarah and Andy rushed in to meet the newcomers. Hannah, Joel, and Elizabeth were now part of the Justice family.
Going Into Intensive Care
The three babies were quite healthy at the time of birth. Each baby weighed approximately three pounds. But, since they had a premature birth, the doctors decided to place them in neonatal intensive care.
It meant that the Justices couldn't take the babies home immediately. They would have to stay at the hospital until they grow strong enough. So, over the next few weeks, Sarah and Andy visited the unit regularly.
The proud parents looked after the three warrior princesses every single day. It was amazing to see the triplets improve their health at this rate. Within no time, they were strong enough to go home!
Sarah Becomes Sick
While the triplets were at the hospital, some strange things started happening with Sarah. Fatigue, exhaustion, and nausea were her constant companions. Not to mention occasional vomits and drowsiness.
Initially, both Sarah and Andy assumed it was a result of their stressful adoption journey. All the emotional damages and disappointments had left them drained. So, it was natural to feel a little unwell.
However, when Sarah's health didn't improve, the Justices became worried. Soon, the babies would be home. Taking care of them while Sarah was sick would make things difficult. This was not the best time to be reckless. And so, the Justices decided to visit the doctor.
The Unbelievable News
At the hospital, the doctor questioned and examined Sarah thoroughly. He conducted a few tests and asked the couple to wait outside in the patient's waiting room. It wasn't long before the doctor came out and announced some interesting results.
It appeared that Sarah wasn't sick at all. There was definitely no stress or any illness that was responsible for her condition. In fact, there was something completely opposite.
Sarah was pregnant! The Justices felt as if they were on cloud nine. After years of trying to conceive and going through the adoption process, the news was unbelievable. They were finally having biological babies of their own!
Upcoming Twins
While the Justices were busy celebrating the news of pregnancy, there soon came another surprise. Sarah went through a few examinations, and the doctor revealed that she wasn't just pregnant, but she was pregnant with twins!
That meant she was carrying two babies at once. After all the depressive thoughts about barrenness and all the struggles, the Justices simply couldn't believe what was happening.
Not only did God bless them with pregnancy, but he also gave them two kids at once. Sarah and Andy felt very blessed. Of course, the news also meant their household would soon become very busy. But nothing mattered to the Justices at that moment - they were having the best time of their lives!
The Lucky 7
The days following the event were filled with great joy and love. Sarah and Andy felt they couldn't be happier at this point in their life. When everything seemed down and impossible, things changed. They would soon become parents to not three but five beautiful kids!
Naturally, the thought of having five babies at once did scare them a bit, too. They had never handled one baby. How will they take care of five tiny humans?
Things would surely get overwhelming and stressful. Andy and Sarah figured out that they would have to be very careful and organized. They might even have to compromise on some things for their children. Still, despite the upcoming challenges, the couple didn't stop smiling at all. They just couldn't wait to welcome the five souls and become the lucky seven!
One Happy Family
Soon enough, the nine months of Sarah's pregnancy passed. The delivery day came, and the Justices rushed to the hospital. While Sarah was in labor, Andy patiently waited and prayed for everything to go well. After hard labor, the doctor announced the arrival of two beautiful babies!
The Oklahoma-based couple was on cloud nine looking at their very own babies. They spent a long time celebrating the event. The two souls were named Andrew and Abigail.
Sarah and Andy now felt complete. They had triplets and twins. It was time to begin settling down in their home as one happy family!
Ups and Downs
Sarah and Andy already knew raising five babies at once would not be easy. They would have to multiply each baby's needs and necessities by five!
And, by this, we're referring to both financial and non-financial aspects. These include playtime, nursing, story times, and everything in-between the chores. Raising five babies would need 5x attention from both parents.
Fortunately, Sarah and Andy felt prepared to handle the situation. Their dream had come true, and they wanted to do everything within their capacity to treasure it. As for the financial needs, the world was ready to help the lucky couple. But how? Read more to find out!
Getting Help From Others
When magical things start to happen in your life, word soon travels around. The same was the case with the Justices. Almost everyone knew about the couple that once struggled with pregnancy and then had five babies at once.
Of course, raising a baby means more expenses. For the Justices, the budget was five times more. They were going through 300-diapers and 84-bottles of milk a week!
It wasn't long before donations and help started to pour in from all over the country. First, Tusla's Eastland Baptist Church sent food for the family. Then, community members started sending cooked meals and baby formulas. Strangers also sent diapers and clothing for the babies. Friends even volunteered to babysit while the Justices earned. As a result, Andy and Sarah were able to raise their kids pretty well.
The Justice’s Color Coding System
People who have twins face trouble telling their kids apart. And here, the Justices were parenting three triplets and twins. Imagine the level of difficulty!
The Justices were already having a hard time balancing work and baby care. They were sleep-deprived and exhausted. Nonetheless, they wanted to make sure none of their kids got mixed up.
For them, each one was special and deserved complete attention. So, to ensure all of the babies led a healthy life, Sarah and Andy came up with a unique idea; the color-coding system! Sarah painted each of the baby's toenails with different colors. This way, it became easier to identify which baby was who. Kudos to their thinking!
Becoming The World-Famous Inspiration
The remarkable story of the Justices didn't go unnoticed by the world. Once the family was starting to get along, things went up to a whole new level. Their story spread through the Internet, making them a world-famous inspiration overnight!
At first, their Facebook page (Andy-Sarah Justice) began gaining thousands of followers. People liked, commented, and followed them along their journey loyally. And then the story caught the attention of online media outlets.
There were uncountable articles published on the unique and compelling life history of the Justices. Reporters wrote about them in the newspaper, while photographers sought their availability for shoots. Andy and Sarah just couldn't believe all the love they were receiving!
Another Good News!
If you thought the Justices had seen the best days of their lives, wait till you hear that Sarah became pregnant again! In 2015, Sarah began to experience a similar condition as before. There was weakness, fatigue, and nausea. But the Justices didn't make wrong assumptions like the last time.
Instead, they rushed to the hospital. Sarah went through examinations, and finally, the good news came. Sarah would be having a baby boy - how amazing!
All this meant that the Justice household would now have six little ones. To the outside world, it seemed like a lot for a couple so young. But, the Justices were enjoying their life and couldn't wait to welcome another soul!
Will the Problems Double?
Hearing the great news about pregnancy did make the Justices feel overjoyed and happy. Still, the question was too loud to ignore this time: will the problems really double?
Andy and Sarah have just gained experience in handling five children together. Their kids were now in the toddler stage. While they did feel a little tired, the thought of having another baby seemed not so troublesome.
In fact, it was almost unnoticeable. They already had five kids. So, the hustle-bustle of the toddlers was something they had become accustomed to. Turning the number into six won't make any difference, right?
Answer: It’s a Relief!
The two partners gave the question a thought. Although they were sure about having the baby, they still considered all possible problems. Was doing so the right thing for their family?
Their new baby would be arriving when all the others would be well into their toddler stage. It meant five potty-trained kids who could play together happily all day long. So, changing diapers and preparing bulks of milk bottles weren't much of an issue.
Plus, the Justices thought it would be their first baby who wouldn't have siblings of his age. Certainly, it was all a relief. So, in the end, they concluded: baby Caleb must come home!
Baby Caleb Comes Home
In 2016, Sarah went into labor again. The whole family waited and prayed while the mother went through the intense procedures. Then came the doctor. The Justices were feeling blessed with a cute baby boy!
Andy and Sarah named him Caleb. So, now, they had six kids in total. The eldest were the triplets (named Joel, Hannah, and Elizabeth), then came the twins (named Abigail and Andrew), and finally, the adorable baby named Caleb.
Since the birth was completely normal and healthy, Sarah didn't have to stay at the hospital much. Soon, the new baby and mother were ready to go home.
Kids Lend a Helping Hand
Previously, the Justices had a difficult time handling five babies together. Thanks to the kind strangers, they were able to raise them healthy and happy. However, when Baby Caleb came home, things were quite different.
The toddlers understood the situation clearly and were ready to offer help. In an interview, the Justices said that their kids absolutely adore their baby brother. They also told us: 'Kids help them by playing with him, keeping a watchful eye on him so that he doesn't get into any trouble, and showering him with love and kisses.'
It seemed like the Justices' children were getting along well!
Taking Out Time For Family
In the present era, it's hard to take time for almost anything. Everyone has a busy and hectic routine that they must follow strictly. Otherwise, they won't be able to cope with the ever-changing world.
All this means that people hardly spend time together, especially when talking about families. However, the Justices are unique in this aspect.
You may find this family of 8 in chaos or struggling to get the names right. But they always find time for each other. Family bonding is something the Justices emphasize on a lot. It doesn't matter how busy they are or whatever. They still manage to do fun activities and enjoy their life as one unit.
Accepting Interview Invitations
During all this time, Andy and Sarah remained a great topic of discussion on the Internet. People were eager to know more about their journey. Soon, they started receiving invitations for interviews and TV programs.
Well, what happened next is quite predictable. The Justices didn't refuse the call and decided to share their story with everyone. They were being featured not only across the country but all over the world, too.
In one interview session with Babyology, Sarah Justice stated, 'Having a number of children is like a dream come true. When you wait for something, you appreciate it that much more when you get it.'
Reality Check at the Justice House
Most of the press agencies and reporters who approached the Justices were from the parenting niche. They wanted to gain insights into how they dealt with many babies. It was also of interest because the Justices didn't have any prior experience.
So, obviously, the interviews weren't all about love and happiness. They unraveled the struggles of Andy and Sarah, too. From changing diapers to staying up late at night, the Justices had seen their fair share of baby troubles.
In one program, Sarah stated, 'Having five toddler beds is an adventure. But we are getting there!' There were many other ways in which their lives changed. Find them out below!
Following Strict Routines
Organization and planning are the keys to a successful household. If you want to get all the tasks done on time, you must make sure everyone is following a proper routine. And, by tasks, we mean both baby care and work life.
For the Justices, this is their secret to maintaining balance in life. Sarah and Andy always have a well-thought and detailed plan laid out for every child. Obviously, they make one for themselves too!
Here's what a day at the Justices home looks like:
● Days starts with a morning walk.
● Toddlers get spread amongst friends as playdates while the Justices work.
● Later, the family performs chores together and spends quality time.
Children Learn Potty-Training
'Potty breaks are a big part of our day when you have five children at the same life stage.' Sarah Justice told Babyology.
Well, we couldn't agree more. If you've ever raised a child, you would know that potty training means frequent breaks no matter what. Your child will ask to go to the toilet even when there's no need!
But, all this is a part of the process. It requires great patience, concentration, and focus from the parents. Of course, for Sarah and Andy, this life stage was quite overwhelming. They had five kids at the toddler stage, and one was about to enter it!
Love For Everyone
Sarah and Andy always wanted their family to be a big, happy unit. Creating a strong bond was something that had been emphasizing on from the very beginning. And, with a family this big, the Justices are now sure they won't ever run out of love!
'We never lack playmates and work to promote love and care between the siblings. Our children will always have a friend and will never need to feel lonely.' Sarah Justice said.
The six children will never have to encounter loneliness and separation. Be it recess at school or playtime at home - the Justice kids know that there is always someone for them.
Having Adventures Together
Currently, the Justices are getting along very well. The three triplets have just turned 9 years old, the twins are 8 years old, and the little Caleb is 6 years old (as of 2022).
Being the youngest, everybody loves Caleb the most. In an interview, Sarah stated: He has the best fan club ever, and we cannot imagine life without the sweetest, most loved little guy in the world!
That being said, the family makes sure to celebrate events, go out, and enjoy their life to the fullest. Recently, the Justices joined the fun-filled snow camp in Colorado. They did a lot of skiing, ziplining, and snowball fights!
And, They Lived Happily Ever After!
It won't be wrong to say that the story of Sarah and Andy Justice is like a fairytale. The power couple went through a rollercoaster journey, facing extreme ups and downs.
First, after trying and praying for years, they were unable to conceive naturally. They were told that becoming parents was not a chance for them. Then, two potential birth mothers turned them down at the last minute.
For others, all these disappointments would have been enough to give up. But the Justices went against all the odds and remained determined. And now, they are a beautiful and happy family of eight!
What an incredible journey!
