I am beyond proud to be a birth mom. I think it is so important to let the world see the faces of adoption. Adoption is beyond beautiful.
— Nicole

My name is Nicole Paulson. I am a wife, a mother of 2, a sister, daughter, best friend and birth mom. I found myself pregnant at 19 and no where ready to be a mom. I was in college, working a full time job, and had so many hopes for my future. At 28 weeks pregnant I decided, along with the support of my awesome parents, that adoption was the best choice for not only my daughter, but myself. I wanted to give my daughter everything and although I knew I could love her perfectly, I wanted her to have so much more. I wanted her to have a mother and father who longed for her, prayed for her. I wanted her to grow up with out watching her mother try and find herself and make something out of herself. I didn't want to drag her through my mistakes I knew I would make growing up. I placed my birth daughter, Aspen, in an open adoption, 8 years ago this June. It has been by far the most rewarding thing I have ever done for both of us. I have become the person I always envisioned. A wife, mother, having a career, and able to make mistakes along the way. My birth daughter has had the beautiful life I had always wanted for her. Amazing parents, siblings, fun, laughter, a whole lot of love, and stability. I have also done some great things with my wonderful experience as a birth mom. I've been privileged enough to speak at conferences, become a mentor to some equally strong birth moms, and recently form a support group for local birth mothers in my community. I do all of this simply because I love adoption. Adoption is love. There is no better way to put it. I am beyond proud to be a birth mom. I think it is so important to let the world see the faces of adoption. Adoption is beyond beautiful. There is so much negativity in this world, but adoption is not one of those things. It enriches the lives of every one it touches. The adoption community is so incredible. We are all united in love. I want the world to know, to see, and to experience it.