Adoption Diaries Episode Guide, Season 1 - Pazsaz Entertainment Network

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Kolene, Greg And Whittney
Whittney, 28, and Greg Zumdahl, 33, both grew up in rural Illinois, and were high school sweethearts. Whittney is a physical therapist and Greg works in insurance, and they both run a farm of their own. The Zumdahls knew right away they wanted lots of children, but after four miscarriages, Whittney saw a specialist who told her that she had an auto immune condition that results in her body rejecting a pregnancy. Whittney and Greg's pastor had adopted a child through the Independent Adoption Center, and he recommended that they look into it as well. After several months of waiting for a birthmom to pick them, they received a phone call from Kolene Zittel, 26, a pregnant young woman from Omak, Washington. Kolene is responsible, educated and has a good job as an X-Ray technician, but she isn't ready to be a mom. Kolene herself was adopted and had an understanding that the decision to make an adoption plan stems from a place of selfless love. Although she is grateful for her birthmother's choice, she wished that she knew more about the circumstances surrounding her adoption. Thus, she knew that if she were to make an adoption plan, openness was going to be an essential component. The Zumdahls and Kolene built an amazing connection planned to all be together in Washington for the birth.

Janelle, Mimi And Michael
Mimi, 37, and Michael Shrall, 30, have been married for seven years and live in a family friendly neighborhood in Fishers, Indiana. Mimi is an interior designer and Michael is a computer programmer. They wanted a big family, but have only succeeded in having one child (through IVF), their son Alex. After four frustrating years of additional IVF treatment, the Shralls decided to pursue an open adoption, and they were connected to Janelle Haycock, 21. Janelle decided to move home after finding out she was pregnant from an ex-boyfriend in California. She now lives with her father in Salt Lake City and is researching nearby university programs. Although she believes she that adoption is in the best interest of her unborn baby, actually going through with the placement was more heartbreaking than she ever could have imagined.

Sara, Jolie And Glenn
Jolie, 44, and Glenn Buberl, 41, met on a blind date years ago and have been married for three years. Jolie manages childcare centers, and Glenn is a medical attorney. After three years of trying everything they could, Jolie never got pregnant. They decided to go through open adoption with IAC because the birthmom chooses the adoptive parents directly, and this gave them peace of mind that they would wind up with the baby that was meant for them. Moreover, other agencies had criteria that made them feel excluded; one told Jolie that, at the age of 44 she is too old to adopt, and another told Jolie and Glenn their marriage was too new. Luckily, through IAC, theBuberls connected with Sara Etter. She is 23 years old and the mother of a three-year old son. Sara readily admits that she just doesn't have it all together. Sara and her son have been living on friend's couches for the past few years. When Sara found herself with an unplanned pregnancy, she knew she couldn't raise another baby. She currently struggles to provide for her son and knew that parenting another child would not be in anyone's best interest. As difficult as it was, Sara knew that adoption would be the only way she could give this child a life that she deserves, and allow her to be the best parent she could to the son she was already raising. When Sara met Jolie, she was reminded of her own mother, and the two quickly bonded. After giving birth to a healthy daughter they named Emma, Glenn and Jolie are speechless at how great a gift Sara has given them.

Episode 4
A couple who adopted their first child in their mid-50s prepare to welcome a second baby from the same mother. Though they were hesitant to enlarge their family at their age, the couple want their son to have a sibling for support after they die.