In this moving episode of Deepish, hosts Chelsey and Sammy welcome Lauren Wenn, who shares her incredible and inspirational journey of adopting her baby boy, Asa. Lauren opens up about the adoption process, the emotions involved, and the unique bond she shares with Asa's biological parents. She also dives into her entrepreneurial ventures, personal growth, and the importance of following intuition. This episode is a beautiful testament to love, resilience, and the unexpected paths life can take.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:26 Lauren Wen's Adoption Journey

00:57 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Career

01:14 Personal Insights and Wisdom

02:18 Podcast Promotion and Listener Engagement

02:46 Welcoming Lauren Wen to the Podcast

03:04 Lauren's Background and Early Life

03:57 Family Dynamics and Relationships

05:53 Mission Experience and Marriage

13:51 Early Married Life and Career Beginnings

14:45 Entrepreneurship and Featured Female

21:25 Balancing Career and Family

26:55 Balancing Motherhood and Personal Identity

27:15 Infertility and Career: Finding Purpose

29:32 Financial Pressures and Working Moms

31:51 The Emotional Journey of Adoption

33:52 Navigating the Decision to Adopt

45:49 The Adoption Process: Classes and Preparation

49:59 Connecting with Birth Parents

57:11 The Moment of Connection: Finding Our Child

59:11 Navigating Early Pregnancy and Uncertainty

59:39 First Meeting with the Birth Mother

01:00:17 Building Trust and Understanding

01:03:11 The Story of King Solomon and the Two Mothers

01:05:04 Commitment to Open Adoption

01:13:27 Temporary Custody and Legal Processes

01:18:13 Emotional Challenges and Support Systems

01:23:13 Reflections and Advice on Adoption