Indiana couple who struggled with infertility adopt baby girl dropped off at hospital

Infertility was a problem in Indiana so a couple adopted a baby who was left at a Safe Haven Box. 

Bruce and Shelby Faltynski (39 and 35 respectively) dealt with infertility through becoming foster parents. They then welcomed two adopted children, including Myah, a nearly-niece, on November 18. 

Myah was anonymously taken to a Chicago hospital’s Safe Haven Box. This Safe Haven Box is mandated by Chicago law, which allows mothers to leave their baby up until 45 days after the birth without any legal consequences. 

Bruce stated that many people have nine months to prepare in order to have a baby. ‘We had nine days.’ 

The couple, who had been foster parents in the past, adopted Kaia, 8 years, in March. They initially hesitated about adopting Myah, due to their hectic schedules. They agreed to adopt Myah and begin the process of raising a child from birth.

After many years of infertility struggles, Bruce and Shelby Faltynski adopted their first child on November 18, after Shelby had given birth to Kaia. Pictured: Shelby and Bruce with their almost-newborn Myah and Kaia, eight years old 

Before adopting their eight-year old daughter in March, the couple were foster parents.

The baby was left at Chicago’s Safe Haven Box. This is per a Chicago state law which allows mothers to leave their child up until 45 days after the birth.

Bruch, a Mishawaka Police Department police officer, says that Myah is not sure who her biological mother is. The family stated that they would be open to Myah having a relationship with her, if it is possible. 

Bruce stated that they pray for her mother and were grateful for her decision to choose life.

Shelby thought about Myah’s birth mother and decided to drop her off at the hospital. She added, “I couldn’t picture being in a circumstance where I felt like there was no other choice.”

Myah received emergency treatment after being dropped off at Chicago’s hospital. She was at risk of developing seizures and other neurological problems, according to doctors. By the time she reached the hospital, she had suffered a stroke. 

Shelby, a nurse, stated that she felt medically “equipped” to care for Myah and adopt her.

Shelby said that Shelby felt “uniquely equipped” to answer “yes”, given that she had experience in the medical profession.

The couple only had nine days to prepare for their baby 

Although the baby was being monitored by doctors for possible seizures, Shelby was confident that she could adopt the baby because of her experience as a nurse. Pictured: Kaia and Myah 

Bruce and Shelby started their adoption journey in March with Kaia, their first baby. Kaia had been with the couple since she was five years-old.

Kaia, the couple’s first child, was their adoption journey.

Bruce and Shelby had adopted Myah, eight years old, after being her foster parents when she was five years old. They were chosen by child services to be Myah’s parents through the foster care system. 

Shelby explained that one of the things Shelby felt called in this season was to be foster parents. ‘Our heart was — while we waited for God to give us our own children — why would we not show His love to other kiddos for a season when their mommy and daddy couldn’t.’ 

Bruce and Shelby’s adoption story inspired their home town, Mishawaka to place one box. There will be more.