The Salzarulo’s decided to adopt their third child, Elijah, from foster care. On December 27, 2012, this family from Sharonville became Elijah’s forever family. Update caught up with the Salzarulo's to ask about their experience with foster care and adoption.

Update: Tell us how you adopted your child?

Salzarulo’s: We brought Elijah home from the hospital at two weeks old as a foster placement. We were able to adopt him when he was placed in permanent custody of the county at 13 months. We then were able to start the adoption process and be matched to Elijah as his adoptive parents.

Update: Why did you decide to adopt?

Salzarulo’s: We had two children of our own and I had a desire for a third child. Being in our 40’s, my husband was nervous about me being pregnant; I also had a lot of sickness with both of my pregnancies. Something my 14-year-old daughter said to me got me on the adoption path: she said, "Mom, I’m going to adopt children rather than have my own because there are already a lot of children in the world that need homes!"

"Wow," I thought, "How true." That is when we began looking into fostering to adopt.

Update: What obstacles, if any, did you have to overcome in order to adopt?

Salzarulo’s: The biggest obstacle was just waiting for Elijah to become adoptable. We weren’t sure if that was going to happen and that was hard. We had to change our perspective and just know that we were giving him a good loving home while we had him and if we got to adopt him that would be a huge blessing to our family. We ultimately just wanted what was best for him.

Update: What has been your biggest reward in adopting?

Salzarulo’s: Seeing the joy he brings to all of our family and watching how he interacts with each of us is just so amazing. He has blessed us all with his presence in our lives.

Update: What advice do you have for other potential adoptive parents?

Salzarulo’s: Keep being an advocate for what is the best interest of the child. Don’t forget, even in the hard times, you are making a difference in this world. There are some sacrifices to be made -- such as your freedom or waiting a little longer to become an empty nester -- but it is well worth it! Ron jokes that he may have a cane at Elijah’s graduation. I think it keeps us both young!

Visit www.hckids.org to learn more about the children available for adoption through Hamilton County or to get a list of Hamilton County foster agencies.