Same-sex couple in Acre celebrates adoption of son through voluntary surrender

Manueli Lima Dias, an entrepreneur, and Francisca Rarianne da Silva Lima, a psychologist, both 34, have joyfully celebrated the adoption of their son, Luís Antônio, in Acre, Brazil. Their journey to parenthood began when they were notified of a seven-day-old baby compatible with their profile in the National Adoption System. Nine months after joining the waiting list, their dream of forming a family was realized when Luís Antônio, at 15 days old, left the Educandário Santa Margarida in Rio Branco to live with his two mothers. The couple, together for six years, had always prioritized adoption over biological conception for building their family. They were pleasantly surprised by the relatively short nine-month waiting period, which they attribute partly to Luís Antônio being a baby surrendered voluntarily for adoption, a procedure recognized by Brazilian law. Upon receiving the information, they experienced a mix of anxiety, happiness, and immense joy, knowing their child had arrived. The first meeting with Luís Antônio was an emotional experience for both, with Rarianne describing a moment where the world seemed to silence as she held her long-awaited son. Manueli felt an immediate, inexplicable connection, feeling like a mother the instant he was in her arms. The initial days involved adapting to a new routine and the challenges of early parenthood, including deciphering the baby's needs and managing some frightening breathing difficulties. As they settled in, their bond with Luís Antônio grew naturally, with the baby finding security in their arms and becoming an integral part of their lives. They have adapted their professional schedules, with Manueli reducing her confectionery production time and Rarianne reorganizing her clinic hours, to accommodate their son. The couple emphasizes that their family has always been supportive, and they have not faced prejudice. Five months into their journey, they describe their happiness as immense, with Luís Antônio filling their days with love, affection, and smiles, making it impossible to imagine life without him.