A story inspired by an actual adoption.
While names have been changed to protect everyone’s privacy, the journey itself is deeply real. It follows a family who walked through profound loss, held fast to their faith, and witnessed how God tenderly and intentionally brought their family together.
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Mom and Dad had been together since high school. They married and had two boys, and Mom later became pregnant with their third son. During the pregnancy, doctors grew concerned that something might not be normal.
Jesse was born with Noonan Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects growth and development. His parents were told by doctors that if Jesse ever chose to have children of his own, there would be a very good chance they would also have Noonan Syndrome. This led them to begin the adoption process, hoping that Jesse would one day see that he, too, could build a family through adoption.
Tragically, a heart condition took Jesse’s life when he was just twenty-one months old.
After losing Jesse, Mom and Dad had not planned to have any more children—but God had other plans. Mom became pregnant again and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. They named her Nelly, and she had big brown eyes and curly blonde hair.
Still sensing a strong calling to adopt, Mom and Dad kept their application active with the adoption agency. Four years later, they received the call—a premature baby boy had been born and needed a home.
They named him Joseph, though his family calls him Joey.
Though Joey is still an infant today, this story looks ahead with hope—hope that he will grow in strength, joy, and love; hope that he will one day understand how deeply he is wanted; and hope that he will see how God lovingly grafted his life into this faith-filled family.
—Grumpa
The Heart of the Story
A brave young single mother faced a life-and-death decision concerning her second child. At a crisis pregnancy clinic supported by PreBorn!, she was given a sonogram at no cost. Seeing the tiny life growing inside her changed everything. She chose to give her baby the gift of life.
What she could not have known that day was the beautiful plan God had already prepared for her child. A loving family was waiting—ready to welcome this precious baby, provide a safe and nurturing home, and surround him with love. One courageous decision changed the course of a life and became the beginning of a story filled with hope, love, and God’s destiny.
A bumpy road ahead. Born almost three months early and just one and a half pounds Joey faced an uphill battle. His mother chose to not visit him, and the NICU nurses were too busy to do much more than basic care. He never had the rocking and nurturing a newborn normally gets from parents and family. Joey overcame many health issues. He had an eye operation at just a few months old. His lungs we not fully developed when born. There were several scary moment in those first months but baby Joey, with his strong will to live and a lot of prayer he has overcome all obstacles and is thriving.
Actual photo of Joey in the NICU
After such a difficult beginning, little Joey’s story was about to take a beautiful turn. The tiny baby who had fought so bravely to survive was finally coming home to a family who had prayed for him and eagerly awaited his arrival.
His new home was a beautiful farm filled with wide-open fields and animal friends—cows, sheep, ducks, ponies, and horses. Joey would grow up surrounded by the sights and sounds of country life, learning to love muddy boots, barnyard adventures, and caring for animals.
Most importantly, he would grow up surrounded by God's love. God had been guiding Joey’s story all along. His greatest adventure was just beginning.
Welcome Home Baby Joey
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Kind Words from Readers
5 out of 5 stars
A great tool to help foster conversations about adoption and how beautiful it is
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2026
For any family who has welcomed in a family member through adoption, this is a book for you! It creates the space and helps foster a dialogue on a subject that can so hard understand or have the words to talk about. This book helps explore a very complicated emotion in a simple and uplifting way <3 Sometimes we have emotions and feelings we cant put our finger on, especially when we are children. This book can help your family have the conversation and open a dialog that may not have been talked about otherwise. Some things do need to be talked about even if they are hard, this is a great way to get the conversation started and create a safe space for it. It gives a perspective not many of us have thought about, we are all "adopted" into Christs family, we are all "Grafted" in a way. There are many ways a family can come to be, all of which are beautiful! So many happy tears!
BP
5 out of 5 stars
Blessing!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2026
Format: Hardcover
An incredible story, will bless your heart and mind. A wonderful way to introduce your family to the story of adoption, and the story of Belonging.
5 out of 5 stars
Worth the read!
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2026
Grafted is a beautifully written and illustrated book about belonging. It is written in such a way that is easy to understand (even for my 4 y/o).
It’s a glimpse into the dynamics of a family that chooses to adopt (graft) another child into their lives to love and embrace.
Would highly recommend!
More to come
Behind the Story
Dan ("Grumpa") and Tammi ("Grammi") Ketterman are parents of six daughters and grandparents to sixteen grandchildren, including several precious grandchildren and one daughter in heaven. Longtime followers of Christ, they have served in children's ministry, worship, and church leadership while using their successful business to help advance God's Kingdom. Dan holds a BA in Biblical Studies from Trinity College of the Bible and Evangelical Theological Seminary. Tammi is a Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America. Together, they share a deep love for God, family, and helping children discover just how deeply they are loved.
