Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Knight and Megan Smith.
Kelli and Megan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We are a lesbian couple that has been together for 13 years, married for six this September, and we have two children (at this moment). Our son, Kaison, was born via IVF and we have a 10-month-old foster son (Baby J) that we’ve had for six months. Megan and I were young when we met (20-years-old) and have made it through our 20’s together, which is crazy. You change so much during that time as individuals, so to know we got through that is pretty great ha. We like to share our lives and our journey because being a lesbian and trying to create a family has been INCREDIBLY difficult for us. We tried to get pregnant for five years prior to Kai’s arrival, and those methods included at home, IUI, and IVF. Even after Kaison was born, we tried five more times and were unsuccessful to varying degrees: didn’t work, chemical pregnancy, and the miscarriage of twins. I’m the one who was physically trying to conceive and was emotionally drained after everything, that we took a break before deciding to become foster parents in the hopes to eventually adopt. We figured this way, at least we’d be helping someone while we waited. It has been one of the most stressful journey’s I’ve ever been on, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and teaches you things about yourself and others.
In regards to what we do for a living other than being moms: I, Kelli am a Post Producer for Television, and my wife, Megan, is currently in between jobs. She’s an incredibly hard worker though and was recently working as an EMT because of her passion for helping others.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We’ve had a lot of challenges and still do! Becoming a boss for me was difficult because I had to learn to be assertive, speak my mind, and stop doubting myself. Once I stopped doing those things, I started achieving more and am incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.
We’ve also had to deal with some issues stemming from being lesbian moms, and foster moms. Some people think we’re raising them wrong, we’re going to make them “soft”, how are we going to know how to help him learn to pee?! Stupid stuff. But, we know we’re good moms, we have positive male influences in our kids’ lives, and peeing out of a penis is something that is pretty much common sense, so implying women wouldn’t understand is pretty misogynistic. 😉
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
We’re known for being moms, who happen to be lesbians, have one kid who is 1/2 Caucasian, 1/4 African American and 1/4 Mexican, as well as a foster son that is African American. We love to share the struggles we face when navigating the foster care system, because let me tell you, it’s one hell of a bitch. But we also love sharing with people how a family is what you make of it. We chose this, and while it may be difficult at times, I’m so thankful to come home at night and see each one of them. We have each other and while the future is a complete mystery for our family, we’re choosing to enjoy the now.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Honestly, not really. As a Post Producer, I read a book that is helpful and I keep with me called “Modern Post.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @twomomlife
Image Credit:
Self: Kelli Knight and Megan Smith
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