This is the story about how Ainsley came into our lives. How two middle-aged professionals managed to adopt a child without leaving our shores. You see, Ainsley is not from China, Ethiopia or Russia. She is a domestic product, manufactured right here in the United States. Finding her was no easy feat. In the pages that follow I hope to provide a feel for the travel, travails, and twerps one encounters upon entering the world of private adoption. This is not a tale for the faint of heart, the politically correct, or misers. Suffice it to say we had our ups, downs, and wrote a lot of checks. And, despite my continuing need for a nap, it was worth every expended minute and dollar.