When Christie Werts learned that her husband’s ex-wife had died shortly after giving birth, she didn’t hesitate. The baby, born premature, unnamed, and with no one to care for him, needed a home. For Christie, herself a former foster child, the choice was clear: “We should take him.”
That decision would reshape the Werts family in ways no one expected.
A Sudden Loss, A Life Left Behind
Levi was born in Texas in August 2021 to Wesley Werts’ ex-wife and her new partner. Both struggled with addiction, and Levi’s mother passed away from complications just days after his birth. There had been no contact for over a year, so the news came as a shock. When her sister called to say there was a baby with no one to claim him, Christie and Wesley, who were living in Ohio, knew they had to act.
Christie, now 48, said her own childhood in foster care deeply shaped her response. “I just knew I loved my stepkids enough to make sure they got to be with their half-brother. I did not want Levi to end up in foster care.”
From Ohio to Texas: A Family Rebuilds
With no legal guardianship in place and Levi’s biological father still holding parental rights, Christie and Wesley couldn’t bring him to Ohio. Instead, they sold their home and moved their four children, Megan, Vance, Austin, and Dakota, to Texas to begin the foster-to-adopt process.
They spent the next 16 months attending court hearings, undergoing extensive evaluations, and completing state requirements: 40 hours of classes, medical clearances, home inspections, background checks, and interviews.
Throughout that time, Levi had no legal name. Court documents listed him only as “Infant Werts”, a surname chosen by his late mother despite years of separation from Wesley. Christie believes it was intentional. “I think in that hospital, she knew how sick she really was… and wanted to leave a sign.”
Love Without Hesitation
Christie admits she had concerns. This wasn’t a baby she carried, and the circumstances were complicated. “I worried the situation would hinder that ‘instant love.’ But when I saw him, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, I immediately felt it. He stole my heart.”
Levi was born at just 4 lbs. 9 oz., with early muscle issues that resolved within weeks. Today, he’s thriving, counting numbers, learning colors, and playing with toy trucks. In January 2023, the adoption was finalized. “He already felt like our son. But now he had a name, a birth certificate, and a legal place in our family.”
Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future
Christie, who entered foster care at 15, never planned to become a foster parent herself. But the process, though emotionally taxing, helped her confront and heal parts of her past. “It brought up things I hadn’t thought about in years. But love for this child outweighed every fear.”
She’s also committed to keeping Levi connected to his origins. “We won’t erase his birth mom. He’ll know who she was, and her memory will be a part of his life. We’re still in touch with his aunt and grandfather.”
A Story Shared, A Message Sent
Christie’s story gained attention after she posted about Levi’s journey on TikTok. One video, showing him in an incubator with the caption “I wasn’t sure if I would bond with my husband’s ex-wife’s baby,” garnered nearly a million views. The overwhelming response inspired her to share more of their story publicly.
“I wanted people to see how far love can go, and how resilient the human spirit can be,” she said. She later wrote a book, Life’s Sad Story, God’s Love Story, reflecting on both her childhood and her experience with Levi.
Advice for Others
To anyone considering foster or adoption, Christie offers this: “The process is not for the faint of heart. It’s slow, emotional, and sometimes frustrating. But if your motivation is to love and protect a child, it’s worth every step.”
She emphasizes the importance of stability, both in relationships and parenting. “Treat those kids like they’re yours, because that’s what they need most.”
A Family Rebuilt by Choice
Today, the Werts family is back in Ohio, living a quiet, grounded life with their five children. The caseworkers are gone, the inspections are over, and Levi is no longer a ward of the state. He’s a son, a brother, and, as Christie lovingly puts it, “the king of the house.”
“We took a bad situation and turned it into a love story,” she says. “We did it for Levi, and for all our kids, to keep them together. That’s what family means.”
Featured image from Facebook: Christie Werts