An answer to prayers, Moores celebrate anniversary of adopting daughter

Seven years ago, Tim and Andrea Moore’s lives changed forever after receiving a call asking if they would be interested in fostering a new baby born prematurely in the Neshoba County Jail. 

Now, each November, they celebrate the adoption date that made now-seven-year-old Hannah Moore an official part of the family.

Hannah was born on Sept. 13, 2013, and had to spend an entire month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.

Tim and Andrea spent a night with Hannah in the hospital and took her home the next day, beginning the long process of adoption.

“It was perfect timing, since at the time we had already been leaning towards adoption by taking classes for it at Southern Christian Services in Jackson,” Tim, Main Street and Chamber Director, said. “One year later, on Nov. 15, 2014, the adoption process was finalized and she was officially ours.”

Hannah is currently a first grader at Philadelphia Elementary School. Tim said that Hannah’s favorite things to do include traveling, staying with friends and relatives, exploring Mississippi, and visiting the beach. 

He said her favorite place to go is the Neshoba County Fair. She has a variety of career choices, including being a doctor, nurse, hairdresser, and midwife. 

“We have so many joyful memories with Hannah. She’s an answered prayer,” he said. “She was in a tough spot when she was born, but she’s absolutely flourishing now.” 

Andrea said everything fell right into their laps with Hannah and watching her grow up has been such a joy. 

“She came home with us as a foster child, but we knew even before then that she was ours,” she said. “She was only four pounds and eight ounces, but she had no problems at all from the premature birth. We had so many people praying and sending us love and support.”

Andrea said that her favorite memories and experiences have always been watching Hannah on her birthday. 

“Hannah absolutely loves her birthday and we always have big parties for her,” she said. “We were still able to celebrate this year during COVID. She even planned her own party last year and this year and had an entire itinerary.” 

Andrea said that Hannah’s favorite place to go is visiting her grandparents, David and Janet Jay Elaine Moore, and last Thanksgiving she went with them to the Ark Encounter theme park in Grant County, Kentucky. 

“Being adopted is the coolest thing, because out of all the babies in the world, my mommy and daddy chose me,” Hannah added. 

For more information on adoption, visit https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/mississippi-heart-gallery/.