Brookfield Couple With Over 20 Kids Officially Adopts New Son

BROOKFIELD, WI— On Friday, the O'Brien family welcomed a new son into their large Brookfield family weighing in at 128 pounds and 54.5 inches long. A virtual adoption day ceremony was held for Timothy James O'Brien, 12.

Lori O'Brien and her husband, Dan O'Brien opened up their home and hearts to 14 adopted and three biological children. They have also raised a nephew and four foster children and now have 22 grandchildren. The couple welcomed their first great-grandchild born on Thursday.

Nine children 6 to 15 now live in their Brookfield home.

Timothy has been with the family for almost two years and has been in the Jefferson County foster care system since he was 6. "We met him and could see this little boy had great potential. We wanted to give him a chance," O'Brien told Patch.

O'Brien said she tries hard not to hold bitterness towards birth families when a child comes from a difficult situation. "I recognize people are doing the best they can at the time," she said.

The couple has used both closed and open adoptions over the years. O'Brien said the children are told they are not victims of their circumstances. "We tell them they can be overcomers from their life situations. We also tell them to find good memories to treasure from their birth family," she said.

Every adopted child is given an adoption book that O'Brien makes. The book highlights the adoption but also gives a history of the child's life. It includes pictures and stories about their birth families. "We can't ever forget where they came from," she said.

Each adopted child is given the choice to change his or her name. Timothy O'Brien opted to change his name.

"I think the kids like to do that because it is closing one chapter of their life and starting a new one," she said.

After the adoption was finalized on Friday, a celebration was held at Sky Zone of Waukesha. The staff there are always welcoming their family with open arms and even know most of the kids by name, according to O'Brien.

The pandemic has been challenging but the family makes sure they are staying safe.

"We follow the mask guideline ( although our twins do struggle with masks) good handwashing, lots of hand sanitizer and an over abundance supply of masks," O'Brien said.

The family is planning a trip to Branson, Missouri, to celebrate the newest adoption. They booked a two-bedroom room at Club Wyndham Branson at The Meadows. The newest addition wants to go to Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner show.

"Timothy James O'Brien was added to our Forever family. We are so very blessed that God has chosen us to be his patents. Thank you to everyone that joined us virtually and or in person. A big Thank you to Sky zone Milwaukee ( Waukesha) for going above and beyond to make Timothy's day special," Lori O'Brien said.