Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins on Adopting Willa: ‘You Have to Fight For That Baby’

“It is definitely the hardest thing we’ve ever been through,” Akins said. “But I think it needs to be hard because you have to fight for that baby just like you do."

Written by Lauren Laffer
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins on Adopting Willa: ‘You Have to Fight For That Baby’
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Lauren Akins (L) and recording artist Thomas Rhett attend the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden on January 28, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for NARAS)

At Sunday night’s 60th GRAMMY Awards, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins enjoyed a special parents’ night out. While he didn’t take home a win for Best Country Album, the singer was excited about his two awards at home…daughters Willa and Ada.

The little girls were not far from their parents’ minds as the couple gave a little insight into life at home and shared how everything is adjusting during the GRAMMYs pre-telecast event.

“She was jealous at first I think, but it’s so fun to watch her. She loves our little Ada so much,” Rhett explained to E! News of 2-year-old Willa. Added Akins, “It’s something we just hoped for for so long. She was very fresh off just coming to America, so it was something that we really wanted her to feel comfortable.”

Willa arrived at home in Nashville from Uganda in May, and was joined by Ada just three months later. Rhett and Akins admitted to being nervous about introducing the two, but were relieved that Willa took to her sister immediately.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZIabzoF2AJ

“I think I was more nervous that she just wouldn’t feel comfortable but the second I was like, ‘Do you wanna give her a kiss?’ and she leaned over and kissed [Ada], I was like, ‘Thank you God,’” shared Akins. “It couldn’t be sweeter.”

While the couple are thrilled to have their two daughters in their arms, they explained that they won’t soon forget the trying process they went through in order to bring them both home.

“It is definitely the hardest thing we’ve ever been through,” Akins said. “But I think it needs to be hard because you have to fight for that baby just like you do. I’ve done both now — I’ve had one biological and I’ve had one through adoption. It’s a battle to bring your child home. And it just strengthens you as parents and as a team. It is hard but it’s so worth it.”

Rhett will enjoy a little more time off the road with his family as he prepares for a busy year ahead. Not only will the “Marry Me” singer open for Kenny Chesney’s Trip Around The Sun Tour, but he will also headline his own Life Changes Tour, which kicks off April 5 in Tulsa, OK.