In Touch has learned Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden, who will have been married three years on Jan. 5, have turned to adoption to make their dreams of having a child come true.

Cameron, 45, and Benji, 38, “have decided to try adoption and have started the process,” the source exclusively reveals. “They want to adopt from within the U.S. and are counting the days.”

cameron diaz benji madden getty images

The source continues, “She’s been asking friends about adoption and reading parenting books. It’s taking time and they have been so patient, but they are both bursting with excitement.”

They have the same vision for their growing family. “Cameron can’t wait to be a mom and thinks Benji will be such a good dad,” the insider adds.

Have a tip? Send it to us! Email In Touch at contact@intouchweekly.com.