Describe your childhood:
John: I was the youngest of eight. My family was always there to guide me. Growing up on a farm taught me self-reliance and respect for nature. We had family gatherings every Sunday, even when I was the only child left living at home. We had home-made ice cream and ate fresh corn on the cob from our farm and loved to tell family stories till dawn.
Jaimie: I had a fantastic childhood. My parents were extremely supportive of me and my brother. They were always there to take me to my basketball games, band practice and High School plays. We did a lot together as a family, from selling crafts at craft shows and fairs to really crazy vacations like our two week road trip to Idaho!
Tell us about your home?
We have a cozy two story, two bedroom home. We have a nice sized fenced in yard where there is plenty of room to play with our dogs. We also have a pool and love to invite our friends and family over for pool parties and barbeques.
When you have a 3-day weekend, what do you like to do?
We love to go camping! We are members at a campground that is open year round and is very family orientated. They have cabins, swimming pools, horseback riding, boating, you name it! We also love camping at Jaimie's parents' camp. We love going up with them and her brother, sister in law, niece and nephew. There we have cook-outs, campfires, hike by the lake, and just enjoy spending time with our family.
Do you have pets? If so tell us about them?
We have two dogs. Prue is a Black Lab, Springer Spaniel mix and very sweet and loveable. Sweet Pea is a Yorkie-Poo Maltese and a real firecracker! She's a wild and crazy little lady but, loves to cuddle on her downtime. (Which is 90% of the day!) Prue is a big cuddler too! We also have a cat named Miss Cleo. She's a bit of a loner but, loves to play and chase Sweet Pea around the house when she is feeling frisky!
What do you hope to teach your children?
We want them to follow their hopes and dreams and enjoy all that they want to do. We want to teach them respect for others and hope they learn that love is the most important thing.
Describe your neighborhood?
We live on the quieter side of town. The police station and fire department are less than a block away. The school is also within walking distance and has a great playground. Our town also holds yearly car cruises, festivals, and other activities.
What will you tell your child about their birthmother?
We will be open and honest, answering all their questions. We will let them know that she is a wonderful and courageous person.
It's Daddy's day - what activity do you want to share with your child?
We will go fishing, boating, put a model together, go to a museum or the zoo. There are endless possibilities and every day could be daddy's day!
What kind of education are you hoping to provide for your child - Private or Public?
The public school in our area offers a lot. They have band, chorus, sports and tons of school pride. We plan to be very active at the school and all activities he/she wants to be involved in.
How did you come to the decision of adoption?
We both want to have a child, but cannot have one on our own. We are excited about becoming parents and feel adoption is a beautiful way to build a family. We also have friends who adopted a wonderful little girl.
What faith will you raise your child?
Lutheran
What kind of a relationship do you hope to build with your birthmom through her pregnancy?
Depending on her wishes, we would offer an open and friendly relationship.
How did you meet?
We met outside the office building where we both used to work. We talked, laughed, dated and then, fell in love. We have been inseparable since the day we met.
What was your relationship with your parents like?
John: My parents were older than most people my age. My mom taught me that life is beautiful and is what you make it. My dad was a quiet hardworking man who showed me respect for everything around me. He taught me to take pride in all I do. My parents molded my life, and for that, I will be eternally grateful.
Jaimie: My relationship with my parents was and is wonderful. They were always encouraging me to pursue everything I wanted to do with my life and still do today. They are always there beside me. I am very close with my parents. I would say that they have become my best friends.
What attracted you to each other?
I had overheard John talking about his Jeep and decided to join the conversation because I also own a Jeep. Our love of Jeeps brought us together! Not to mention his beautiful blue eyes that made my heart melt!
Please describe your personalities:
John: I'm outgoing. Jaimie likes to call me a social butterfly. I also have a great sense of humor and I try not to take things to seriously.
Jaimie: I'm adventurous and love to try new things. I am creative and always looking for new projects to try.
What are your hobbies (please share those you enjoy as individuals and those you enjoy as a couple):
John: playing video games, electronics, and golfing.
Jaimie: Crafts, baking, and learning the violin. Together we like to watch movies, enjoy music and the outdoors.
When you close your eyes and see yourself holding your precious baby in your arms what are your thoughts regarding the birthmother?
I would be grateful and have tremendous respect for the difficult decision she made.
How will a child enrich your life?
A child would complete our family and help us to learn so much more from life.
Why did you each choose the career path you decided on?
John: Initially, my career started off as just a job, but now I really love my work and care about my co-workers and employer.
Jaimie: Having a huge interest in crafts led me to an opportunity to be a department manager at a craft store. I have fun every day and I'm lucky to love what I do.
|