Describe your childhood:
Adoptive Mom? As a child I enjoyed being outside bike riding, climbing trees, catching lizards, and playing sports. My favorite family outings where going to the beach or the park. My family loved entertaining and oftentimes had gatherings with lots of food, music, and dancing. I was very close, and still am, to my three siblings. My youngest brother and I were inseparable and my older siblings always looked after us. My older brother taught me how to ride a bike, and my older sister helped me pull out my baby teeth and taught me to dance. There was never a dull or lonely moment in my childhood home.
Adoptive Dad? I had a very active childhood full of sports, travel, and outdoors adventures. While growing up in Kentucky, I was always playing in the woods or on my uncle's farm. This was a great experience that taught me the importance of getting outside and learning the land as well as being self sufficient. As I grew older, I became very active in sports which reaffirmed my love of playing but also the importance of a strong work ethic. My family lives all over the southeast and I often had the chance to travel all over to see my grandparents, cousins, and other family members.
Tell us about your home?
Our home has a large kitchen/dinette where we enjoy entertaining, cooking, and eating family meals. We have three spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. Our living room is a cozy place to hang out. It is decorated with art and family pictures and has a fireplace for cold winter nights. When we are not inside we like to lounge in the backyard. Barbecuing, playing games, enjoying our cat Oliver, and gardening are a few of the activities we like to enjoy. This home is our sanctuary, and we keep it simple, comfortable, warm, and inviting.
When you have a 3-day weekend, what do you like to do?
Three day weekends are special. When we are not traveling to visit family in Kentucky or Florida, we make plans to be outside as much as possible. We plan trips to visit nearby parks, lakes, and mountains. We also enjoy indoor activities such as going to the museum, the movies, and the arcades, and going bowling. Whatever the occasion, you can guarantee that we will be together enjoying every minute.
Do you have pets? If so tell us about them?
Yes, we have a pet cat named Oliver. He is a tabby with a huge personality. He is not shy and likes to be with the crowd. Although he is an indoor cat, Oliver loves exploring our fenced-in backyard when we go with him. Oliver is very playful, loves to hunt, and of course cuddles at the end of the day.
What do you hope to teach your children?
As we become parents, we look forward to sharing many experiences and interests with our child. They will be introduced to different cultures and landscapes. We feel there is always something to learn and explore and hope to instill this curiosity and respect for diversity. We will raise them with the confidence to discover and pursue their dreams. In addition, we will teach them to be kind to others.
Describe your neighborhood?
We live in a beautiful, family friendly neighborhood. It is a safe community where you commonly see kids playing outside on their front lawns or at the neighborhood playground. Our town has some of the best schools in the metro and access to children's museums, theme parks, and sporting facilities.
What will you tell your child about their birthmother?
Your strength, wisdom, and courage is to be admired and we will definitely impress this upon your child, to love and admire you for the decision that you made.
It's Daddy's day - what activity do you want to share with your child?
I want Daddy's day to be a special activity that we share together. As a child, I have fond memories of going to the movies with my mother who loved to take in a matinee. With my father, I loved the fact that he would go out to the park and play whatever sport was in season. I hope to enjoy any of these activities or whatever becomes special between the two of us.
What kind of education are you hoping to provide for your child - Private or Public?
As a former high school teacher, Jael understands the importantance of being an active parent and how it can further a child’s education. We are fortunate to live in an area with an excellent school system that is considered to be one of the best in the state. As our child enters classroom age, we would like to select a school that provides a safe environment and excels in academc achievement. We will provide our child with a learning environment that will be stimulating, diverse, and promotes extracurricular activities.
How did you come to the decision of adoption?
Upon getting married, Jeff and I made the decision that we wanted to have children. We always considered adoption as well as biological children. As time passed, we were unable to conceive naturally and explored infertility treatments. After having an unsuccessful IVF cycle, we soul searched and decided to pursue adoption to complete our family.
What faith will you raise your child?
We will raise our child in a Christian, non-demoninational community church atmosphere that will foucs on: Celebrating God's presence and involvement in our lives. That every person is important and valued by God. To encourage and support the unique gifts that God has given to each of us. He is our pillar through good times and bad. We will use our faith to teach our child to love, respect, and forgive.
What kind of a relationship do you hope to build with your birthmom through her pregnancy?
We hope to earn her confidence and respect as she will be entrusting her child's welfare and development to us. Knowing that her decision is so vital to her and her baby, we hope to continue the relationship, in some format, so that she can feel at peace with the knowledge that her child will be unconditionally loved and given every opportunity to thrive. In getting to know our child’s birthmother we will learn our child’s family history and will be able to pass that along to him/her.
How did you meet?
Jeff moved to Florida for graduate school. He rented an apartment from Jael's parents who lived close to campus. At the time we met, Jael had returned home for her first job after college. We quickly became friends, due to our shared interest in family, sports, and dreams of traveling the world. As our friendship grew, so did our love for each other and we were married three years later.
What was your relationship with your parents like?
Adoptive Mom? I have a large family that includes four siblings (two brothers, two sisters). My parents are very close to all of us, and are always there to offer support. My father is very nurturing, always encouraging us to pursue our dreams. My mother is equally nurturing, always willing to listen and give advice.
Adoptive Dad? I have a great relationship with my parents. They have always been there for me and continue to offer great advice, love, and support. My parents believed that we were a family first and we always spent time together. I am most greatful because they never failed me when I needed them most and always seemed to have the best advice.
What attracted you to each other?
Jeff and I share common values and beliefs. We have a strong sense of commitment and loyality to our families. We both love to travel and are passionate about adventure. We respect and admire each other. Our personalities are similar in that we thrive in overcoming obstacles.
Please describe your personalities:
Adoptive Mom? I am very conversational and love to be around people. I enjoy contributing to my community and helping others through volunteer work. I am creative and am passionate about photography as well as arts and crafts. I am also adventurous and love to explore.
Adoptive Dad? I am creative, have a strong work ethic, and a good sense of humor. I love to get outdoors and play sports.
What are your hobbies (please share those you enjoy as individuals and those you enjoy as a couple):
Adoptive Mom? My personal hobbies are photography, art, cooking, and dancing. As a couple we enjoy sports such as running and cycling.
Adoptive Dad? I love reading, sports, and getting outdoors, especially hiking and biking. I try to get involved with "pick-up" basketball and league games when available. I enjoy exercising and being active with weights and running. Together, we enjoy all the above, especially outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, running, and travelling.
When you close your eyes and see yourself holding your precious baby in your arms what are your thoughts regarding the birthmother?
I imagine the immense love and courage of a woman who made the selfless decision to find a loving home for her child. I admire her strength and feel grateful for the honor she has bestowed upon me.
How will a child enrich your life?
We are excited to fulfill our dream to become parents through adoption. We look forward to reliving childhood activities and rediscovering the world around us through our child's laughter and curiosity for life. We are committed to providing unconditional love and support, much like the families that raised us.
Why did you each choose the career path you decided on?
Adoptive Mom? As a former high school teacher, I enjoyed meeting and being part of my students' lives. This helped me realize that I wanted to be a stay at home mom to enjoy spending time with my child before they begin school. We will enjoy daily activities such as art classes, outings to the zoo, and visits to the science museum. When they go off to school, I will be present in school activities to offer guidance and support.
Adoptive Dad? I have always been fascinated with science, technology, and medicine. My profession affords me the opportunity to consult phyicians on treatment options for patients with severe diseases. In additon, my schedule is flexible, allowing more time to be with family.
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