| Today we live in a beautiful suburban community outside Chicago full of children, parks and some of the best schools in the state. Our home is a spacious, contemporary-style house with a big yard on a safe, quiet street, where Madison can ride her bike and scooter with the other kids in the neighborhood. In the summer, we can take Madison to the community pool a few blocks away; in the winter, the local park offers plenty of ice skating and sledding fun. We’re financially secure and can offer our new child a stable, secure environment where she or he could realize their full potential. Mike has a great job with a major company and Nancy has been able to achieve her dream of staying at home with Madison. We have a lively, affectionate extended family. Michael, the oldest of five, has three brothers and one sister in Northern California. Nancy’s two brothers, sister and parents reside in Southern California. We travel to see our families several times a year, including all the major holidays. Madison loves spending time with all four grandparents. Our entire family on both sides is very excited about our decision to adopt. They will enthusiastically welcome our new child –their grandchild, cousin, nephew or niece—with open arms. Our Values: For us, the most important thing in life is being a good person. That means treating people with respect and consideration for them as individuals. It also means that once we make a commitment to family or friends, we fulfill our pledge. These values are the core of our parenting style. We believe strongly in being involved with our community. Nancy has always been an active volunteer in Madison’s schools and participates in fundraisers for charitable causes. After his best friend’s son was diagnosed at age four with Type 1 diabetes, Mike became involved with the national foundation for diabetes and has served on its local chapter’s board for nearly 10 years. Every year, Mike, Nancy and Madison join in the regional walk to raise funds for research to find a cure. We also believe education is of the utmost importance. Both of us are college graduates and Mike has a Masters degree as well. We have college savings set aside for both Madison and our future child. Finally, family and friends are priorities for us. We visit frequently with our extended families – at holidays, during vacations and for special family events like birthday parties, when Madison can play with her many cousins and the adults relax around a barbecue. Both Nancy and Mike catch up with old friends regularly and reach out to new ones through school, work or the community. Why Us? You’ll see from this letter that we live full lives and love each other. So -- why another child? Easy. We love being a family and want to share that experience with a new daughter or son. We want to raise and love a whole new person who will grow and develop and teach us so much as time goes on. An additional child to love and cherish will enhance our lives and double our happiness. Mike about Nancy: Nancy is a loving and caring woman. Her vibrant personality has earned her many friends. She has always encouraged Mike in his career and interests while creating a secure, affectionate home life for him and Madison. Prior to Madison’s arrival, Nancy had a career in marketing, holding mostly administrative positions. Now she has found the career that satisfies her most, being a stay-at-home mom. Nancy was made for this role and lights up when she recounts the day’s activities during dinner. She’s a reassuring, affectionate partner and the heart of our home. In addition to working in Madison’s classroom on a weekly basis, Nancy sees to it that the days are filled with activities to help develop Madison’s personal growth. Whether it’s a trip to the museum, an art or a cooking class, or a playdate at the park with a friend, Nancy continually establishes a solid foundation for Madison, who is a wonderfully stimulated, engaged, and happy little girl. Everyone knows Nancy. She is involved in neighborhood mothers groups, school parent organizations and school programs. Nancy enjoys being outdoors and is always out with Madison at parks, visiting sites in the city or walking our friendly Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Koda, through the neighborhood. Nancy about Mike: Mike is a devoted husband and father. With an accomplished career in financial marketing, Mike has always put family first. He is easy-going, friendly and good-humored. Mike values friendships and family. He often gets together with his siblings and parents and stays in touch with longtime friends. He is well-rounded, with many interests outside of his job, and likes to get involved. His weekends always include Nancy and Madison, but during the fall he also squeezes in college football games with old college friends. Madison has attended a number of the games and now sings the college fight songs along with him. Despite demands at work, Mike takes an active role in Madison’s daily life and shares parenting responsibilities with Nancy as an equal team. On the weekends, Mike and Madison enjoy a special breakfast time. After preparing the meal together, they eat and play simple card games. He coaches her in both school and extracurricular activities. Currently, Mike is coaching Madison’s T-ball team, which he has done for the last three years. He is equally supportive of Nancy. Mike does his fair share around the house, makes sure that Nancy has time for herself on the weekends and encourages her to pursue her own interests, whether it is spending time with friends or managing her own part-time, at-home business. About Madison: Madison is a bright, happy and active 6-year-old who is full of curiosity and wonder. She enjoys soccer, softball and gymnastics. Her closet is also full of board games and you’ll find her favorite dolls and stuffed animals side by side on her bed. Madison is outgoing and affectionate. She loves playing with her friends, riding her bike and playing softball. She also has a love for art and wants to be an artist when she grows up. Madison is very nurturing and protective to both her friends and their younger siblings. She makes sure everyone is always included when she plays and she likes to share. She’s played gently and patiently with our dog Koda since we brought him home as a puppy. The idea of being a “big sister” thrills her and she can’t wait. Madison is telling everyone she knows that soon she will have a little sister or brother to help take care of. Our Promise: We can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to decide to place your child for adoption. But we know that you came to this decision out of love and want to do what is best for you and your baby. We promise to raise your child with the same love, dedication and respect that we have given to Madison – and provide the same security and opportunities. We believe the most important thing we can do for our children is to give them lots of love, a solid sense of security and strong values that they can take with them through a long, happy life. We will love and cherish the gift of another child. Nurturing, loving parents, a terrific big sister and a wonderful extended family would surround your child. We will open your child’s eyes to the many experiences life has to offer and let them fully experience how beautiful life can be. | |
