Dear Expectant Mamma,

      We met through friends at College. After a few years of hanging out as friends, I started to develop feelings for Chris. Chris wasn't ready for a relationship yet so we continued to be friends.  It wasn't until Chris's family went through something that he wanted to call his "Friend" Emily. After we talked, he asked me out for coffee. We dated for a year and then he proposed. We got married in 2012 and then 2 years after started to try for children. We found out we were infertile and that was hard to accept. We didn't give up though because one of our friends suggested we try adopting. We're so hopeful that our baby is out there and we can't wait to provide a loving and safe home. 

“From the moment that I met Chris, I knew there was something special about him. Looking back, it probably only took me a couple of times of hanging out with him to realize that I had feelings for him. Chris is the most kind and generous man that I’ve ever gotten to know. He goes out of his way to comfort and help those around us. If someone in our bible study is struggling, Chris makes sure to check in on them or take them out to lunch just talk and help process what’s going on. If I’m facing a challenge at work or in my personal life, Chris takes that challenge on with me. He supports, encourages me and will do all he can to help me succeed. He’s also just a lot of fun to be around! No one makes me laugh like Chris, and I can say with confidence that he’s already got plenty of dad jokes ready for when he finally becomes a father! I know that any child would be lucky to call Chris, “dad.” He’s such a gentle and supportive man, and will be an incredible parent.” 

More About Chris

• Occupation: Lead Software Engineer 
• Hobbies: Video games, helping out at church and most recently, woodworking 
• Fun Fact about Chris: He still has two baby teeth! 

“When Emily and I first started spending time together, alongside our church friends, I wasn’t really looking for a relationship. I was concentrating on my career and just taking each day one step at a time. But as we really got to know each other, I grew closer and closer to her.   It wasn't until my family was going through something, that I realized I needed to vent. I called my "friend" Emily.  She was so warm and comforting, and listened better than anyone I had met before.  After that, it was only a matter of months before I was completely in love with her. There’s something really special about Emily. She has this way of making everyone around her feel at ease. I notice this a lot when she’s helping teach Sunday school. Although the kids didn’t really know her prior to joining the class, they all gravitated to her. They trust that she’s there for them, and I think they really respect how she gets down on their level. Having witnessed this at church, I can only imagine how wonderful she’ll be with the child that we adopt. I know that she’s going to be an incredible mom, and I can’t wait to see the special relationship that she develops with a little one.” 

More About Emily: 

• Occupation: Communications Operator
• Hobbies: Emily enjoys helping lead worship at church and also serving in other ministries. 
• Fun Fact about Emily: I enjoy watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette series! 

We live in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Illinois. We have a four-bedroom, ranch home with a finished basement that is perfect for family activities such as game nights and movie nights. We love hosting family and friends, and make a point that our door is always open to those we love. One of our favorite things to host are game nights.  It's always a big hit with our church group and work friends. 

One of the reasons we chose this home is because of the location. Although we have nearly a half-acre of property, it feels even bigger since it’s connected to a public park, complete with soccer and baseball fields. The best elementary school in our district is also right behind our home! 

Our community is perfect for raising a family. While it’s technically a city, there’s still a small town feel here. It’s not uncommon to run into friends at the grocery store, and there’s all kinds of local events and activities for families to enjoy. The schools here are wonderful and offer plenty of different extracurricular activities for kids. We can’t wait to share both our home and our community with a child!

We both grew up in smaller families with just one sibling each. Everyone lives within 40 minutes of us, and they are all really excited about our decision to adopt. In fact, we have several members who have adopted and fostered children, so adoption is already a part of our family story. 

For Chris’s parents, the baby we adopt will be their first grandchild. Emily’s brother and his wife have two daughters. We know they will be great cousins. Oh, and we can’t forget Chris’s grandma! She can’t wait for another great-grandchild to spoil!

Between our family and friends, we have a great support system. Of course, we get together for all major holidays but we also love to just enjoy each other’s company. Some of our favorite traditions are pumpkin carving, decorating Christmas cookies, and bonfires. We can't wait to share all of this with a child!

One hobby that we both share is video games. It’s nerdy, we know… but we both have loved gaming since we were kids. Chris started with the original Nintendo when he was in elementary school, while Emily picked up the Super Nintendo around middle school. We’ve continued collecting games and consoles ever since, and while we love some of the newer ones, those classic gaming systems are still our favorites. When it’s cold and dreary outside, it’s not uncommon for us to pull out the N64 to play some Mario Kart or the Super Nintendo to play some Super Mario Bros. If we’re not doing that, then we’re probably hosting board game night or having a potluck with our friends!

Given that he’s a computer programmer, you’d think that Chris is all about technology. While that’s certainly true, he has recently found a passion for woodworking. He’s made some really great furniture for our home and can’t wait to make things for the baby. He also enjoys playing board games, playing with our cats and being involved in any church projects where he can add value. 

Emily has always been creative. When she was a kid, she’d spend hours collaging and drawing things - whether it was building, decorating her walls or just doodling in study hall. These days, she’s really into digital art. Some of the things she’s made are just incredible, and now have a permanent home on our walls! She also likes playing with our cats, spending time with family and helping lead worship at our church. 

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We hope that by sharing our story, you found a connection with us. Please know that, if you choose us as adoptive parents, your child will be loved and cherished each and every day of their life. We will raise them to be kind and curious, empathetic and strong. We will instill in them the values of hard work, courage and perseverance. We will support them as they explore their interests, and open their minds to new ideas and experiences. We will be there for them during the lowest of lows, and celebrate them when they succeed. 

Most importantly, we will ensure that the child always knows of you and your story. While we’d be happy to have a relationship with you through open or semi-open adoption, we understand that is a choice for you to make. We will respect the level of contact you wish to have, but promise to always talk about you with the child. Adoption will not be a secret in our home, and neither will your love. 

We hope you feel loved and supported in your decision. We would welcome the chance to connect with you, and get to know you better. If you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to call. We are here for you. 

Love, 

Chris and Emily