Dear Birthparent…
Hello, expectant mama! Thank you so much for taking the time to look at the profile of our happy, crazy little family. We are Amanda and Joe, and we have three kids, Zane, Olive, and Vaughn. We have adopted all of our kids, so we know that this adoption journey can feel amazing, terrifying, sad, and beautiful all at the same time. We are humbled to be a part of it, and so grateful that you are considering this choice for your baby.
About Us…
We met in our first year of college, and we’ve been together ever since. In those 20 years, we’ve moved across country 3 times, been to graduate school and law school, and traveled the world. But our biggest adventure has definitely been parenthood. Luckily, Joe is now a successful lawyer, so Amanda has been able to quit working as a college professor to take care of our kids while they are little. The kids love having Mama at home to teach them new things, garden, make art, and try out a thousand new activities. But their favorite time of any day is when Daddy gets home to play with them and read stories. We are a very multi-cultural family thanks to adoption (Mexican, Puerto Rican, African-American, Jewish, and European backgrounds), so we celebrate a lot of holidays and traditions. We think it’s so important to teach our kids about their heritage and give them a strong sense of community.
Our Home and Pets…
Our home is a fun, loud, crazy place! With 3 kids, 2 cats, a dog, and 2 fish, there is never a dull moment. Luckily, we have a large (5 bedroom) home and lots of outdoor space, so the kids can spread out and explore our garden and the nature preserve right behind our house. The neighborhood itself is quiet and safe, and full of families.
Our Family…
We have a terrific extended family and close group of friends (many we’ve had since childhood) who are all very involved in our kids’ lives. Since they all live up north and we have moved to sunny Florida, our guestroom has become like a hotel for them all, and it’s booked up at least half the year! The kids’ grandparents and cousins are here a lot, and they have a close relationship that is great to see. We’re also fortunate to have found a great playgroup here with kids the same age. We’ve made great friends there and also through the kids’ school.
Our Journey to Adoption…
Amanda suffered with endometriosis for many years (which makes conception difficult or impossible) and recently had to have a hysterectomy. But we always wanted to adopt, so it was an easy choice for us. We have never cared that our kids don’t share our DNA, and our kids certainly don’t either. We all feel that we were meant to be together from the start. Adoption is a normal part of our family life, and we talk about their birth moms often and think of them as extended family. We’re so glad that our kids share the bond of all being adopted and that they are proud of their birth families and of our multi-ethnic family.
Fun Facts…
Name: Amanda
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom (formerly an English professor)
Education: Master’s in Creative Writing
Favorite Food: All of it!
Favorite Hobby: Writing
Favorite Movie: Return of the Jedi
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite TV Show: Superstore
Favorite Activity: Traveling
Hidden Talent: Baking
Guilty Pleasure: Eating what I’ve baked
Name: Joe
Occupation: Lawyer
Education: Juris Doctorate
Favorite Food: Asian
Favorite Hobby: Watching Cleveland sports
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving
Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
Favorite Activity: Going to the movies
Hidden Talent: Remembering random numbers and dates
Guilty Pleasure: Campy superhero shows
