Both of us are excited about fulfilling our lifelong dream of parenthood and are thrilled and grateful that you would consider allowing us to welcome your baby into our hearts and lives. From breakfast in bed to bedtime stories, and everything in-between we have longed for these extraordinary moments in our lives. We plan to provide your child with a loving home environment with lots of hugs, fun times and a good moral foundation to help him/her grow up to be a happy self confident person.

Dan Melinda Job Description Multi-Franchise Business Owner for a Tool Company, Flexibility to Work from Home Some Days Office Manager for a Top Real Estate Group in the Community Education Certificate in Universal Air Conditioning Repair, Served in United States Air Force & Received Credits through the Community College of the Air Force in General & Leadership Studies (Graduated 1st in Class) & Completed Numerous Courses in Sales, Training Completed 60 College Credit Hours in Early Childhood Development & Holds Various Certificates in Banking, Customer Service, Early Childhood Development/ Education & Real Estate Practices, Currently Working on Real Estate License Favorites Family Activity Camping Family Activity Going to the Zoo Hobby Car Restoration Hobby Gardening & Crafts Quality about my Spouse Supportiveness Quality about my Spouse Ambition Subject in School History Subject in School Art Sports Team St. Louis Cardinals Sports Team St. Louis Cardinals Children None

Adoption has always been a part of Melinda's life. Her mother, Brenda and Uncle John were adopted together in the early 1960s. Melinda has always known both her mom's biological and adoptive families. Through the years Melinda has helped her mother regain contact with her birth family including her biological sister and brother as well as extended family including aunts and uncles. Brenda understands her biological family was unable to provide the life her adoptive family has. During her life, Melinda's mother has established a healthy relationship with her birth family; in fact one of Brenda's best friends is her biological 1st cousin.

We have also had the privilege of adoptions within our extended family. Together we have 3 cousins whom have adopted both internationally and domestically. Seeing their families grow by the special gift and honor of adoption has been an amazing experience. All of our families are very excited about the blessing of a new child into our family and are ready to open our hearts and lives for your child.

Throughout your child's life, adoption will be a very open, honest subject. At an early age we will introduce them to their adoption story. Your child will know they are loved by a special family that has helped our dreams of having a family of our own come true.

We will be sure to tell them how much you love them and how you wanted to give them the best life possible. We want our children to know as much as possible about their birth families and how they came to be a part of our lives. Melinda plans to make a scrapbook for the child to share their life story with them. We would love to put photos, letters and any information from you that you are comfortable sharing. Melinda would also love to make a scrapbook for you that can store your photos and letters that we will send to you over the years if that is something you would like.

Our Dogs, Honey Bear and Clyde

Fun you say, bring it on! Both of us really enjoy hanging out together whether it is outdoors or in the comfort of our living room, throwing on a movie, and play with our dogs Honey Bear and Clyde. All of us (dog's included) love to walk around and play outside on our property and at our local park. The dogs especially like walking down to the pond and visiting the "Friggity Frogs".

During the weekend, it is not uncommon for us to pack our bags and head out of town for a small getaway. We are both always up for a road trip. Sometimes our family has to watch out, because we might just show up on their doorstep for a sneak attack. Melinda's family is a short 2 hour drive from our house and some of Dan's family is just 45 minutes away.

Apart from each other, Dan enjoys working on and driving his restored red 1969 Chevy Camaro. He's absolutely thrilled when his 5 yr old nephew Coleby wants to "ride in the red car" with him. Dan also loves to relax and fish at our pond, showing the neighborhood kids the newest fishing trick or lure.

Melinda in her free time really enjoys looking up different food recipes, and other useful goodies on the computer. During the summer it is not unusual to find Melinda taking a dip in the pool with family and friends. She could also be found in the kitchen cooking up that new recipe, planning an upcoming neighborhood/family event, or planting some new flowers around the house.