We want your child to know the love you have and understand the selfless decision you made. We want you to know your child will be unconditionally loved each and everyday. We will embrace your child's individuality and help them find the level of happiness that our parents taught us. Your child will have every opportunity to find their dreams and we will encourage and provide the education and experiences to do so. Let us know of any special wishes you may have and we will let your child know they came from your heart.

Matt Nicole Job Description Owner of a Local Irrigation Company Healthcare Account Sales Representative for a National Food Distributor Education Professionally Certified in Backflow & Irrigation BA in Psychology Favorites Childhood Memory Playing Baseball Childhood Memory Feeding the Ducks at the Park Form of Exercise Playing Ball Form of Exercise Hiking Olympic Event Skiing Olympic Event Gymnastics Thing to Cook BBQ Thing to Cook Pasta-Lasagna Type of Music New Country Type of Music Rock Children Michael-18 years old

Adoption is not an unfamiliar topic to our families. Matt's brother and sister-in-law adopted a toddler from Russia in 1996. Our nephew, Mitchell, is now thirteen. We recently spoke to his mother, asking questions about the process and the adjustment period and she claims there was "no transition period." They educated themselves with the emotions that may come with adopting a two year old internationally and claim the transition period was a breeze. Mitchell seemed immediately adjusted and full of personality. Grandma quotes, "It was like he was asleep in Russia and woke up in the USA." Eleven years ago, Bob and Michelle flew home with their new baby with one lay over. When they reached the first city over 40 family members and friends gathered to meet Mitchell and welcome him home. By the time they reached their home city there was over 100 people waiting their arrival with open and extended arms to the newest member of the family. His mom says, "Mitchell immediately adjusted and has always been a part of our family, he was just born on another continent and it took us two years to find him." Both of our families know and have lived with adoption. They are very supportive with our decision and continue to pray for a blessing of another happy, healthy baby into our family.

When we are asked to speak about our family today we say we have two children; Michael and Daisy. Daisy is our yellow Labrador Retriever. Michael is Matt's son and Nicole's step son. Michael is now seventeen and a senior in high school. Michael chose to come live with us permanently when he was about twelve. Michael is a well adjusted, strong and independent teen. He enjoys "hanging out" with his friends and playing sports. He is busy juggling the typical high school lifestyle of studying, sports, working and spending time with his friends/girlfriend. He is doing an excellent job and plans on continuing his education next year with college. He has an amazing ability of communicating with the little ones. His younger nephews idolize him. We can see his face light up when he is surrounded by his large extended family. Michael is anxiously awaiting a sibling to share his knowledge with.

We picked Daisy out when she was 6 weeks old. She is now five and still is our baby. We believe Daisy thinks she is actually human and is confused when she meets other dogs. She loves playing with the neighborhood kids and the children quickly make friends with her. One little kindergartener would go to school and say her best friend’s name is Daisy. When the teacher questioned the mother at school one day, who would name their little girl Daisy? The mother laughed and said, "Daisy is the neighbor's dog!"

Enjoying an Outdoor Concert Together

Matt is my soul mate. He is my best friend and my life partner. He has helped me create my dream life. I am so proud of what we have created together. We have a beautiful home, unbelievable families and amazing friends. We have created our life, we think is perfect. Matt and I have been able to grow up together. We have known each other for over 13 years. Matt is extremely intelligent and has taught me so many important lessons. He is the most grounded person I know and has taught me to believe in myself and stand up for what I believe in. He knows exactly who he is. He lives life with passion and knows what is important. His best quality is the way he listens. He listens with his heart and feels empathy. He is my world.

Nicole is the type of person who lights up the room when she walks thru the door. In her smile I see a true genuine, happy person. She has this amazing quality of being able to reach people on levels I did not know were possible. She is extremely personable. I love her for being patient, caring, strong and after all of this she can still has an incredible sense of humor. Nicole loves to laugh and make other people laugh. She fully enjoys life and is obvious when you are around her. She is my life.