We thank you for reading our profile. If we are fortunate enough to be chosen as the parents for your child, we will forever be grateful for the wonderful gift that you have given us. We pray that you are receiving the love and support that you need during this difficult time.

Eric Sydney Job Description Attorney Elementary School Teacher (Future Stay at Home Mom) Education Bachelor of Arts in History; Bachelor of Science in Political Science; Juris Doctorate in Law Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Masters of Science Early Childhood Education Favorites Family Activity Sunday Softball Family Activity Sunday Dinners Hobby Music Hobby Cooking Quality about my Spouse Understanding Quality about my Spouse Generosity Sport to Watch Baseball Sport to Watch Football Type of Music Rock & Roll Type of Music Pop & Dance Children None

When we knew that we wanted to spend our lives together, we discussed our thoughts on having children and being parents. Both of us definitely wanted children and we were already a large influence in the lives of our nieces and nephews. Unfortunately, our plans for a family did not work out as we had hoped. After surgery and many failed attempts with IVF, we were discouraged and disappointed. While supporting us through this sad time, Eric's mom stopped and asked us, "Is your goal to have a child or to be a mommy and a daddy?" Suddenly it became clear to us that what we really wanted was to become parents. With a renewed hope, we were able to switch our focus and efforts toward adopting. Obviously we admire and respect the good qualities and values in each other. To become parents would mean that we could share these qualities and values with your child. Both of us love children and admire their innocence and excitement in discovering everyday things. Sydney has been a teacher of young children for 15 years, and is still amazed by their capabilities and sense of wonder. Sydney is so caring and patient with children and has such insight into their developmental stages. Together we are knowledgeable about what expectations and limits children need, as well as knowing that children need freedom to discover and make mistakes on their own. Being parents mean that we can provide wonderful life experiences for your child, and be there to guide them as they make their choices. Being parents mean that we can share the unconditional love in our hearts in a way that only a parent can.

While we have been fortunate enough to travel to a number of different places, our favorite vacation spot is Disney World. In fact, we headed there for a few days right after our wedding. We always stay right in Disney at the Dolphin hotel. It is located next to the boardwalk, which is modeled after an old Jersey Shore boardwalk. Along with restaurants, games, and ice cream shops, there is a dueling piano bar which we love. Since our wedding, we have been back together four more times. Two of those times were with Eric's family, including his niece and nephew. Our experiences alone as a couple and those with children are quite different, but equally wonderful and exciting. Disney is a perfect place because it is a vacation spot we can all go to as a family, as well as just the two of us. Because there are so many parks to choose from, we never get tired of going back. Our favorite park is EPCOT. There, they have the World Showcase. Ten different countries are represented and we always enjoy experiencing the different cultures and food. This past year we went in October so that we could be there during the international food and wine festival. We tasted so many interesting and different foods from over 15 different countries. Eric learned that he didn't care for the food from France, but that he does love roasted turkey legs! EPCOT also has our favorite ride. It is called Soarin' and is simulates a hang gliding ride over California. I think we hit our record on our last visit, riding Soarin' five times! Another of our favorites is the live safari in Animal Kingdom. With some clever planning, we managed to be the first people on the ride as soon as the park opened. It was amazing because, at one point, we were so close to two giraffes that had we just reached out, we could have touched them both. Disney World is a very special place for both of us and we hope to one day be able to share that with a child of our own.

The Kitties on the Couch

One passion that we share together is a love for animals. Growing up, both of us always had cats as pets, and Eric also had dogs. As a couple, we now have five cats, all of whom were strays. In fact, whenever anyone finds a stray, we're the first couple they come to for a home. Each year we are fortunate enough to give significantly to many animal charities. We always say, if we could, we'd open a huge farm in the country and just take in and care for unwanted and needy animals! Recently, when we returned home one Sunday evening, a cat darted out from our driveway into the woods across the street. Within minutes Eric had constructed a house from an old box and furnished it with food and a blanket in case the cat came back. It was cold, and Eric was concerned for its comfort and safety. Currently, our cats, Fletcher, Bernie, Mary, Milo and Junior, are the recipients of our love and affection. They are quite spoiled and are spared no possible comfort. Each of their stockings hangs next to ours on the fireplace at Christmas time. Their huge bucket of toys is replenished often, and their favorite treats are always stocked in the cupboards. They never fail to amuse us and keep us laughing with their various antics, while constantly supplying us with their unconditional love. It's comforting and heartwarming to come home everyday and have Fletcher greet us from the top of the stairs, and have Mary come bounding to the door as soon as she hears the key in the lock. Milo makes sure to walk right in front of us, roll over and expose her tummy, and demand to be petted. We both have an unwavering love and respect for animals, and as a result, we will always have pets as part of our family.