Rich & Christine

We are Rich and Christine. We have been happily married for ten years, and we love each other very much. We would like this profile to give you a good sense of who we are and who we would be as the parents of your child. We will be strong role models. Leading by example is something we both believe in, which gives us many opportunities to help your child grow into a well-rounded and happy person. Our home will always be that soft place to fall, and we will always be there waiting with open arms. Preferred Gender: Female

Rich Christine Job Description Police Officer Stay at Home Mom/Former Second Grade Teacher Education B.A. Criminal Justice/Sociology B.A. Elementary Education/Sociology Favorites Bedtime Story The Little Engine That Could Bedtime Story Guess How Much I Love You Food Steak Food Italian Movie Rocky Movie The Notebook Sport to Watch Football Sport to Watch Baseball Hobby Exercising Hobby Exercising Children Richie-3 years old

Adoption has changed our lives. It has given us the opportunity to have the family that we have always wanted. The decision to adopt became clear to us when we realized that it would be the only way to have our dream of becoming parents. What we didn't realize at the time was that our faith in each other and ourselves was being tested. Not knowing what to expect, we went through all of the procedures and paperwork that would qualify us as a couple who were considered to be a "waiting family."

Not long after we began the wait for a baby, just before Christmas, we received a phone call. Our adoption specialist told us that a baby boy was born, and that his birthmother wanted us to be his parents. We were filled with many emotions as we boarded a plane on Christmas Day to go to meet our son. It was a miracle that came true for us when we held him for the first time. Spending time with his birthmother was a great experience for us also. We were glad for the time she shared with us, because we will have such meaningful things to tell our son about his mother. We want him to know how loved he was by her, and that he can be proud of what she did for him.

As the first three years have passed, many of the questions that we had about adoption have been answered. Yes, we can love a child that is adopted just as much as one who is biological. Yes, it is worth all of the effort to create a family. No, it doesn't matter if your child doesn't look just like you. Yes, our families will love this child unconditionally, just as we do. Yes, we will adopt for a second time, because we feel that we are ready to continue this journey to complete our family.

Our personalities compliment each other nicely. Though our characters can be described as similar in many ways, we are also quite different from each other. This brings a good balance to our relationship.

We both have laid back personalities. We are not likely to compete to be the center of attention, but would rather sit back and observe the situation and let others be in the spotlight.

We are hard workers, not for recognition, but because it gives us an inner sense of pride and accomplishment. It is unlikely that either us of would leave a project unfinished. It is in our nature to always follow through and finish what we have started, whether the task is easy or difficult. The trait of not giving up and reaching for your goals is something that we want to instill in your child.

Both of us have a good sense of humor, which is definitely important if you want to be a parent. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. It has gotten us through the worst of times.

Rich is the more rational one in the relationship, and Christine is the sensitive one. In a crisis situation, Rich would not over react, but would instead find the best way to solve a problem. Christine, on the other hand, would be there for hugs and to lend a shoulder to cry on.

One of our most important strengths that we share is that we are both loving. Your child will never go a day without knowing that he or she is loved more than anything.

Rich with Richie and Our Nephew After the July 4th Parade

Christine: I was a second grade teacher at the elementary school that I attended as a child. Being a teacher has always been my dream profession, because I have such a love for children. Teaching in my home town had made it a bonus. Many of the teachers that I had as a child were my co-workers, which felt kind of odd at first, but proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences for me. I loved to go to work each day to receive smiles and hugs from my students. It was such an honor for me to have the opportunity to shape their innocent minds. As a teacher, I knew that children live what they learn, so it was my responsibility to give it my all each day.

Though I loved being a teacher and will probably return to my position later on in life, I now enjoy my new profession as a stay at home mom, and I love it with all of my heart. When I decided to leave my teaching position when our son was born, it didn't take long to realize that there was nothing better than being there to share every minute of his life. I look forward to doing the same when we are blessed with another baby.

Rich: I am a police officer in a town that is much busier than the one I grew up in. This has afforded me the opportunity to grow more as a person with a much wider range of views. As a ten year police officer, I have learned that no greater sense of accomplishment can be achieved than by helping a person in need. I have experienced both the good and bad side of people. I honestly believe that all people have goodness in them, and sometimes even though I may see them in the worst of times, a helping hand may be all that they need.

My career has evolved into a role in which I am a training officer for my department. As a teacher, I have learned a lot from my wife. Her ability to show patience and understanding with her students has taught me to understand how to effectively train my fellow officers. Another benefit of my assignment as training officer is a steady work schedule, which allows me to be home with my family to enjoy afternoons and dinners together. As much as I enjoy my profession, my family life has always and will always come first. I look forward to the day when I can teach your child the importance of caring and helping mankind.