Eric & Shelley

We thank you for considering adoption for your child and reading our family profile. Adoption is one of the greatest testimonies of true love; having so much love for your child, wanting what is best for them and placing your trust in another family to love and guide your child as their own, throughout their life. We hope you will consider us in this very important decision as you learn more about our family. Preferred Gender: Either

Eric Shelley Job Description Adapted Physical Education Teacher Special Education Program Coordinator Education Master's of Science in Education - Adapted Physical Education Master's of Science in Education - Curriculum & Instruction Favorites Childhood Toy Matchbox Cars Childhood Toy Barbie Dolls & Roller Skates Ice Cream Chubby Hubby Ice Cream Cherry Garcia Magazine Runner's World Magazine Newsweek Quality about my Spouse Patience Quality about my Spouse Compassion for People in Need Shopping Store Joseph A. Banks Shopping Store Anne Taylor Loft & Kohl's Children Hannah-4 years old

Eric - Adoption has been part of a greater plan in my life which began even before my birth. Due to the loving foresight of my birth parents and adoptive parents, I was adopted when I was a baby. I am eternally grateful to my birth parents for desiring the best life for me. As a result, I grew up in a home with a wonderfully supportive family (including my non-biological sister who is also adopted) who step by step helped me with all I have done in life. I have been able to live a happy childhood, in a safe neighborhood, in which we were free to play in all the neighbors' yards. I have been able to get a good education, which has culminated in a Master's Degree from one of America's premier universities. I have been able to meet and marry the girl of my dreams and have one beautiful child so far. I have been able to provide a spacious home for children, much like the home in which I grew up, which brings us back to the plan.

Shelley - I have an adopted brother and uncle. My brother came to live with us when he was almost three years old. He was living with a foster family at the time. Despite being five years old, I have clear memories of picking him up from his foster family's home. Kevin, my brother is of African American and Caucasian heritage. As young children, Kevin and I played together every day - from riding big wheels to playing school. Kevin is a great brother and has grown into a wonderful man, handsome and thoughtful. We are very close to one another to this day. Kevin has greatly touched my family and I consider myself blessed that he came to live with us.

Thurgood Marshall Statue

We will address cultural diversity in a variety of ways. We live in a large multicultural suburb. We will assist our children in learning about their own cultural heritage, as well as to learn to appreciate the differences in other cultures. Based on living near a large city, we have the opportunity to visit many cultural events and museums. We have attended a Native American Pow Wow, a Lao Festival, and international dinners at the schools where we work. Due to us both working in the field of special education, our children will have the opportunity to interact with children with special needs, in events such as Special Olympics. We believe it is extremely beneficial to teach our children to appreciate people from other ethnic backgrounds, as well as those with special needs. Our family is also unique because our sister-in-law is Filipino American and Shelley's brother's cultural heritage is African American and Caucasian. Your child will be able to interact with their uncle and discuss issues related to interracial adoption.

Boat Trip - Eric and Hannah

Our favorite vacation spot is the beach, from watching the waves crash upon the shore to strolling on the boardwalk. We enjoy walking along the seashore and boardwalk and shopping in the local stores. In the evenings you will catch us at the amusement park, having a casual dinner at a restaurant, or playing miniature golf. Eric really enjoys swimming in the ocean, while Hannah and I prefer sun bathing and swimming in the pool. Hannah, a girl that once did not like the sand, loves digging and making sand castles now! We find the beach relaxing and peaceful with a lot of fun-filled family activities. We are excited about sharing our favorite vacation spot with another child, as well as trying new activities in which he or she may be interested. Eric hopes that one day one of his children will enjoy jumping in the ocean waves, as much as he does!

Shelley's Kind of Golf!