Eric’s Extended Family

Eric is the oldest of two children and has one sister who lives in the next town over. She is married with two children, a boy and a girl. His mother also lives in the same town as his sister, and is a strong presence in both of their lives. Eric's father was an office supply executive for forty years who died in 1998. Eric's mother was a stay-at-home mom until Eric and his sister were in high school, at which time she went back to work as a nurse. Eric's family was always extremely close growing up, taking many family trips together. They also spent numerous weekends together at their vacation home in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Sydney with Her Mom and Sister

Today, not much has changed. Each summer we take a family vacation together with Eric's sister and her family, and we spend lots of weekends throughout the year with Eric's mother at the house in Saratoga. Disney World is also one of our most favorite places to go together as a family. Many fun memories have been captured on film as we soar down the coaster on Splash Mountain, our favorite family ride. We also spend every Sunday together as a family, a tradition that was started a few years ago. Aside from having dinner together, we will often have a spontaneous game of whiffle ball, football, or basketball in the backyard. In the colder months, card games like UNO and board games are often played as well. Eric and his brother-in-law also play on the same softball team in town. Sundays in the summer are spent watching their games and then enjoying lunch together as a family.

Eric's family is extremely excited and supportive about our plans to adopt. Eric's sister is excited for her children to have a new cousin, and his mom is patiently waiting for another grandchild!

Sydney is the youngest of two children. Both of her parents remarried when she was young, so she was fortunate enough to have had two step-siblings, as well. She has many positive memories of growing up and being raised in a small town in Pennsylvania. Her older sister lives only one town away. She is married and has three children- a girl and two boys. All of our nieces and nephews are a very special part of our lives, and we are so fortunate to live close to them all. They are involved in many activities and we try to go to as many of them as we possibly can. We have attended numerous dance recitals, soccer games, and fundraising events. We also celebrate birthdays, holidays, and special occasions together.

Sydney's mother and stepfather still live in Pennsylvania, and also have a winter house in a small community in Florida. She is very close with her mother, and gets to see her several times a year. Her father and stepmother live on the water in Maine in the summer, and also have a winter home on the water in Florida.

Our family and friends are so supportive, excited and enthusiastic about our plans to adopt a child. A new baby in this family will be showered with love and affection, and will be accepted and welcomed with many open arms.

Our Home

We live in a townhouse located in a small friendly town in New Jersey. Our house has three bedrooms, four full baths, an open living and dining room with a fireplace, and a finished media room that will eventually be a large playroom. We have a big backyard with several separate playground areas within our development, as well as tennis courts right up the road behind our house. It is a quiet residential neighborhood with several families with children of all ages, and a cul-de-sac behind our backyard. In the summer we spend a lot of time on our deck grilling outdoors and just relaxing.

The Back of Our House and Backyard

We live in a community where there are always family events throughout the course of the year. In the summer there is a big fair with rides and games. In the fall there is a street fair with face painting and pumpkin carving. In the winter, the children can ride the local train with Santa. There are also numerous parades in celebration of national holidays. In addition, we have a newly renovated town pool close to our house with a new waterslide and baby pool that are favorites among the children!

Although we live in a quiet suburb, we are only 30 minutes from New York City, which allows us to take advantage of the many cultural opportunities available. This past December, we saw Mary Poppins on Broadway; saw the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, and the famous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.

We are also fortunate to live in an area with an extremely good school system. They are up-to-date and very well funded. There are several elementary schools in different neighborhoods throughout the town.