Peter’s Family

Peter was born in Germany but moved to New York with his parents when he was just 3 years old. He and his parents have a very close relationship. His mom and dad always stressed the importance of strong family values and responsibility. As a child, Peter learned German and English at the same time and grew up with a great appreciation of both his German and American backgrounds. He often visited his extended family in Germany and spent summers with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Suzanne’s Family

Suzanne is the eighth of nine children born in Pennsylvania. She has seven sisters and one brother. A few months after she was born, Suzanne's family moved to the New Jersey shore. Her childhood summers consisted of long days at the beach, big backyard family barbecues, and exciting nights on the boardwalk. Suzanne's parents always stressed the importance of education and built a strong, loving family environment. They always encouraged their children to pursue their dreams and made sure they had many outlets to express their creativity.

We both have close, loving relationships with our families. Suzanne likes to say that her eight siblings were like having eight built-in best friends. They have always known how to make her laugh even through her most challenging times. Her big, warm wonderful family is the reason she wants so much to have a family of her own. We're so looking forward to including a baby in our many family events. In fact, Peter's mother is so excited about her first grandchild that she has already begun buying baby furniture. We can't wait to set it up in the baby's room which overlooks a beautiful, old apple tree in our back yard that blooms with big, white flowers in spring and grows ripe, red apples in the fall.

Our Home

We feel blessed to live in a small, safe suburban community in central New Jersey not too far from New York City. Our quiet neighborhood streets are lined with giant oak trees and beautiful, historic houses with lots of character. We own a charming 3-bedroom, colonial home on the corner of two streets filled with children. Since we bought this home over seven years ago, we have gotten to know everyone here and established many close friendships. We even have several neighbors who have adopted children of their own. Swing sets and trampolines are in every backyard with children bouncing and swinging on them every day.

Our Neighborhood

Our home is situated across the street from the town pond where the children play ice hockey and skate in winter and camp out and compete in organized local fishing tournaments in the spring. The schools, which are ranked among the top in the state, are just a few blocks away. Our home is also in walking distance from the community pool, park, playground and newly-renovated library. In fact, we often walk to the center of town to shop and grab a bite to eat with our friends. When we moved here, we were so impressed with how everyone walks and bicycles around town together, especially with their pets. We have really enjoyed every day living in this wonderful community. It has lots of organized activities such as block parties, town fairs & festivals and holiday parades - fun for the whole family!