Dear Birth Parent(s),

Thank you for taking the time to read about us. We know this must be an incredibly hard decision for you, and it is most definitely a courageous decision too. You love your child, and want what's best for him or her and their future. Although we haven't met him or her yet, we want the same things for them and would be so honored and happy if you choose us to parent your child.

Our names are Bill and Beth. We were college sweethearts, and have been married for over fifteen years. We have a lot in common (including the same birthdays!) and have always known we wanted a family, but were unable to conceive a child biologically. After Beth's brother and sister-in-law adopted a little boy two years ago, we realized that we too wanted to become a family of three through adoption.

We live in a small town on the water, but are within a half hour of two major cities. We can walk to restaurants, museums, and our church from our home and often do. Bill is an independent contractor and actually has his office in our home. This allows him to have a flexible schedule, so he will be able to be home for dinner every night and be really involved with the everyday responsibilities of raising a child. Beth recently resigned from her sales job, and plans to be a full-time stay-at-home mom.

We are lucky to have the love and support of a large, close-knit, extended family and enjoy many traditions. We spend the Thanksgiving holiday at Bill's parents' home with his brothers and sisters and their families. Easter is celebrated at our home with members from both our families. Every Halloween we carve pumpkins to set out for the trick-or-treaters. Although it's not really a holiday, once a year the Blue Angels, the US Navy's flight demonstration squadron, performs an exciting air show in our town and we never miss it. Christmas is sometimes spent at Beth's parent's home in Florida, or our home in Maryland, depending on whether we are in the mood for "fun in the sun" or the chance of a "White Christmas"!

We also like to travel and do lots of physical outdoor activities. We can't wait to share our love with your child whether at home or on great family vacations. We look forward to building sand castles at the beach, running around the local playground, taking a trip to Disney World, and playing sports. One local activity we really want to do is take a cruise around our harbor on a "real" pirate ship. The kids dress like pirates, shoot water cannons, bring up a buried treasure and just have a blast.

We want you to know that we will always be open and honest with your child about his or her adoption story. We will explain to him or her that your decision was very difficult, that you only wanted what was best for him or her, and that we were thrilled to have been chosen by you. We will gladly share letters and pictures with you as your child grows up, so you can be constantly reassured in your decision.

Our prayers will be answered if you choose us as parents. We can promise you we will give your child all the love, emotional, educational and financial support needed to become his or her own unique and happy individual in life. We respect and admire you for your courage and thoughtfulness, and wish you all the best.

Love and God Bless,

Bill & Beth