Dear Birth Parent(s),

Thank you for letting us introduce ourselves - we are Tony and Jill. We met more than 10 years ago and have been close friends ever since. We were married in early 2002 and have grown to love each other more every day. In early 2006 we were blessed by being chosen to adopt Noah. The introduction of a child into our family has been without a doubt the most incredible life changing experience we can imagine. Life is just better now for us and our extended family. Our parents our now both first-time grandparents and loving every minute of it. We are eager to welcome another child into our family and introduce Noah to a little brother or sister.

Before we were married, we knew we both wanted at least two children. Jill has always been surrounded by children. She has two brothers and 10 cousins, which now range from the mid-30s down to 15. Recently, the next generation has started with her cousin's three children. Tony's brother just had twins (a boy and a girl) so Noah now has two first cousins.

Even before we adopted Noah, we both loved to play with children. Our neighborhood is filled with children. Most back yards have swing sets, slides and jungle gyms. It is wonderful to be surrounded by so many nice families. Whenever we are at our friends' house, their daughter runs up to Jill so she will pick her up and turn her upside down. This is repeated at least four times. Tony likes to play outside with the neighbors' kids and for the past two years has entered the egg toss at our neighborhood's annual July 4th picnic with the neighbors' son. Tony looks forward to entering the games with Noah as soon as he is old enough. Tony is Godfather to his best friend's daughter and they have a very close bond. Tony has always dreamed of being a father and pictures an ideal dad-moment of laying on the couch on a weekend afternoon, maybe watching a football game, with a baby taking a nap on his chest.

We have lots of friends and neighbors with small children and enjoy getting together with them whenever possible. Recently we hosted a cookout and our back yard was filled with children running around, throwing frisbees and balls and having fun.

Tony is an environmental engineer and works on a variety of projects that improve drinking water and the environment. He has a flexible work schedule and can take time off or work from home when needed. He is hardworking, outgoing, and loves the outdoors. He enjoys getting together with family and friends, cycling and mountain biking, and playing sports. His latest hobby, however, is strolling Noah around the neighborhood after work and on weekends to see other kids and dogs. Noah gets very excited when he sees dogs being walked and we always go up to them so he can pet them. Tony's favorite time of the week is parent-child swim lessons at the YMCA. Noah loves the water and is an absolute joy in the swimming pool. He kicks and smiles and has fun. Tony learned to swim practically before he could walk, and Noah is learning quickly too.

Jill is a stay-at-home mom and spends lots of quality time with Noah. They go to a weekly reading group at the library and are in two different play groups. Jill is also an actuary (pension consultant), but now works about 8 to 10 hours a week from home. A close family friend comes over two mornings a week to watch and play with Noah while Jill works from home. This part-time work is ideal for us as Jill is able to truly have a career and be a mom and home-maker at the same time. Jill likes to cook and bake and makes our house a home. Jill is sensitive, likes to talk, and loves the beach. She enjoys reading, skiing and spending time with her extended family.

We believe that humor is one of the best things in life. As Tony said in his toast at his brother's wedding last year, "…there are few things more beautiful and wonderful in life than laughter." He was giving a tribute to our new sister-in-law and her uplifting sense of humor. Some of our favorite moments together are when Tony gets Jill to laugh uncontrollably. He threatens her with tickling as she warns him to think twice about it.

We believe a child should be provided with every opportunity for a good education. A child should be encouraged to follow their dreams and have the tools to grow into anything they want to be. Both of us have enjoyed tutoring other students throughout our educational careers and early years of employment and look forward to continuing to help children to learn and find success in life.

We cherish the thought of welcoming a child into our lives and look forward to many moments of holding, playing, teaching, reading, consoling, and being a source of comfort. We know we are good parents and love our child (soon to be children - we hope) unconditionally.

We understand that it is important that you are comfortable with the decision you are making and welcome any questions you may have about us. We are open to sending you letters and pictures throughout the years and pass on anything you want to share with your child. We wish you the best.

Tony & Jill