Cultural diversity is extremely important to us and is present in our everyday lives as our son is multiracial. We make every attempt to have cultural and racial diversity in our experiences. Additionally, we openly discuss different local and national events or happenings related to diversity. We want our son and any future children to be aware and knowledgeable of other cultures and races; especially those to which they are descendant from. It is a priority of ours to have a diversified church and school system and we are lucky enough to have both nearby.

We welcome the opportunity to learn about other cultures and races. It is our belief that through learning more about others we can truly form a respect and appreciation for those around us. We all have different backgrounds and us all being together helps us to grow as a family and a community. A person's look, background, or color do not determine their personality; we believe in treating everyone with respect.

Our first and foremost life priority is family. We have a motto of family first that holds true throughout even our extended families. If someone needs help or assistance we do what we can to ensure that our family is taken care of, no matter how far away they are. With this we also celebrate milestones and accomplishments as a family. These celebrations always involve laughter and spontaneous fun adventures. If someone in the family needs a big project done, we all come together and work to get it completed.

We also hold a priority to have any child in our care grow up to be a respectful giving person who is able to flourish on his/her own and to also remain family oriented. Our goal is to encourage a child's growth and development throughout his/her life with fun and education together. Each child has special gifts and challenges that we hope to nurture so that they can develop into their best version.

Having an open to semi-open adoption is always a vision we have had for our growing family. We currently have a semi-open adoption with the birth family of our son. Our relationship started shortly after our adoption match as we traveled and had lunch together and from there we engaged in several texts and phone calls until birth. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it in time for the actual delivery, but we did get to visit face to face for several hours the next day prior to hospital discharge. Since then we have maintained communication through sharing of pictures, messages, and milestones. We have an additional relationship with our son’s biological sister who was also adopted. Having these relationships helps us understand the history and culture that helped create our son. We envision having a similar relationship with any future families we connect with through adoption. It is our desire to be able to support and answer any questions that may arise as the child grows and we feel that having even a small connection will help us do so.

Our family isn’t too large but what we lack in numbers we make up for in closeness. Both sets of grandparents live just a short distance away and visit very frequently. They come at the drop of a hat if needed to help out or celebrate an important event. Bob’s extended family is located across the eastern side of the US but that does not stop us from being close with video visits, many pictures, and endless phone calls. Sarah’s extended family is closer in proximity and just as involved during the exciting and important times. In addition we are lucky enough to have cousins, aunts, uncles, and Sarah’s brother in the same town. One cousin is just 9 months younger than Henry and watching their bond grow has been truly wonderful.

Our family traditions are rooted around us being together with the gatherings of birthdays and all holidays surrounded by extended family. We plan large family reunions every year and make sure to change the location allowing for new adventures. At each holiday we decorate as a family and make special themed snacks or meals to celebrate. We feel it is important to celebrate even “small” things. When someone has a great day or accomplishment, we do something; whether it be an outing or a special meal/treat of their choice. We feel that children can grow and flourish if they can try new things and we want any child in our care to live their best life.

Our home is located in a cul-de-sac with very little traffic and wonderful neighbors. We are located within a few blocks of a great school, multiple parks, and several attractions. Inside we have three bedrooms close together, perfect for young children, with an additional guest bedroom downstairs for our visitors. Our basement lower level is deemed the fun play zone. It is wide open and filled with toys, push carts, a trampoline, and a swing. This is perfect for getting some extra energy out or just running around and being silly. Outdoors we have a large patio area for bikes, toy cars, family gatherings and our summer pool. The yard is private and secure with surrounding bushes and a large swing set. There are multiple bunnies that live in our trees and with our bird feeders we have fun watching the local wildlife. We spend many afternoons and evenings on our patio playing games, grilling, and running through the sprinkler. We love to be outside as much as we can.

We greatly thank you for the time in learning a little bit more about us. We met while in nursing school and our relationship progressed and developed after years of friendship. Our wedding in 2014 was magical; we married on a beach in Florida surrounded by family and friends. The early years of our marriage were spent traveling and enjoying life together. Keeping with our beach tradition, while on vacation sitting on a beach is where we decided that growing our family through adoption was what we wanted after finding out we were unable to conceive on our own.

After welcoming our son into our lives through adoption 3 years ago, our hearts have grown to a depth we didn't even know was possible. Watching him grow has been a fabulous blessing and we are beyond excited to hopefully get the opportunity to add to our family and grow our love even more. Henry is such a fantastic helper and so kind and compassionate that we know he will be the best big brother; a protector and role model.

We are a fun and adventurous family but can be serious when needed. We support each other through the good days and bad, no matter what. We love being together as a family. Whether it’s a getaway to the lake or a trip to the zoo, we have the most fun when we are together. We also enjoy going to one of the nearby parks or simply playing together in our backyard. Our swing set and large patio allow us to have endless fun. During the fall we also get to pick the apples from our tree and start some yummy baking creations. When the weather isn't great or we want to relax at home we also spend time inside and play games in the basement or just turn on some music and have a dance party.

We cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through. The decision you have to make is a tough one, but please know that your child will always know who you are, if you choose. You gave him/her life and the first love which will never be forgotten. If and when you are interested, we will be available and supportive of your involvement. Since our son’s birth, we have continued to share pictures and milestone moments with his birth family through social media and texting. We have also had several discussions about setting up visits with the birth family and a biological sister who was also adopted by a separate family. It is important to us that we have an adoption plan that will work for all involved with the child's needs in the center.

We can promise to remain open and honest with you. Your child will always be just a quick message away if you would like to remain involved. If you would like some distance, we take many pictures and are very willing to share when you are ready. It is important to us to always speak positively about you no matter what the situation may be.

Thank you for considering our family. If adoption is your choice and you see our family in your future, please know that your courageous decision is not one that will ever be forgotten by us or the sweet child.

With love,

Bob & Sarah