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It is so kind of you to take the time to get to know our family. We have thought about you so often as we gathered pictures and reflected on our story. Our story is full of joy and silliness and hard work and adventure, but it is primarily a story of LOVE. You are facing so many decisions as you carry this child and think about what the best path for you will be. We hope that you feel supported and loved as you navigate these choices. We honor the courage and strength that it takes for you to consider adoption. We are so moved when we think of how you and this baby might become a part of our family’s story.
As you look through our photos, you'll notice right away that we love to spend time together. On most days, we like to take walks with our dogs, chat at the dinner table, and read together before bed (Harry Potter and Percy Jackson these days). We go hiking on the weekends and paddle-boarding or canoeing on warm days. We are lucky to live near the ocean and spend happy days on the beach building sandcastles and collecting shells. We love celebrating holidays. Every year, we plan a family Halloween costume...we were Pokémon Trainers last year! We host Friends-giving and travel home to see our families at Christmas. We are interested in adding in traditions from your family as well if you would like to share them with us.
With our warmest regard,
Jonathon and Katie
Glimpses
Financial Support
Expectant mothers who choose to make an adoption plan may qualify for some level of financial assistance during their pregnancy. However, each person's situation and specific needs are different. Your adoption social worker can help you determine what level of assistance you qualify for and deserve. Many expectant mothers qualify for financial assistance to cover basic pregnancy and living expenses, including but not limited to - transportation reimbursement, utility assistance for phone, water, and electricity/gas, maternity clothing and supplements, etc.
FAQ’s about placing a baby for Adoption
How do I give up my baby for adoption?
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions.
Can you put a baby up for adoption?
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions.
Can you adopt a baby for free?
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions.
Can you adopt a baby for free?
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions.
Our Blogs
Sunset on the beach
August 2, 2021
We live a short drive from the beach, and we love to go up for sunset. This evening, families were having bonfires in the beach, playing in the waves, and chatting together. It was a beautiful night, and we enjoyed talking and jumping over the waves. Hugo was wondering how he would play with a baby at the beach. We told him that when he was a baby he liked to taste the sand and put it in his hair! Hugo asks a lot of good questions about what adoption will...
We live a short drive from the beach, and we love to go up for sunset. This evening, families were having bonfires in the beach, playing in the waves, and chatting together.
It was a beautiful night, and we enjoyed talking and jumping over the waves. Hugo was wondering how he would play with a baby at the beach. We told him that when he was a baby he liked to taste the sand and put it in his hair! Hugo asks a lot of good questions about what adoption will be like. He is excited, and has a lot of ideas about how he can be a good big brother. Jonathon and I are so happy to know that he is thinking about what life will be like when we adopt.
In this picture, you will see how we were feeling at the end of the evening-calm, happy and Hugo was feeling a little bit silly! I'm so glad we have these moments to talk together. We continue to think of you and hope that you are feeling cared for. Know that our family is wishing all the best for you as you navigate this journey.
Love,
Jonathon and Katie
Bright Spots
July 27, 2021
“siempre hay luz, si somos suficientemente valientes para verla; si somos suficientemente valientes para ser ella”. We began the Summer with a few weeks visiting family and friends, and now we are home enjoying all this sunshine at the pool or on the beach. After a difficult year of missing family, it has been so nice to fill our hearts up with family time. On our drive home, we stopped for coffee at a cafe that had this sign out front. This is from a poem by Amanda Gorman, and...
“siempre hay luz, si somos suficientemente valientes para verla; si somos suficientemente valientes para ser ella”.
We began the Summer with a few weeks visiting family and friends, and now we are home enjoying all this sunshine at the pool or on the beach. After a difficult year of missing family, it has been so nice to fill our hearts up with family time. On our drive home, we stopped for coffee at a cafe that had this sign out front. This is from a poem by Amanda Gorman, and it inspires me to remember that even in the hardest of times, there is light.
We are hoping that you have many spots of light in your life, a smile from a friend, a person who helps hold a door open, a counselor who supports you, and lots of peace in your heart.
Love, Katie and Jonathon
Learning to cook!
July 16, 2021
Hugo is learning how to cook! He made his lunch (with supervision) before we head out for some fun. We love how Summer vacation gives us time together to do new things like this. Today we are headed to the pool, and tomorrow we will go to the beach!
Hugo is learning how to cook! He made his lunch (with supervision) before we head out for some fun. We love how Summer vacation gives us time together to do new things like this. Today we are headed to the pool, and tomorrow we will go to the beach!
NYC
July 12, 2021
We spent a busy day in New York City with friends from graduate school, and it was so fun. We visited The Color Factory and The Harry Potter Store and played in the park. The day started out rainy and ended with sunshine. Our friends bring so much light into our lives as well.
We spent a busy day in New York City with friends from graduate school, and it was so fun.
We visited The Color Factory and The Harry Potter Store and played in the park. The day started out rainy and ended with sunshine. Our friends bring so much light into our lives as well.
Kings Island!
July 12, 2021
We had such a fun day playing in the water park and checking out some of the smaller rides at Kings Island. I was so fearless when I was a teenager, but it was nice to ride the smaller rides with the younger kids this time, followed by a nice time cooling off at the swim park.
We had such a fun day playing in the water park and checking out some of the smaller rides at Kings Island. I was so fearless when I was a teenager, but it was nice to ride the smaller rides with the younger kids this time, followed by a nice time cooling off at the swim park.
Twin time!
July 12, 2021
We have such a nice family! They are so excited to know about our adoption journey are 100% supportive and encouraging about our hopes for an open adoption with great communication and visits. My twin sister Kellie says she can't wait to be an aunt (again!). Our parents and grandparents ask about it every time we talk-they are so excited to invite a new baby to the family. We feel so thankful to be part of a family that is so loving. During our last visit, Kellie and I were making...
We have such a nice family! They are so excited to know about our adoption journey are 100% supportive and encouraging about our hopes for an open adoption with great communication and visits.
My twin sister Kellie says she can't wait to be an aunt (again!). Our parents and grandparents ask about it every time we talk-they are so excited to invite a new baby to the family. We feel so thankful to be part of a family that is so loving. During our last visit, Kellie and I were making cookies and talking about our hopes for adopting a baby. She is so encouraging and I can't wait for her to be an aunt again!
Pizza night!
July 7, 2021
For the past couple of months, we have been having friends over for homemade pizza. And of course, nothing pairs better with pizza than cookies. Maximum effort! Jonathon (in this picture, Jonathon is making a batch of cookies for neighbors)
For the past couple of months, we have been having friends over for homemade pizza. And of course, nothing pairs better with pizza than cookies.
Maximum effort!
Jonathon
(in this picture, Jonathon is making a batch of cookies for neighbors)
Summer Road Trip!
June 28, 2021
We have been so excited and happy this week to have the chance to see some of our friends and family! We stopped in Pittsburgh for a fabulous pizza party and Cincinnati to visit my twin, and now we are staying on the farm of my husband's family for two weeks. Jonathon's mamaw had Covid a few weeks ago, so we are celebrating her returned health and energy. Hugo is playing in the barn and chasing after kittens, washing the car (for FUN!), and soaking up lots of time with...
We have been so excited and happy this week to have the chance to see some of our friends and family! We stopped in Pittsburgh for a fabulous pizza party and Cincinnati to visit my twin, and now we are staying on the farm of my husband's family for two weeks. Jonathon's mamaw had Covid a few weeks ago, so we are celebrating her returned health and energy. Hugo is playing in the barn and chasing after kittens, washing the car (for FUN!), and soaking up lots of time with cousins. Next up, Indiana grandparents and New York for best friend time! We are so thankful for family members that feel like friends and for friends who feel like family. This past year of quarantine and social distancing made us realize how important it is to spend as much time as possible with the ones we love.
As always, we think of you even though we haven't met yet and hope for your days to be filled with peace as you navigate this road. As we were driving here, we realized that someday we might be adding a new city to our Summer trip so that we can see the birth family of the child we hope to adopt. We know every person has a different idea of what they might want when it comes to communicating with a family, but our hearts lead us to want an open adoption with visits and updates.
More letters to come, but for now, we are getting ready to make chocolate chip cookies for a dinner with family.
All the best,
Katie and Jonathon
Field Trip
June 17, 2021
It is the last week of school in Massachusetts, and that means field trips! My students were so flexible and hard-working through distance-learning and retiring to school with so many safety guidelines to keep. I learned so much this year as well, and we have all more than earned our Summer break. So today, my team and I are taking students kayaking on the Mystic River. It is a beautiful outside, the sun is shining, the students are excited and laughing, and my heart is happy to be celebrating these...
It is the last week of school in Massachusetts, and that means field trips! My students were so flexible and hard-working through distance-learning and retiring to school with so many safety guidelines to keep. I learned so much this year as well, and we have all more than earned our Summer break. So today, my team and I are taking students kayaking on the Mystic River. It is a beautiful outside, the sun is shining, the students are excited and laughing, and my heart is happy to be celebrating these wonderful people. It has been a challenging school year, and it is so nice to end the semester with an adventure on the water!
S’mores and playing in the creek
June 6, 2021
We have a favorite camping spot that we have started visiting in Western Massachusetts. We have zero phone signal, but acres and acres of trees. The most beautiful creek zig zags through the forest creating the most restful and cheerful music as it trickles over the rocks in the creek bed. The dogs chase each other and wait for squirrel sightings to go dashing through the bushes. It is a perfect place to have time to chat, dream, tell stories around the campfire, and hike.
We have a favorite camping spot that we have started visiting in Western Massachusetts. We have zero phone signal, but acres and acres of trees. The most beautiful creek zig zags through the forest creating the most restful and cheerful music as it trickles over the rocks in the creek bed. The dogs chase each other and wait for squirrel sightings to go dashing through the bushes. It is a perfect place to have time to chat, dream, tell stories around the campfire, and hike.
100%
June 3, 2021
When we were dating, we often asked friends and mentors what made a good marriage. We heard a lot of people say that good communication was key. Others said affection was the most important thing. A few people mentioned agreeing on the big issues of life. The advice that stood out to us though was from one of our favorite couples. The husband said that they weren’t a 50/50 kind of family. My first reaction was, “Oh no! Which person isn’t working as hard?” But then he continued by saying...
When we were dating, we often asked friends and mentors what made a good marriage. We heard a lot of people say that good communication was key. Others said affection was the most important thing. A few people mentioned agreeing on the big issues of life. The advice that stood out to us though was from one of our favorite couples. The husband said that they weren’t a 50/50 kind of family. My first reaction was, “Oh no! Which person isn’t working as hard?” But then he continued by saying that both partners were in 100%. Jonathon and I (Katie) loved this advice because it fit so well with how we see marriage. We want to love each other 100%, help each other 100%, parent 100%, give 100%, listen 100%, and forgive 100%. This is a strategy that allows a family to thrive when everyone is committed to the same ideal.
When Hugo was a baby, Jonathon told one of his friends that he was so lucky because Katie was the “LeBron James” of Moms. If you aren’t familiar with basketball, LeBron James is one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA. In the early days, I (Katie) might have known more and taught more about babies because I am a teacher and a former nanny, lactation and sleep consultant, but Jonathon has always been committed to being a 100% Dad. Katie plans epic playdates. Jonathon plans exciting “Buddy Days”. Katie bakes yummy treats. Jonathon makes a perfect pizza. We are committed to a consistent effort on both sides, and now our son actively commits to doing the same because it is fun to be part of a family where everyone is dedicated to making life great.
We are so looking forward to meeting our partner Mom. This is such a challenging time for you, with immense decisions in front of you, and we can reassure you that we don’t believe in doing things halfway. As we wait to be matched, we are committed to being 100%. We will be honest, authentic, respectful, and loving. We will share about you with your baby in a loving way and will communicate often with you, and even visit you on your terms. We are 100% with you.
(The picture below is of a Zoom Wedding with friends...I bet you can guess what kind of advice we would give the newlyweds!)
Our Parenting Style
June 2, 2021
Connection-Affection-Respect-Trust-Honesty When I think about adopting, one of the things I consider is what a mom would MOST want to know about us. And the thing that I keep coming back to is how we parent. I wanted to take a moment to share our perspective on that. We are big supporters of "attachment parenting" which means that we believe that connection and affection are the most important parts of bonding with a child. When our son was a newborn, this meant that we picked him up when he cried,...
Connection-Affection-Respect-Trust-Honesty
When I think about adopting, one of the things I consider is what a mom would MOST want to know about us. And the thing that I keep coming back to is how we parent. I wanted to take a moment to share our perspective on that. We are big supporters of "attachment parenting" which means that we believe that connection and affection are the most important parts of bonding with a child. When our son was a newborn, this meant that we picked him up when he cried, fed him when he was hungry, and snuggled him when he struggled to fall asleep. As simple as that might sound, it was so important in helping our son learn to trust us and depend on us. And to be 100% honest, we often raced to see who could get to him first because those cuddles were so sweet.
As our son grows, we have also committed to showing how much we respect each other. If he is upset because his feelings got hurt at school, we don't tell him to stop crying. We ask him what made him feel that way and how he responded. We listen and show compassion. When he makes a mistake, we NEVER use physical punishment. That would not fit our values as a family. We sit down and talk about it. We say how we feel when we are hurt or disrespected. We allow him to make it right by apologizing and helping to solve the problem. And we model the same thing when we make a mistake as parents! We say sorry and admit it when we are wrong, and we are quick to forgive so that our days end with smiles.
We have also earned our son’s respect by committing to being honest with him. When he asks a question, we are careful to be honest so that he can trust us. This means that when he was 7 and starting to have questions about Santa, we sat down and talked about Christmas and how giving gifts is one of the best parts. Hugo now loves the idea of playing Santa-one of his favorite parts of this past Christmas was buying presents for families in need this year. We were honest with him when he asked, and now he knows that he can ask questions and trust us when we answer.
Telling stories: We often relate ideas and lessons to Hugo through telling stories. Adventures and misadventures from our childhoods, mistakes and successes from growing up, times we messed up and others when we made the right choice. These stories help him to realize that growing up is a process, it doesn’t require him to be perfect or even to TRY to be perfect. He just has to keep learning and working on being a nice human.
These values are really important because when we adopt, it will be SO essential that we answer questions with honesty and respect. We want to know and celebrate the Mother that we work with so that we can make sure a child never has to wonder. We want to celebrate our child’s story and how your story is and continues to be part of that. We want to focus on connection and affection, being good communicators and showing lots of love. Let us know if you have any questions.
As always, with much love,
Katie and Jonathon
In this picture, Jonathon is helping Hugo prepare for his online play-He sang a song about a robot and made this GIANT robot for his part of the play!
Thanksgiving 2020
May 14, 2021
It has been such a strange year, but we have been sure to find ways to celebrate in the midst of social distancing. We celebrated Thanksgiving at home, calling family and friends through the day to share some time together safely. Then, we piled into the car with the dogs for another weekend adventure! This weekend, we drove to the Catskills, in New York to an old one-room schoolhouse that was turned into a cottage. There is no phone signal, no WI-FI, just lots of beautiful scenery and time to...
It has been such a strange year, but we have been sure to find ways to celebrate in the midst of social distancing. We celebrated Thanksgiving at home, calling family and friends through the day to share some time together safely. Then, we piled into the car with the dogs for another weekend adventure! This weekend, we drove to the Catskills, in New York to an old one-room schoolhouse that was turned into a cottage. There is no phone signal, no WI-FI, just lots of beautiful scenery and time to talk and be together. We were prepared with a LEGO set and a new JK Rowling book to pass the time. As we reflected this Thanksgiving Day, we are so thankful to have each other, to have good health, a beautiful home, and jobs (or school) that we love.
Watching the sun rise on a New Year
January 9, 2021
After Christmas, we packed up our bags and our dogs and headed north to Maine...all the way to the most northeastern point of the state. We stayed at a farm house, walked in the fields, and fed the sweet calves. Our favorite part was early morning. We woke up and raced outside to catch the first glow of the sunrise. The dogs ran in circles and chased each others' tails. Jonathon and Hugo took turns jumping over an old mill stone. I climbed over the rocks and peered into the...
After Christmas, we packed up our bags and our dogs and headed north to Maine...all the way to the most northeastern point of the state. We stayed at a farm house, walked in the fields, and fed the sweet calves. Our favorite part was early morning. We woke up and raced outside to catch the first glow of the sunrise. The dogs ran in circles and chased each others' tails. Jonathon and Hugo took turns jumping over an old mill stone. I climbed over the rocks and peered into the frozen tide pools. It was so cold that we could see our breath and the water froze on the sand as the tide moved out. Finally, the sun would slide up over the horizon and send golden light across the water, shining on a brand new day. The glow warmed our faces. We watched its reflection on the bay and let the beauty seep into our hearts. On the way home from Maine, we shared our hopes for the next year. We want to continue to share fun adventures with each other. We thought of new ways to be healthy too. We also talked about how our family might change this year. We ended 2020 feeling thankful to be together.
Today, as friends and family sent messages for the new year, I thought about how much hope we often feel as a new year begins. We make new goals, talk about our hopes for the year, and feel the optimism of fresh starts. The sun is setting now, closing out this first day of a new year. I am sitting next to the Christmas tree enjoying its light just a bit longer. I picked up a book, but set it back down because I am thinking of you. As you are reading this message and feeling your own mix of emotions about the coming year, you may be worried or wondering what the year will bring for you. New beginnings can be so challenging. There is so much that is unknown. I was thinking that I want our family to feel like those glowing sunrises to the Mother that we will partner with in the future, bringing warmth, love, and hope into her life. In the midst of uncertainty, may she feel certain that our family is seeking out the beauty in each day and in each other. May she know how our hearts are warmed thinking of how our family might grow.
Warmest wishes for you in the new year.
Katie and Jonathon
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
December 18, 2020
This is one of our family's favorite time of year. The lights, the decorations, thinking of the perfect gift for our loved ones. We just love it. Our latest advent activity was to bake cookies and decorate them. It is such fun to make these together. Hugo and Katie did the baking and decorating, and Jonathon did a lot of tasting...just to make sure they tasted right. We will pack up some cookies for our neighbors to spread some Christmas cheer. This year is a challenging time for many friends, so...
This is one of our family's favorite time of year. The lights, the decorations, thinking of the perfect gift for our loved ones. We just love it.
Our latest advent activity was to bake cookies and decorate them. It is such fun to make these together. Hugo and Katie did the baking and decorating, and Jonathon did a lot of tasting...just to make sure they tasted right. We will pack up some cookies for our neighbors to spread some Christmas cheer. This year is a challenging time for many friends, so we want to brighten up their day.
We hope your day is filled with small moments of joy.
With our warmest regard, as always,
Jonathon, Katie, and Hugo
Our New Normal
November 28, 2020
After seven months at home, Hugo was able to go back to school for in-person learning. His school is fairly small, with pre-school to Fifth grade students in one building. Only a small group of students are back at school, as a test to see how things will go. Students' desks are spaced apart with a box of supplies next to each one. There are only 9 students in Hugo's class, and I love hearing about his growing friendships. He has a fun mix of friends, some daring, some shy,...
After seven months at home, Hugo was able to go back to school for in-person learning. His school is fairly small, with pre-school to Fifth grade students in one building. Only a small group of students are back at school, as a test to see how things will go. Students' desks are spaced apart with a box of supplies next to each one. There are only 9 students in Hugo's class, and I love hearing about his growing friendships. He has a fun mix of friends, some daring, some shy, some book-worms, and some sports fans. Some times we head home for Hugo's online karate class, and other days we stop for a hot chocolate and a chat in the park. We talk about how our family might change with adoption and how excited we are to grow our family. On the day we took this picture, Hugo was saying how excited he is to meet the Mom we will partner with and the baby who will join our family. He is excited to play in this park with a little sibling.