It feels incredibly surreal to be writing this letter, and we are sure it feels surreal to be reading it too. We haven’t met you and don’t know anything about you, but we are so grateful to you. We know what could be the happiest day of our lives might be the hardest of yours. As you face this decision, know that we are holding you in our hearts.
Because of you, our dream of becoming parents could be a reality. We have been longing for bathtime followed by snuggles and reading books (where Jade will definitely do strange character voices!). We have been envisioning family hikes and playing outside. We cannot wait to hear our quiet house filled with gurgles, laughter, and even cries. Since we both love learning, we cannot wait to help your child become a lifelong learner filled with excitement and curiosity.
There are so many more things we want to say, and we would be overjoyed if you chose to explore the future with us more. We also want to make some promises to you: We promise to love your child wholeheartedly. We promise hugs, comfort, and connection. We promise to listen to understand. We promise to tell your child about how giving and selfless their birthmother is and how eternally thankful we are to you.
With love,
Jade and Michael
We know what could be the happiest day of our lives might be the hardest of yours. As you face this decision, know that we are holding you in our hearts.
-Jade & Michael
Hugs from Minnesota! After being set up on a date by a nosy, good-natured church lady, we hit it off; especially when the pandemic made it super easy to spend all our time together. We eloped to the Grand Canyon, surprising everyone in our families! Between attempting to grow all our food, playing piano, and cooking interesting gluten- and dairy-free meals, Jade tries to squeeze in some fun reading and watching trash TV. Michael can often be found reading in the hammock, organizing his extensive Magic the Gathering and sport card collections, and exercising. (Yes, Michael is someone who actually enjoys running; Jade also thinks it’s bizarre.) Michael works as an intentional interim minister, and Jade, a former fifth grade teacher, now works in educational publishing. Both of our professions highlight our big hearts, which are more than ready to grow now that we are adopting!
Michael jokes that the easiest way into home ownership is to marry someone who already has a house. Jade bought the worst house in the best neighborhood and has since spent a lot of time with Michael making it exactly the house we want to raise our family in! Our home, located on a quiet, family-friendly cul-de-sac, has a massive yard and four bedrooms to fill up! We built a little catio off the back deck for our three spoiled kitties: Dottie, Gigi, and Mimi. They are all rare cats that allow humans to pet their bellies. This bodes well for being patient with children!
We are both the “babies” of our respective families. Jade’s mom and dad also struggled with infertility for 11 years, finally had her sister, and then BAM! Jade came along a short 14 months later. Jade’s sister is a forensic toxicologist and definitely has the spooky vibes to go with it, but she is the best Disney singalong companion and person to nerd out with. Jade’s mom and dad still live in her tiny Minnesotan hometown where they have a massive garden and are living their best retired life. Jade’s grandma is a spitfire and speeds everywhere she drives. She regularly meets us for church.
Michael’s parents have now passed on, but he has his two older siblings to lean on. His sister and her husband live in Chicago, where we spend every Thanksgiving. They love going to touring Broadway shows, and Jade always wants to tag along when possible! Michael’s older brother and our nephew live much closer. Michael’s brother is always smoking meats and grilling delicious things, so when they invite us to dinner, we take them up on it! Our nephew is in first grade and is growing so quickly.
Jade used to say as a little girl that she wanted to be a “professional mom.” That goal and dream faltered when we got the bad news that Jade has an extensive form of endometriosis, leading to infertility. Instead of giving up, we became licensed foster parents and now are incredibly blessed, excited, and ready to adopt! Our nephew was adopted through foster care, and we think he would love a little cousin or two!
