Dear Birthmother,

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to read about our family! We are Shelley and Jo Anne and we are hoping to adopt a daughter! Having been through the adoption process once before, we know that it is a loving choice for children and families. This is our story ...  

How We Met
We met at the local grocery store and quickly became friends, going to local festivals, shopping, and attending craft fairs. A few years later, we decided that we would begin dating, and four years later, moved into our first home, an apartment, together. We then had a house built new six years ago and have been there ever since. We have been together exclusively for fifteen years and are both healthy. Our home is located in a suburb of Chicago on a quiet court street. We have a large fenced-in back yard where our son can play in his pool, ride his big wheel, dig in his sand box, or play on his swing set. There are beautiful trees in our yard, planted by Shelley's father, and flower baskets line our fence. It is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

Our "Animal Family"
We have two cats and one parakeet. Our parakeet, Sophie, is green and yellow. We brought her home when we moved into our first home. Sophie spends her days singing and playing. Kailee Lynn is our five year old cat. She came home to us as a kitten. Her days became busier when Maggie, our four year old cat, came home to us in 2003. One of Jo Anne's students had kittens and chose to bring Maggie to us. Both cats enjoy playing together, watching Sophie in her cage, and being chased by Vadym.

About Shelley
Shelley has worked for a local grocery chain for the past 22 years as a cashier and trainer. Since the arrival of our son, she has changed her working hours to part time in the evenings so that she can be home to care for him.

About Jo Anne
Jo Anne is in her thirteenth year of teaching. She is a world language teacher and has taught both French and Spanish at the high school level. As a teacher, Jo Anne enjoys sharing language skills and cultural knowledge with all of her students. Jo Anne's work schedule provides for a sit-down family dinner each night before Shelley goes to work, as well as a lengthy summer vacation.

Our Life
Almost three years ago, we adopted our son, Vadym overseas. Just over a year old, Vadym was in an orphanage, unable to walk and waiting for parents. When the caretaker placed him into Jo Anne's arms, she knew immediately that he was meant for our family. What a bundle of joy he is! Within a month's time, he was walking, talking, and had a mouthful of teeth! He is now almost four years old. We chose to raise him bilingually, so he is fluent in French and English. Vadym is looking forward to beginning piano lessons in the next few months.

We enjoy taking vacations throughout the year. As a teacher, Jo Anne has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Canada and has also gone to Mexico and Costa Rica. Together, we have traveled to Canada and Europe. Since the arrival of our son, we have traveled each year to Canada and throughout the Eastern part of the United States. Favorite places include Montreal, Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Toronto, the Longaberger basket factory in Ohio, and the Sesame Place theme park in Levittown, Pennsylvania. We also take smaller trips during the year to neighboring Wisconsin and Iowa.

We have a family membership to the local zoo and the local children's museum. In addition, we attend local festivals, climb with our son at the park, and visit our friends.

Our Spirituality
Shelley is Christian, Jo Anne is Catholic. We have chosen to raise our son Catholic and had him baptized last year. Our local church has a wonderful children's program full of crafts, bible stories and songs that our son is looking forward to participating in when he turns four. Jo Anne has served as lector for special masses, reading scripture in French and Spanish and enjoys serving within the church.

Forrest, Shelley's dad, regularly spends time with us. He often can be found planting in the yard, feeding the outside birds, and playing trains with Vadym, his only grandchild. We have gone to the beach, museums, church picnics and outdoor festivals together. Vadym also has a special relationship with his godparents, Christine and Rob, whom he sees regularly both at home and at church events. Jo Anne's friend from college, Anna, and Anna's husband, Clemens, frequently do fun activities with us as well.

Your Child, Your Adoption
We hope that we have provided useful information about our family to you. If you would like to speak with us about adopting your child or have any questions for us, please contact one of our Adoption Advisors at AdoptHelp Toll Free by calling 1-800-637-7999. Thank you for your consideration.

Love,

Jo Anne and Shelley