Hello! We are Laura and Phil from Ontario, Canada. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our profile.

For the past five years, we have tried to start our family. We have experienced loss, setbacks, and struggles on our journey to become parents, but we are not discouraged. Though we are unable to have biological children, it has not diminished our desire to be parents or lessened the love we have to give a child.

We have been talking about the idea of adoption for over two years now; however, Laura has always felt a calling to adopt. It can be a difficult and lengthy process adopting in Canada, so we are grateful to be able to start our family through adoption in the United States.

If given the opportunity, you can be sure that your child will be raised in a loving home where they are surrounded by a supportive family and a community of culture. They will grow up knowing of your tremendous sacrifice and selflessness. From the bottom of our hearts, we truly thank you for considering us as potential adoptive parents.

Laura and Phil

The year was 2005. We were both single and looking to meet someone. One of my co-workers suggested that I join a softball team. Even though I do not possess a single athletic bone in my body, I overlooked that fact and decided to sign up. Meanwhile, that same co-worker asked his cousin, Phil, to join the team.

At our first practice, I still remember seeing Phil for the very first time and thinking that this was the man I was going to marry. Call it fate, destiny, coincidence, or craziness, we both found exactly what we were looking for.

We dated for nine years and were finally married in July 2014. Our time together has been filled with both highs and lows: we have traveled, become an aunt and uncle to 8 amazing nieces and nephews, struggled with infertility, and lost loved ones. Throughout it all, our relationship has only strengthened. We have seen each other at our very best and worst, and we still continue to choose to say “I do” every day.

I was born in a small town in Manitoba, Canada. I have one older sister, Erin, who is married to Jeff and they have two young boys, Gregory (10), and Ethan (5). My childhood was spent outside biking around with my friends, playing in parks and other activities like road hockey and baseball. My best friends as a teenager in Ontario were my two cousins who lived one block down the street from our home.

After high school, I graduated from college with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. I quickly started my career as a Methods Technician, where we manufacture commuter rail trains for cities all over Canada and the United States.

There are not enough words to describe just how special Phil is. He can be very quiet and keep to himself. However, if someone takes the time to get to know him, they will quickly realize all that he has to offer. What I have fallen in love with most is Phil’s patience. He is selfless, loyal, and hardworking. Phil may not be a man of many words, but his actions speak louder than any words ever could. Phil is one of the funniest people I know. He is also someone who is completely devoted to his friends and family. Whether it’s helping a friend to build a fence or deck, teaching his nephews to skate, shoveling my parent’s driveway unprompted, or hosting family functions, Phil is always there and ready to help.

I remember my father always telling us as kids, “Family first. Family always.” Looking back, my memories are happy ones centred on traditions and events with my extended family: Christmas Eve at my zii (Italian for aunt and uncle) Maria and Louis’ house, summer BBQs at my zii Pina and Saverio’s, and annual road trips with my cousins (who are like my brothers and sisters).

Since I come from a family of teachers, it was no surprise that I followed in their footsteps. I obtained my teaching degree (as well as a Masters degree in History), and for the past ten years I have had the privilege to teach history at one of our local high schools. This job has not only afforded me the opportunity to share in uninterrupted time with family over holidays and the summers, it allows me the flexibility to take additional time off if needed.

Laura is the best wife a man could ever ask for. She self-sacrifices throughout our marriage and relationship and will do so for her children one day. Laura is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met. As a high school teacher, she is very committed to ensuring her students have the best possible education. She also volunteers her time to various extracurricular activities, including managing sports teams and yearbook and graduation committees.

Laura’s parents are Italian immigrants to Canada, and she embraces the best parts of their heritage and culture. She is very family-oriented and would do anything for them, especially her 8 nieces and nephews.

Laura’s Family: I have lived in the same town my entire life and couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow up. I am the middle child of five daughters: Christie, Stephanie, (me), Samantha, and Alyssa. Needless to say my childhood was very loud but wonderful. I grew up celebrating the culture and traditions of my Italian family: playing soccer, making sauce, baking biscotti, believing in la befana, and attempting to learn the language. Being so close as children hasn’t changed as adults. Two of my sisters live down the street from us, and the rest of my family is a five-minute drive away. This makes visits and get-togethers easy and frequent.

Phil’s Family: My father is a typical handyman, knowing a little about a lot of things. He got this from his father, and he has taught me to be self-sufficient just like them. My close family always makes a point of getting together for all major events and holidays. My parents are very involved and supportive of Laura and me. They often like to pop in on weekends for afternoon tea and social visits.

We reside in a beautiful city located on the shores of Lake Superior, nestled within the boreal forest, and only 40 minutes from the American border in Minnesota. It is surrounded by natural beauty which includes Kakabeka Falls (The Niagara of the North), the Sleeping Giant, and hundreds of parks and conservation areas. Our neighborhood has an eclectic mixture of ages, races, and religions and is located near many schools, several of which are within walking distance. We are especially lucky because our house backs onto a large park with a playground. In the winter, there are hills for kids to toboggan, rinks to skate and play hockey, and fireworks to watch on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Christmas is our favorite time of year as it is filled with a lot of festivities, family, and food. We enjoy baking gingerbread men and sugar cookies, watching Christmas classics like Elf, and having family dinners. But, one of the best and most meaningful traditions we started four years ago is traveling to Tofte, Minnesota. Instead of buying each other presents for Christmas, we decided to give one another the gift of time and memories. We (all of my sisters, their husbands, and their children) rent a cabin for five days and spend time “unplugged” and uninterrupted with each other. We hike the trails, go skating, have bonfires, play games, and ring in the New Year.

Again, we want to thank you so much for considering us as adoptive parents. If we are blessed to be chosen by you, please know that we vow to give your child the best life. They will grow up in a home filled with Phil’s amazing cooking, Laura’s embarrassing dance moves, and cousins coming by to play. We will always read to them before bedtime, cheer them on way too loudly from the stands, and support all of their dreams and ambitions. Throughout it all, they will be safe; they will be supported; and, they will be loved.

Laura & Phil