Dear Birthparent,
We would like to thank you for taking the time to read and learn about our family. You are about to make an important decision for your child, which we sincerely honor and deeply respect. You are to be applauded for taking these steps of strength and courage by choosing adoption. As you begin to explore our family, we believe your heart and mind will be touched with an understanding of the warmth and love that is clearly present throughout our photos. Spending time with family and others is at the core of our values. This involves get-togethers for the holidays, traveling to our favorite vacation destinations and helping families in our church community. We believe that these experiences will foster a home environment of nurturing, self-discovery and overall growth.
Our Story
We have known each other for over eight years. The first two years involved a long-distance relationship that allowed us to travel frequently. During this time our love for each other grew. Knowing that we were meant to be together, we got married on a beautiful day in May. The weather could not have been more perfect and many of our family and friends were able to celebrate this special day with us.
During our wedding, we did a ceremony called “God’s Knot”, where we braided three cords together to indicate that God was going to be woven into our marriage from the very beginning. It was amazing to be surrounded by so much love and appreciation as we began our life together as husband and wife!
Shortly after being married we came to the understanding that having biological children was not possible. As a result, adoption became our heart’s desire. As both of us moved forward in our careers, we found ourselves working with children in church environments, managing child care programs and providing care for children in hospital settings. We love children and eagerly look forward to growing our family!
About Jodi
I have always had a great love for children, especially our two nephews and niece. We have a wonderful time when we get together. I have been blessed to have Ryan by my side through our journey. We have made many memories together and I am looking forward to our becoming parents and getting to make new memories with our child.
I am a Registered Nurse with experience in pediatrics. I am currently employed as a nursing computer specialist with a strong passion to help others in the healthcare field.
When it comes to my hobbies, I am very crafty and enjoy working with my hands, which involves scrapbooking, cross-stitch and building dollhouses. I love doing activities with family and friends, especially when it comes to camping and being outdoors. Overall others say that I am a big kid at heart, as I thoroughly enjoy interacting with all types of people.
Ryan’s thoughts about Jodi – Jodi is very smart, gentle, understanding and supportive. With all my heart, I believe that Jodi and I are meant to be together. She is a hard worker and certainly looks out for the needs of her family. Jodi is such a compassionate and loving person and will be a great mother. She was fortunate to have a quality and nurturing childhood that set a good example for her to follow. As a mother, she will embrace togetherness in a home filled with laughter, joy and Godly values!
About Ryan
I am a personable and straight-forward guy who loves spending time with family and friends. After working with so many children and families over the years, I am eager for us to have a child of our own that we can love, cherish, nurture and encourage.
My background consists of directing childcare programs for YMCA’s, ministering to children and counseling families. I am licensed as both a Minister and a clinical Marriage & Family Therapist. My current profession would allow me the flexibility of working part-time so that I may be home with our child.
When it comes to recreational activities, I love biking, camping, grilling, traveling for vacation, exploring new things, visiting family for the holidays and being outdoors. I also enjoy playing board games and watching family movies.
Jodi’s thoughts about Ryan – There are so many traits that I admire about my husband, it is hard to know where to begin. Ryan is a wonderful Godly man who loves others and cares deeply for me. He has a special gift with children and they just flock to him. He will be, without a doubt, an incredible father. He lives to have fun and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is a hard worker, responsible, and really desires to provide a good life for his family. I look forward to watching him with our child!
Our Home
We have a warm and spacious home with 3 large bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms. Our community has many neighborhood children and a newly constructed playground. The nearby area also has a number of recreational parks and activities that are only a short walk from our home. Our community offers us a safe and small-town feel with friendliness being at the heart of many.
Our cat, Precious, is extremely friendly and loves to cuddle and play; she will certainly be a fun playmate for any child. Stuffed animals and a child-sized rocker made by Jodi’s Grandfather are ready and waiting in the nursery, along with beautiful hand-made afghans from Ryan’s Grandmother!
We are truly thankful that God has blessed us with the financial stability to provide for opportunities that will surly enrich a child’s future and well-being.
Our Family
Our family is loving, compassionate and understanding of each other’s needs and desires. Attending church services and participating on a weekly basis is vitally important to us as a family. We love to be active outdoors with biking, swimming, walking, camping, exploring and more. We always find an adventure that awaits us as we go exploring!
A favorite family tradition is visiting loved ones for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Much food and giving thanks for the things we have are a part of our family gatherings. Decorating the house for the holidays, giving presents and celebrating the birth of Christ are central to our family.
Our Travel
We love to travel for vacation during the spring and fall seasons. Our favorite destinations involve visiting Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, Disney World in Orlando, Florida and the “Big Apple” in New York City! We have also traveled to Europe to explore various countries and have participated in cruises to the Caribbean Islands.
Ryan wanted to surprise Jodi and kept the honeymoon destination a secret until we arrived at the airport. Our destination was JAMAICA! We enjoyed a beautiful resort right on the beach. The honeymoon involved many long walks together, exploring the beach, swimming in the ocean and taking day trips around the island. One day we went horseback riding where we got to ride the horses while they were swimming in the ocean. Our favorite day trip was to the sugar sand beaches where the water was crystal clear and was very pleasant for swimming.
Our Friends
We have a variety of friends that we know and keep in contact with locally and throughout the country. When traveling, we are often able to reconnect with these friends. It is reassuring to know that friends are supporting us through this adoption journey and are eagerly awaiting a new addition to our family!
Our Promise
We are excited to have the opportunity to become parents through adoption. As we mentioned before, we thank you for taking the time to read and learn about our family. Know that our home will always be full of laughter, love, strong values and encouragement.
We understand the responsibilities that come with raising a child and take this commitment very seriously. Our promise is to always love and cherish your child unconditionally, while supporting their talents and abilities. They will grow and develop in a healthy and safe environment while cherishing memories that will last for a lifetime.
In closing, be assured that we will always share with your child their “adoption story” of the loving choice you so humbly made and how they came to be a part of our lives. We are willing to send regular letters and pictures of your child’s development. If we can answer any questions or share additional information with you about our family, please don’t hesitate to ask, we are here for you!
From our family to yours, we send our love and prayers,
Ryan and Jodi
