Dear Expectant Parent(s),

We would like to thank you for taking the time to get to know us. Although we are not in your shoes, we imagine it would be a difficult time for you and we respect and admire your decision. We hope that you can be at peace knowing that your child will be loved and cared for and that possibly in the future, your child will be a great source of comfort and joy to you, as well as to the family you choose. May you know we keep all birthmothers in our hearts and pray for you each day. We are very much aware that your loss would be our greatest gift and that will never be forgotten.

Our decision to adopt has come at the end of a long, painful struggle with infertility. We have mourned our loss and now our hearts are open and ready to love a child. Adoption is a blessing for us, our chance to be the parents we so want to be, to share our lives and love with a child.

Our names are Wendy and Brian. We met 12 years ago at a volleyball league and we’ve been together ever since. We were married on July 20, 2002, the happiest and most beautiful day of our lives. We have settled into our home in Courtice, Ontario. Brian works as a manager of a health centre as well as the founder of a bird observatory and Wendy is an elementary school teacher. Wendy is one of the most dedicated teachers I know and I’m not just saying that because she’s my wife. She really cares for her students and would do anything to see that they get a chance in life.

She coaches several of the girls and boys team sports (volleyball, track & field, baseball and academic competitions) and plans special trips and events for her classes every year to broaden their experiences. She loves sharing jokes or telling funny stories to her students and tells me of all the funny comments the kids say and how much they make her laugh out loud. I know the reason why so many children want to be in Wendy’s class; she will ensure they learn while having fun too.

We have great respect for each other, passion and deep love. The many struggles we have faced together have brought us closer and we know that we can make it through anything together. We are best friends and share so many things in common, but mostly our deep desire to be parents. We have much to offer a child, a loving home, a model of respect and love for each other, family values, and most importantly, unconditional love. Nothing in this world would make us happier than being parents.

Wendy about Brian

Falling in love with Brian was the easiest, most natural thing I have ever done in my life. He is the best man I have ever known. He is loving, supportive, strong, generous, intelligent, and funny. I love his laugh and the corners of his mouth when he smiles. I have never felt safer than when I am in his arms. Brian is a twin, the oldest of three boys. He was and still is involved in many sports and activities. Brian has worked in provincial parks as a naturalist and develops children’s programs for families in the Ontario park system. He has a wide range of interests and hobbies. Brian has taught me a great deal over the years. His knowledge and love of the outdoors and nature is something that has enhanced my life since knowing him.

Brian has shared his passion for birds, camping and sports with me. I never imagined before that I would ever hold a hawk in my hands or go golfing. Brian’s enthusiasm for nature is something we will all share in as a family with canoeing and camping trips or just a walk in the woods. Brian is the most grounded and well-rounded person I know. He is always optimistic, welcoming and a trusted and loyal friend to many. Brian went to university at Carleton in Ottawa and graduated with a B.A. in Science. He is an avid naturalist/outdoorsman, fisherman, and golfer. Brian is also an artist. He has completed many pencil sketches of various birds, my favourite being the chickadee he did just for me after our first walk at the shore when they fed out of my hand.

Brian’s artwork is proudly displayed in our home and in many homes of our friends and family. Brian also enjoys writing children’s stories about animals and is learning to play the violin. He amazes me everyday at the range of his talents and gifts. He is easy going, fun and a lover of life. When I think about all of things that Brian can teach and share with a child and how much he wants to be a dad, my heart is overloaded. I knew early on that Brian was the person that I wanted to raise children with as he is full of goodness and love. I know that Brian will be the most kind, gentle and patient father. He loves children and they love him.

When Brian and I were first dating, he loved taking my nephews to the movies, bowling, sharing his love of birds. He has always made them and his relationship with them a priority. They loved playing video games or road hockey together. Our nephews love their Uncle Brian so much. They are almost grown now, but as they grow so does Brian’s relationship with them. He has rarely missed one of their hockey games in 12 years. Now they go to Leaf games, golf and fish together. Brian is truly special and I saw this in him in the beginning of our relationship and it has only strengthened over time. Just recently we babysat for friends and their girls were all snuggled up with him watching Shrek. That’s the kind of father he will be; loving, hands on, involved, caring and nurturing. The kind of dad a child would love to have. The kind of dad I want to have a child with.

Brian about Wendy

Wendy first captivated me on the volleyball court. Her smile, laugh, beauty and loving nature had me captivated within a very short time. I was in search of someone who would join me in my life and experiences. Wendy was very open to trying outdoorsy activities like canoeing into Algonquin Park for a few days, going fishing or helping out at the bird observatory. She is always a go-getter and I appreciate her determination and drive no matter what she does. Although she doesn’t admit it she has many athletic talents as well as being a very creative person who likes to write poetry, journaling, and loves to paint, decorate, cook and bake. She has designed and decorated our home with enthusiasm and love.

Wendy is a very loving wife and person who would do anything to have children. She has a great sense of humour and laughs at all my corny impressions and jokes. We laugh together so much that at times, we are both rolling on the floor! There is a lot of laughter in our home. Wendy is encouraging and supportive and has stood behind me no matter what is happening. Another reason that I love Wendy is her special relationship with children; she makes them feel special. Whether it’s her nephews or her classroom full of children she makes an impact on their lives as well as mine.

I have visited her classes and you can feel the respect and love "her kids" have for her and she for them. This is evident by the many times students from years back still come to visit her to seek her advice or just share what’s happening in their lives. Our fridge often has poems, cards and notes that her kids make for her. She jokes with them, yet is firm in her guidance. They walk with her when she is on yard duty and talk non-stop about their ideas, feelings and opinions. Students go to Wendy for a hug, a word of cheer or a laugh. Many times she is referred to as their ’’favourite teacher’’ or ’’the best teacher ever’’. She laughs when she hears this, but it touches her heart. Wendy is the kind of person that people are drawn to; she is compassionate, caring and fun. Wendy wants so much to share our lives with a child; it is her deepest desire and her greatest prayer. She was born to be a mom.

When I first met Wendy’s mother I saw a deep, caring, strong, warm woman whose greatest love and commitment was to her children. I now see that in Wendy as well. Wendy and her mom were so close to each other, you know there was an unshakable bond between them. They were best friends and would talk for hours about everything and nothing while cooking together in the kitchen. I could imagine Wendy with a son or daughter teaching them how to bake cookies or ice a cake, cheering them on at one of their sport games (you should hear her cheer at her nephews hockey games!) or helping them with their homework at the kitchen table. I see so much of that now in her interactions with her nephews and how she cares for and loves them as if they were her own. Wendy takes great joy in going to all their sporting events, taking them on weekend trips, making special birthday cakes, and making sure they have a big turkey dinner every Christmas. Sharing with them, those are the times they remember and hold dear.

I also see how our godchildren, Caisey and Marley, are attached to Wendy. The girls want to share everything with her, stories about school, their new clothes or how many goals they scored in soccer or hockey. They love to see Wendy and give her a hug knowing there might also be cookies behind her back. One day last summer Wendy and I decided to catch one of four year old Caisey’s soccer games at the local arena. We walked in and sat down along the back end of the field with her grandma. Caisey was at the other end of the field standing with her dad getting ready to play. I called over and waved thinking I would get a wave back, instead Caisey comes tearing across the field and jumps into our arms to give us a big hug. It certainly made us feel special and brought home how we so much want to be parents. We dream of the day that we are taking our child to soccer, hockey or dance, and sharing those times with them.

Our Wedding

After several years of living together, Brian surprised me with a ring during a walk in the park. We were married in Bowmanville on July 20, 2002. Our wedding was the most beautiful day of our lives. We knew and loved each person who celebrated with us, our friends, family, co-workers and even some of the youth Brian is involved with at work attended the service. It was a magical day full of laughter, dancing and memories. It was perfect.

Our Home

We purchased our new home in July of 2000 in Courtice. We have spent a lot of time outside in the garden and inside decorating. It is a comfortable four bedroom home close to several schools and community centres. We share our home with our adorable yellow Lab, Tucker. He is three years old and loves to play with children. Brian and Tucker compete in Disc (Frisbee) competitions. Tucker took home first place at his very first competition. We were very proud of him! Tucker also loves going for long walks and most of all swimming. He is learning to be a good canoeing companion for Brian.

Our Families

I (Wendy) am the youngest daughter of six children. I have three older sisters, two younger brothers, three nieces, 6 nephews and a great niece and nephew with another on the way. I am particularly close to my two nephews who live in Oshawa. I am also their godmother. Brian and I spend a lot of time with them, going to their hockey games, having them over, going fishing, helping them with their homework, and sharing their lives. I have a close, loving relationship with my Dad, although he lives in New Brunswick, where I grew up. I lost my mother to cancer 4 years ago. My mother was my best friend, confidante, cheerleader and first love; losing her was the hardest time of my life. I miss her every single day. She knew how much I wanted to be a mother. My family is very excited and supportive of our decision to adopt.

I (Brian) am the oldest of three boys. One of my brothers is my twin. My family has a long history in Oshawa, since the mid-1850’s, where I spent the majority of my childhood until I left for University. Both of my brothers moved to Ottawa. My younger brother has a wife and daughter, Emily and my twin works for the Ministry of Natural Resources. We visit with our parents each year and try to get everyone together as often as we can.

My mother has recently moved to Goderich with her husband but is down visiting almost every month. She is a very loving person who thinks of others before herself. My father is retired and lives in Michigan. My brothers and I have an annual fishing and golfing weekend with our father every year somewhere in Ontario or Michigan and share other visits throughout the year. Our family grew up going camping or to the cottage, fishing, hiking and exploring most of the east coast. All of us love nature and being outdoors. There is nothing like having a family camping trip, roasting marshmallows around the fire and fishing, hiking and boating. These are certainly my favourite memories as a family and a big influence on my passion for nature.

I have shared my enthusiasm for the outdoors with Wendy’s nephews and now they have got the bug too! Both of my parents are very excited about the possibility of having another grandchild to love, adore and spoil. My parents and grandparents were very supportive in my numerous and various extracurricular activities such as baseball, hockey, lacrosse, bowling, golfing and volleyball. Wendy and I look forward to providing the same kind of support for our child.

Hobbies/Interests

Wendy and I play baseball, volleyball, and golf together as well as the occasional spin in the canoe. We both like working with our hands whether it’s to build decks, cabinets, painting, gardening or landscape around our home. In the spring and fall I help operate a bird observatory which involves banding songbirds and owls. We occasionally go fishing or for a bike ride in the country. In the winter Wendy downhill skis while I practice my snowboarding and we both love to go skating at the arena or play some pond hockey with our nephews.

Tucker

We have always wanted a dog and had been looking at several breeds for awhile. One of Brian’s volunteers at the bird observatory mentioned one day that she had puppies so Brian went to investigate and found himself surrounded by 10 lab/terrier mix puppies. She offered one to us as she knew we would provide a good home. As you can imagine at 3 weeks old they were pretty cute. Wendy was still undecided until the day she came by the farm to see them. Ten puppies bounding across the lawn looking to lick and nibble your feet has a profound sense of persuasion. It wasn’t a minute later that Wendy asked me "Which one is ours?" Tucker has certainly touched our hearts with the love he has to share. He is very smart and loves it when children come over as they never get tired of playing with him. Tucker’s favourite game is Frisbee and if it was up to him, we would play Frisbee all day. His enthusiasm has lead to Tucker and Brian competing in Frisbee competitions. Tucker is registered with the Canadian Disc Dog Association and recently took first place in his first two competitions.

Vacations

Family vacations are very important to us. We went to Jamaica for our honeymoon and have visited Wendy’s family and friends in the Maritimes almost every summer. Visiting New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island in the summer is very beautiful and there is always something to do and new things to experience. We have been to several weddings out east and have explored the National Parks and Bay of Fundy. We also enjoy camping and have rented cottages in various parts of Ontario. Tucker just loves cottage life and the idea of being around water all the time. We can’t wait to share this lifestyle with our child.

Our Dream

Our dream is to add a child to love to our family. We promise to love and cherish your child. We promise to provide a stable, caring, nurturing and healthy home to your child. We promise to teach them with gentle guidance and to love them without condition; to give them the opportunity to grow and discover in themselves an individual. We will always support any natural talents or interests that your child shows. We promise to support your child emotionally, physically and spiritually for all of our lives. We promise to encourage them to strive to reach their potential and to be there whether they succeed or fail. We promise to show them our love through our actions every day. We promise to be open and honest with them and with you throughout their life.

We would love to keep in contact with you and provide you with letters, pictures and videos of your child. We imagine knowing about your child’s milestones, accomplishments, likes and dislikes and whatever you would like to know would provide you with some comfort. We hope to keep the lines of communication open between our families throughout the years. Should you wish to provide letters or anything for your child we would treasure these keepsakes and be sure to share the importance of them with your child.

We would be honoured to be chosen as the parents of your baby and would forever be grateful for this blessing. We want to thank you for taking the time to learn about us. It is difficult to put in words how much we truly want to be parents and all of the love we have to share. We hope that this has given you some idea of the kind of parents we would be to your child and that this has given you some small comfort in the very difficult choice you are making. We can’t express how much respect we have for you and we are in awe at your strength and courage in choosing this option. We will make sure your child always knows how much you love them and what a sacrifice you have made for them.

May God bless you and guide you in your decision.

Heartfelt Wishes,
Wendy and Brian