Melissa and Mark
Dear Birthparents-
Hi! Our names are Mark and Melissa and we want to thank you for taking the time to read through our letter to you. We understand that this is an emotional time and we know that you will make the right decision for you and your child. Know that we sincerely want the best outcome for your family.
When Mark and I started to discuss adoption to build our family, we knew from the beginning that an open-adoption situation would be the right choice for us. I am a child of a closed adoption. Experiencing first hand what is is like to grow up with unanswered questions about who I look like, where I inherited some of my personality traits and wondering about members of my birth family made the decision to look for an open adoption easy. My husband, Mark, also has experience in adoption, as his sister placed a child through open adoption almost 20 years ago. His family experience has been a positive one, and he knew that inviting other families to be a part of ours felt right for him too.
Mark and I have been married since August 2004. We married later in life and have one son; his name is Leo. He was born in November 2007 and is currently a busy, healthy and very curious toddler. He has his own special birth story too. Although he is ours biologically, I could not carry him. Leo's Auntie Ruth carried and delivered him for us. He has been an absolute joy and blessing. I am lucky enough to be a stay at home mom, leaving a career as a middle school administrator to spend my days taking care of Leo.
As a family we are very relaxed and take time to enjoy each moment together. Leo starts his day, usually really early, with his dad for morning cuddles and a bottle along with a bit of play time downstairs with our three dogs; sometimes he even get a bit of his dad's breakfast. Once back upstairs, dad gets ready for work and Leo and I take care of upstairs chores like laundry, showering, picking up his room and getting ready for the day. We have breakfast and play time together and by then he is ready for a nap. I really enjoy snuggling up for nap time with Leo. This is my quiet time in the day and as he sleeps next to me I read or work on a cross-stitch craft. Our afternoons are spent around town running errands, visiting friends for play dates, going to the YMCA and maybe having lunch with Mark. I really enjoy cooking and like to experiment in the kitchen so early evening is dinner prep time. Eating as a family is a priority, unless it is Leo's swim class night or we have an evening planned with one of our friends/neighbors. Leo really loves his evenings with his dad. He is all grins and giggles when Mark walks in the door and as they play after dinner in the family room.
Mark and I like to spend our time at night reading a book together, playing games, either the old-fashion Yatzee or our new night-time obsession/competition on our Wii video system. We also love reality shows, serious TV dramas and a classic comedy sitcom. We have a deep respect for each other and a solid marriage based on Christian values. We love to travel and experience new things. One of the things that makes our relationship so strong and fun is that we make a great team. Mark and I compliment one another really well, work daily on building a healthy marriage and laugh a lot together.
Our life is very fulfilling and we look forward to expanding our family to include you.
We are optimistic and hopeful about having another baby. We are excited to invite you to be a part of our family as we raise our children and watch them grow into good- hearted and loving adults. We hope you feel the same and want to learn more about us. It is our strong opinion that any child with multiple adults to love and guide them along the way is blessed and will have a happy and successful life.
Many Blessings to you-
Mark, Melissa and Leo
For this family's complete adoptive parent profile, please contact Open Adoption and Family Services.