Nicole and Lisa
Dear Birth Parents,
Our names are Lisa and Nicole. We moved to Portland in 2001 from just outside New York City where we met working in a magazine test kitchen. We have been together 10 wonderful years and are excited to embark on the adventure of parenthood—the unfolding mystery of what this little person will become. Family, as we know from our own lives, isn’t always cut and dried: our family includes stepparents and step grandparents, half siblings, large extended families on both sides, and a network of deep friendships. We treasure and rely on all of those relationships and that is part of the reason open adoption seems like such a great fit. We believe that every child should have as many people as possible to cheer them on—including you!
Lisa, on the right, is calm, easy going and a bit of a daydreamer. But when she takes on a project, be it a big one like terracing the front yard, or a little one like making a sand mermaid at the beach, she is extremely focused and determined. She doesn’t like to be told something isn’t possible and will figure out a way to do it, whatever “it” is. She’s a crazy gardener and has lured in Nicole…we have a flower garden, a vegetable garden, and too many houseplants to count. She baked and cooked professionally for many years—so if she’s feeling bored with what’s for dinner, she’s likely to try something she’s never made before, like an exotic Indonesian curry or Mexican-style pork smoked in banana leaves. She loves to read, is a crossword puzzle fanatic, and adores animation. She currently works in media production from home on a project basis, so has time to keep the home fires burning. She is excitedly looking forward to being home with the baby during the first few years.
Nicole, on the left, is excitable and talkative, seemingly high energy, but needing her precious nap and quiet time to feel happy and well-balanced. She loves to walk our dog Stella, the faster the better, sometimes in circles around Lisa who is poking along, admiring the flowers. Though cautious in decision-making and the worrier in the family, Nicole is not afraid to take risks for future happiness (like falling in love, starting a new career, or embarking on the open-adoption path.) She just thinks you need to talk about it, make a good plan, and then anything is possible. Her not-so-secret goofy side includes busting silly dance moves in public, teasing her boss, getting the dog all worked up, and crouching in front of the oven watching cookies bake. Yes, she’s got quite a sweet tooth, baking since she was 8 years old, but she is also keen on eating healthy and has never met a vegetable she didn’t like. She has written 3 cookbooks and magazine articles galore in addition to her full-time job as the Research and Development manager for a local food company.
We live in a quiet neighborhood nestled in the city, within walking distance to shops and restaurants, and surrounded by parks. We entertain a lot, cooking big meals for friends and family on holidays and hosting laidback summer BBQs on the deck or in our big backyard. Most days end up with us (“us” including the dog and the 2 cats, ZsaZsa and DeWayne) in a happy pile reading or watching television. We still like one another’s company better than any other person in the whole world and treasure our “together alone” time. We’ve made a nice little nest and feel now is just the right time to add a baby. We respect the strength it takes to consider adoption and want you to know that you would always be welcome in our lives and the baby’s.
Lisa & Nicole
For this family's complete adoptive parent profile, please contact Open Adoption and Family Services.