Us

We live in a small town nestled in the midst of two state parks. We like taking long hikes in the woods behind our home with our dog Petie, and when the weather is nice we grab our bikes and go riding. In the winter we like to ski or ice skate. When the weather is not so nice, we like to spend time together indoors cooking, baking, reading, building models or just lighting a fire and watching a funny movie.

We are sure you are asking "What would life growing up with Paul and Lisa be like". There will be lots of love, laughter and learning. Our children will experience different cultures by spending time with Pauls family in Switzerland and travelling with us to different parts of the world. A child of ours will learn to have respect for the world around them and everyones ideas and beliefs. They will learn the value of hard work and that they can achieve anything they set their mind to. And, if they try hard but fail, its ok - just pick yourself up and keep going.

They will have lots of fun too with play dates, story time at the local library, ski trips, birthday parties, family dinners, trick or treating and baking Christmas cookies. And they will always know that they part of a family where they are loved and cherished. They will also know the story of how they came to be part of this family and the important part you played.

Lisa (by Paul)

Lisa is going to make a great mom. She is the grounded one of the two of us, which keeps me out of trouble (most times). She adores her niece Cassidy and nephew Ryan, and spends as much time with them as she can. It's fun watching her fuss to go over to their house on the way home from work; can't forget the new toys or books, oh no! Her brother and sister-in-law like it too - free babysitting! Lisa likes to travel too, I have been lucky to be able to take her to Europe a few times, and she's not afraid of a challenging place to go like: Russia!

Lisa loves to bake and likes to make up her own recipes from scratch; it's really a challenge to not sneak fresh cookies when she's distracted from watching the cooling racks! Some of Lisa's favorite things to do are trips to the Botanical Gardens with her Mom, or Apple picking with Cassidy and Ryan. She also likes to take long rides through the country on her bike with me (although I always seem to go too fast), and hike the park trails with our dog Petie.

Paul (by Lisa)

Paul is the most practical person I know, but also one of the funniest. Decisions regarding important matters, like money, careers, a place to live etc., are all carefully researched and thought through. Paul is one of five brothers and sisters. He is the quietest one in his very outspoken family. If there was ever someone to whom the expression "actions speak louder than words" applied to, it would be Paul. He may not necessarily say that he's sorry I had a bad day, but he will give me a big hug when I walk in the door or do something funny to try and make me laugh. He has a mischievous streak a mile wide, which can sometimes drive everyone a little bit nuts, but life is never dull.

Pauls favorite things to do in his spare time are cycling and building plastic models (Historical Miniatures - p). He is active in a modeling club. He spends hours patiently gluing, sanding and painting each part. He also really enjoys photography and we have a million pictures to prove it. All of these qualities are what will help Paul be a great dad - that and the fact that he makes great pancakes and can even make cauliflower taste good.

Family & Friends

Our friends and family are very important to us and we spend as much time as we can with all of them. We are together for all the holidays, birthdays and the many times in between. Paul and I both have cousins that were adopted as well. Lisa's brother and his family are a short drive from our house and her mother lives close by. We can pretty safely say that all of our friends and family members are eagerly anticipating the day that Paul and I finally become parents. They are really excited at the prospect of expanding our family.

Petie

My name is Petie. When I was three months old, I was adopted from the animal shelter where Lisa was doing volunteer work. Paul and Lisa taught me how to do some really cool things and they give me treats when I do them, which is great because eating is my favorite thing to do next to sleeping of course. They take me on long walks in the woods and chase me around with my toys. I have lots of friends in the neighborhood and they are always happy to see me. Children are my favorite humans of all, and I cover them with doggie kisses every chance I get.

We are really happy that you took the time to meet us through these pages. We cannot even begin to understand the enormity of your decision, but we know that you will make the best choice for you and your baby.

Wishing you all the best.. Paul & Lisa