Meet Pat & Jennifer

dear birth mother:

First of all, thank you so much for taking time to read about our family. We think that your decision to possibly place your child with us will be one that you can trust will be the best for him or her. Since we already have been through the adoption process, we have a bit of an idea what you may be going through. The openness with our son Aiden's birthmother has been a positive experience for all of us.

Which brings us to having you read this now. We are the Sullivan family, which is made up of Patrick, Jennifer, Aiden, and Bella. Yeah, Bella's a two year old beagle, but we consider her family. We know a picture says a thousand words, but we'll try to use a few words in this letter to tell you about us…

I, Patrick, am a junior high teacher in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, not far from our home. When I'm not teaching language arts during the school year, I'm working for the summers with a local park district's maintenance crew, racing my bicycle, running here and there, reading everything from comic books to nonfiction, and slaving in my flower and vegetable gardens. Well, not slaving, but picking a few tomatoes for a dinner salad. I've loved teaching for the last twelve years, and the short hours/work year give me time to spend with the family, whether at church, walking in the forest preserves, sitting around watching cartoons, or chasing each other in the backyard. And now, we feel, is the time to make our family a bit bigger.

I, Jennifer, am also a teacher, although I prefer first graders. I've been in the classroom for over fifteen years. I could NEVER think of doing anything else. One of the great perks of this age is that I've brought home a bunch of CDs filled with silly songs that Aiden and I listen to in the car (even thought his dad covers his ears a lot). There isn't anything I can think of that I enjoy better than taking a 5:30-6:00 pm walk with Pat, Aiden, and Bella. My sister and her Lab join us sometimes since she and my mom live a few blocks away. When I need to get away for "me time," I like to do Pilates, read a good book, or hit a movie with my friends. I really look forward to summer vacations so Aiden and I can attend his swim class!

I, Aiden, have only been a Sullivan for two years. Well, I've only been alive for two years. I get to visit my birthmother and two brothers every few months or so. I like when we visit at the park, but I really enjoyed the first time they came to my house this past summer. I know why I was placed with the Sullivans; my birthmother could not do for me everything that she wanted to. But I'm so happy I can still visit with her and write/get letters and pictures from her. As for my mom and dad, we have a blast! They've taught me to be nice to Bella, even if she does take my sticks when we're in the backyard. I don't go a night without a few stories read to me (they're teachers, ya know). My grandmas, grandpa, aunts, uncles, and countless cousins are always wanting time with me and trying to get me to say a ton of words. I do know sign language pretty well. They're also having my Aunt Clementina speak Spanish to me once in a while.

Although this is a very brief look into our lives, we hope that we can fill you in on the rest down the road. We'd again like to express our appreciation for taking us into consideration for your child's placement. Good luck to you, and we hope that we can in some way be a part of your child's future. God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

The Sullivans