Meet Laura & Phil
dear birth mother:
Let us start by introducing ourselves to you - Phil, Laura and Megan. As we write this letter, we are excited, happy, hopeful, but mostly grateful that you are taking the time to learn about us, the life we have built together and our strong desire to bring another child into our family - a child we can nurture, teach, guide and love with all our hearts.
This must be a difficult time for you as you consider adoption. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and that you have our support as you make this decision- perhaps the most important of your life. We believe that placing a child for adoption is truly an act of love, kindness and selflessness, and we hope that after you read this letter and learn more about us, your decision will bring you comfort, peace and a knowing that we would surround your child with a love that knows no bounds.
About us: We have been happily married for thirteen years and truly enjoy each other's company. Our lives are woven together by many threads- love, understanding, forgiveness, kindness and the desire to raise a family. We tried for several years to have a baby- consulting an infertility specialist and undergoing the tests, surgeries and procedures that accompany the process. Our efforts had not worked. We consulted St. Mary Services and in March 2004 our dream of becoming parents became a reality with the adoption of our daughter Megan Faith. It was the happiest day of our lives. We enjoy Megan thoroughly and would be honored to bring another child into our home and hearts- this is what brings us to you today.
About Phil: Phil is a Solutions Engineer for Hitachi Data Systems. His office is conveniently located near our home. Phil has the flexibility to work out of the house, which allows him to spend more time with Laura and Megan. He is then able to attend all of Megan's school functions and activities. Phil is an exercise enthusiast, going to the gym nearly every morning for a good work-out. He also enjoys swimming in the backyard pool, computers, movies and working on his remote controlled airplane. He is a kind and loving man who adores his family
About Laura: Laura is a licensed hair stylist who retired early to stay home and take care of her family - her priority of the heart. She enjoys the privilege of being able to stay home to raise Megan. Over the years she has provided care for many of her friends' children. As Phil says, "Laura was born to be a mom!" She enjoys baking, exercising, reading, scrapbooking and long walks with Phil, Megan and the dogs.
About Megan: Megan is a very active and happy five year old. She loves school and will be attending kindergarten in the fall. Megan enjoys dance class, soccer and swimming lessons. She is very excited about becoming a "big sister" and has asked us if she could feed the baby its bottle. Megan can't wait to have a sibling to play and grow up with.
About the pets: Farley, 9, Rigby, 4, and Gus 5 months, have full run of the house. They are happy and playful and Phil, Laura and Megan spend a lot of time playing with them and taking them on long walks in the evening. Rigby is easy-going and fun-loving. Farley is what Phil calls "high maintenance" and wants to be boss. Gus is just your typical puppy who wants to play and be chased by Megan in the back yard. They are a loveable group.
About our families: Our families on both sides are thrilled we have made the decision to adopt again. Everyone lives in the Chicagoland area and there are frequent family get-togethers with a lot of food, fun, laughter and love to go around for everyone. The grandparents and great-grandma adore Megan and are especially thrilled to have another grandchild to love and spoil. Laura's mom can't wait to read and play with the baby. Laura's dad is hoping the baby learns to love trains as much as he does. Laura's brother is anxious to teach the new little one how to draw and play the guitar. Phil's mother is looking forward to having a fourth grandchild to hug and Phil's sister's face lights up every time "the new baby" is discussed- she has two sons. Laura's grandma is knitting a christening blanket. Everyone- from grandparents to uncles, aunts and cousins- is excited about the prospect of spending time with the newest, little member of the family as a child is the greatest gift of all.
Why we are adopting: After several years of trying to have a baby and undergoing many infertility treatments, we decided adoption was a wonderful choice for us. When we adopted Megan we had a terrific experience and could not have been happier. We want to continue to share our lives with children we can raise to be kind and loving individuals who will make a positive difference in the lives they touch. Giving our children love, understanding and support; the opportunity to realize their dreams; and the security of a strong and loving family is extremely important to us.
The importance of knowing where you came from: Phil and I have a very open and honest relationship with each other and with our daughter. We believe strongly in open adoption because of the many benefits it has. Megan was told at an early age that she was adopted. She knows her birth mother and has a special bond that exists between the two of them. We exchange pictures and letters with Megan's birth mother and have occasional visits with her. This is our way of helping Megan develop good and lasting memories. We hope to have a similar relationship with you. Your child will always know how special you are, how wonderful the gift you gave us, and most importantly, we will teach him or her how important, how special, and how much he or she is loved.
Thank you so very much for reading our letter and considering us. We hope with all our hearts that we will be able to add another child to our family.
Phil and Laura
