We decided to expand our family

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Juliana Hardy
5 years ago
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1 Joel & Becca

would have to be, "nothing we do is without thought and

smitten during our first meeting, but I needed a little

When we met in college there was definitely a connection of

We spent the first summer becoming really good friends.

standing in my doorway with bandaged shins, a cane, a

If I wasn't smitten at first sight, I was all in then.

break for five, and fixed our mistake in 2006.

written by Becca We've been married for almost seven years,

We live in Natick, Massachusetts, with our spunky

We are mere minutes away from my parents, our jobs, and

Joel's mother and brother's family are only a few hours

Family time is important to us and thanks to technology

into words everything we are feeling in this moment, but

for you cannot compare to the decision you are considering

We admire your courage and love for your unborn child that

If you are reading this then you know what it means to have

2 HELLOand Thank you! We are excited about having the possibility of having your child join our family. If we could sum up our story in a few simple words, it would have to be, "nothing we do is without thought and love." the start of our family Joel claims that he was smitten during our first meeting, but I needed a little more convincing. When we met in college there was definitely a connection of some kind. We spent the first summer becoming really good friends. I remember the day I realized I had fallen for him: he was standing in my doorway with bandaged shins, a cane, a mohawk, and an enormous grin from ear to ear. If I wasn't smitten at first sight, I was all in then. After that summer, we dated for almost three years, took a break for five, and fixed our mistake in Within a month we were planning to be together forever. written by Becca We've been married for almost seven years, and have over 17 years of loving each other. We live in Natick, Massachusetts, with our spunky four-year-old, Naomi, and our affectionate little dog, Baci. We are mere minutes away from my parents, our jobs, and Boston, in a family friendly neighborhood. Joel's mother and brother's family are only a few hours away so we see them often. Family time is important to us and thanks to technology such as Facetime, the distance between our families and us seems a lot smaller. Becca & Joel at a Red Sox game So many happy moments together Becca, Joel & Naomi in St. Martin Hanging out at home together It is difficult to put into words everything we are feeling in this moment, but our struggle to express the warmth and gratitude we have for you cannot compare to the decision you are considering and the process you are going through. We admire your courage and love for your unborn child that has led you to this point. If you are reading this then you know what it means to have difficult decisions to make and choose love in the end. Thank you for taking the time to read our profile. We hope that you feel good about whatever decision you make. We decided to expand our family through adoption after struggling to conceive both Naomi and a second child. The three of us, and Baci, have so much love to give. It was always clear that our family would grow. Adoption has always been a part of our conversation. Joel's father was adopted, and his wonderful niece was brought into our family through adoption twelve years ago. Family is about love, and we are looking forward to completing ours. Joel can always make Becca laugh Our happy little family is excited to grow Naomi loves to swing high! I

my amazing wife becca After first meeting Becca I was so taken that I literally

I was so focused on talking about her with a friend I forgot about my feet.

her smile. Becca s smile is the way I can always know the truth of her heart.

often think that Joel knows me better than I know myself.

of one corner to say, that wasn t funny, but I love that you tried, Becca conveys

Becca puts a lot of thought into everything she does and is constantly trying to

At her job as a learning specialist, working with 4-8th graders at a small private

in their capabilities and all they have to Becca taking pictures in Patagonia

As a wife, Becca keeps my eyes on the prize when I'm a little lost, but also

I can tell you lots of stories that I think show how wonderful she is, but no

any of the other many roles she takes on to be the best wife and mother imaginable.

She has to be to be able to negotiate the whims of an independent four year old.

parties in the living room, three person murals with marker and crayons, tickle

Joel by Naomi's artwork H is skills of cook, driver, doodler and dress up companion

Foot rubs, humorous side comments and puns, and a not-so secret appreciation for

When I met Joel in 1998, I thought he was still figuring out who he was.

3 my amazing wife becca After first meeting Becca I was so taken that I literally fell down a flight of stairs. I was so focused on talking about her with a friend I forgot about my feet. I still remember what it was about her that so captivated me then, and to this day: her smile. Becca s smile is the way I can always know the truth of her heart. From a big beaming grin with laughter Relaxing at home my incredible husband I often think that Joel knows me better than I know myself. I think this is because he s such a great listener, sensitive observer, joel and long time friend. I think I know him as well because he believes that you have to be open to get honesty. when she thinks I am funny or is just happy to have me around, to a small up turn of one corner to say, that wasn t funny, but I love that you tried, Becca conveys so much with a smile. Becca puts a lot of thought into everything she does and is constantly trying to make the world a better place. At her job as a learning specialist, working with 4-8th graders at a small private school in Dover, Becca helps her students discover their best selves, and believe in their capabilities and all they have to Becca taking pictures in Patagonia Playing with Naomi's blocks offer to the world. As a wife, Becca keeps my eyes on the prize when I'm a little lost, but also reminds me how to have a little fun and not take things to seriously. I can tell you lots of stories that I think show how wonderful she is, but no single tale explains just how amazing she is as a teacher, companion, supporter, or any of the other many roles she takes on to be the best wife and mother imaginable. Becca the mermaid As a mother, she is nurturing, encouraging and understanding. She has to be to be able to negotiate the whims of an independent four year old. Her creativity and sense of fun comes out during our moments as a family: dance parties in the living room, three person murals with marker and crayons, tickle fights, snuggles and stories in bed. Joel by Naomi's artwork H is skills of cook, driver, doodler and dress up companion make him a great father. Foot rubs, humorous side comments and puns, and a not-so secret appreciation for chick flicks are a wonderful bonus. When I met Joel in 1998, I thought he was still figuring out who he was. I have come to learn that Joel is forever reassessing and growing to be a better person for those he loves and the world as a whole. In addition to taking care of Naomi and me, Joel works with children and families in his role as a clinical social worker at a therapeutic school. I believe that he pushes them as much and as well as he encourages our family and himself to have a strong sense of right and wrong and to approach other people with care and understanding. With all that he does and the wonderful moments when we do nothing but giggle on the couch, I'm glad I've kept getting to know Becca's smile lights up the room Arts & crafts time! and grow with him all these years. Dress up with Daddy

walking distance of the house: A a large

farmer s market and many family friendly

sandcastles Naomi & Joel playing dancing

Naomi on the scooter Having the museums,

It is welcoming, comfortable and warm, a

The open path from our kitchen where one

4 welcome HOME Our home is on a quiet street in a family friendly town in the near west suburbs of Boston. Some of our favorite places are within walking distance of the house: A a large PUBLIC LIBRARY meet A a THEATER with arts performances for adults and kids NAOMI Naomi is a creative & caring A TWO PARKS with slides, swings and climbing structures 4 year old. Her favorite activities involve her imagination; making up stories and songs, taking care of her babies, and dress up. She bubbles over with enthusiasm about everything she learns. Naomi often talks of being a big sister and we believe the traits that make her a wonderful friend will translate effortlessly into being an awesome sibling. A the TOWN SQUARE that is home to a farmer s market and many family friendly activities in the warmer months Building sandcastles Naomi & Joel playing dancing fairies Naomi & Mommy playing outside Naomi on the scooter Having the museums, zoos, and restaurants of Boston and Providence, Rhode Island a quick drive away adds a wealth of activities for us all. Our house is one of our favorite places. It is welcoming, comfortable and warm, a place the entire family wants to be. The open path from our kitchen where one or both of us is often found cooking to the family room where the other is playing, dancing or reading with Naomi is a big part of our happiness. Cooking with daddy our top 5 family traditions Meet Joel's side of the family Becca's side of the family making silly faces Grandma, her partner Art & Naomi 1. Pajama dance parties 2. Saturday pancake breakfasts 3. Sunday brunch with Becca s family 4. Friday Thanksgivings with Joel s family 5. Weekend snuggles with Naomi in our bed Becca & her sisters LOVE makes a We are lucky to be part of fantastic families with whom we are incredibly close. We live only ten minutes from Becca s parents, and only a few hours from Joel s mother and his older brother and family in New Jersey. Our weekend trips to the farm or the park are often in the company of family and friends. Both of us were raised to value both the family we are born into and our close friends who are like family to us. While Becca s two younger sisters and large extended family live some distance away, everyone makes the effort to be together as often as possible. It helps that we all have a love of travel and exploring different places. In between visits, the phone, and video chat are used at least two or three times a week to keep in touch. Joel has one uncle and a first cousin in New York and an extended family around the world. Adding to the list of family are our close friends. Many of our friends have been in our lives for over two decades, and although we may not live near by, we see them regularly. Our get-togethers have changed over the years, and we love spending time laughing in lively conversation while our kids run around and play. our family + friends are our support system, and we recognize how lucky we are to have them in our lives. Reading with her cousin family Dancing with her uncle meet baci Baci is a six year old terrier mix that we rescued from a shelter in Chicago. While Becca and Joel both grew up with bigger dogs, Baci s small stature is belied by her enormous spirit. She loves cuddling and playing with her toys. She is great with kids of all ages. Baci means kisses in Italian and this little dog lavishes all the people that come into her home with her affection. Nanny and Popsie with Naomi

one last WORD THANK YOU for taking the time to get to know us.

Should you choose us, we will be forever grateful for allowing us to love your child and

We hope that you see a place there for your child the same way we do.

A We will put our children to bed with stories and affection and wake them with love and

A We will foster our children's independence.

A We will help our children to love and believe in themselves.

A We will make sure our children are well educated and have the tools they need to be

A We will provide structure for our children because life is not just fun and games.

A We will kiss boo-boos and comfort our children when they are down.

5 one last WORD THANK YOU for taking the time to get to know us. We hope that whatever you decide, it will bring you peace. Should you choose us, we will be forever grateful for allowing us to love your child and complete our family. You have now read a little of who we are and what we promise to be. We hope that you see a place there for your child the same way we do. With love, Becca, Joel and Naomi OUR PROMISES to you A We will love and cherish our children. A We will put our children to bed with stories and affection and wake them with love and snuggles. A We will fill our home with laughter. A We will foster our children's independence. A We will guide our children to make good choices and approach their decisions thoughtfully. A We will help our children to love and believe in themselves. A We will show our children that they don't have to go through diffcult times alone. A We will make sure our children are well educated and have the tools they need to be successful in the lives they choose. A We will provide structure for our children because life is not just fun and games. A We will love our children even when they are at their most difficult. A We will kiss boo-boos and comfort our children when they are down. A We will teach our children to take care of their bodies and their spirits. A We will keep our children safe. A We will let our children know where they come from and that they have always been and always will be wanted and loved. If you have any questions for us or would like to speak to us about becoming adoptive parents to your child, please contact your adoption advisor at AdoptHelp toll-free at

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