NOVA SCOTIA ADOPTION PROFILE - KAREN AND ANDREW

CONTACTS:

Hello!
 
Our names are Karen, Andrew, Rory and Adam, and we would like to add another member to our family.
 
We understand that you must be going through a difficult time right now. Trying to decide whether to place a baby for adoption is a decision not to be taken lightly, and one that involves many, possibly conflicting, factors. We wish you all the best in reaching the decision that is best for you, your family and your unborn child. At this time, we would like to take a moment to explain why, if you do make that difficult decision, we are great potential parents for your baby.
 
 
About Us
 
We met in 2001 after joining the Canadian Forces, and clicked right away. We were engaged in 2002 and married in 2003. We always agreed that we wanted children, and were lucky enough to be blessed with two wonderful sons. Rory was born in January 2005 and Adam was born in September 2006. When Adam turned one, we started trying for baby number three but unfortunately it was not to be. I was diagnosed with endometriosis in May 2008, and a tubal pregnancy in August 2008. We were discouraged but kept trying. At the same time, we began our home assessment so that we could pursue adoption. In February 2009, I was diagnosed with a second tubal pregnancy. This one required two surgeries and resulted in the loss of my fallopian tube. Thankfully our home assessment was completed in March 2009 and we have been approved to adopt.
 
Our Neighbourhood
 
We live in a nice area in Halifax Nova Scotia with plenty of room for another child. We are only 15 minutes from downtown, and close to the many amenities our subdivision has to offer. We are two blocks from the elementary school and junior high. There is also a soccer and baseball field in the area. Our community pool is a five minute walk, and the local library is only ten.
 
We live in a two story detached house, with four bedrooms upstairs. The bedroom awaiting our future child is bright and spacious. We have a finished basement, with a recreation room, home office and playroom. We also have a large, fenced-in backyard for the children to play in. With two boys already, we have tons of toys on every level.
 
Our Family
 
Karen grew up in Cape Breton and her parents still reside there, on the Mira River. Rory and Adam love to visit Grandma and Grandpa! They live next to a Provincial Park, so there is sledding in the winter and swimming in the summer. We visit 3-4 times a year, and Karen’s parents come to Halifax for other special events.
 
Andrew grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and his parents still reside there. We visit every summer, spending time with extended family and seeing the sights. The boys love the Toronto Zoo and the African Lion Safari.
 
Karen has one brother, Scott, who lives in Providence Rhode Island with his wife and son. The boys have already been to RI several times, and especially like “Uncle Scott's Beach”.
 
Andrew has two brothers and two sisters, along with three nephews and one niece. One sister resides in Calgary and the others in the Toronto area. The boys love getting together with their cousins whenever they can.
 
Finally, our boys Rory and Adam! Rory is four and loves puzzles, coloring and dancing. He attends preschool two days a week and is quite the chatterbox. Adam is two and our little gymnast. He is always on the go, inside and out! They play well together despite their differences, and they are completely adorable. They often ask why we don’t want another little boy for them to play with, and we explain we are working on a brother or sister!
 
Our Daily Routine
 
I (Karen) work part-time for the Canadian Forces, giving legal advice (I am a lawyer by training) and also instructing online courses. This allows me to stay at home with the boys for most of the work week. Andrew is a teacher by trade, but is currently working a contract with the Canadian Forces as a Reservist. Rory attends preschool two mornings a week and Adam will begin in September. On other mornings, we go to the library, to Kindermusik, on play dates or to local museums and playgrounds.
 
We also like to camp in the summer and ski in the winter. I play piano and the boys are very musical. Andrew is a natural athlete and the boys rotate through swimming, skating, soccer and gymnastics during the year. Both of the boys have been christened in the United Church and we attend most Sundays during the school year. Our children are the center of our lives, and we would really like to have another child to shower with love and affection.
 
Our Views on Parenting and Adoption
 
We are warm and loving parents who still set firm and consistent boundaries for our children. We want them to experience the best life has to offer. We also want them to be kind, happy and able to reach their full potential. Education is very important to us and we already have RESP’s for the children. We would love to have another child to parent and love.
 
We had considered adoption prior to our infertility issues, and believe it is a wonderful way to add to our family. We also understand the importance of openness between us and our future birth family. We would like your child to grow up understanding the difficult decision you made, and valuing you as part of who they are. We are happy to work with you to create a level of openness that is right for both you and your family, and are open to exchanging photos, letters, phone calls and visits.
 
We wish you the best of luck in your difficult decision. If you do decide to place your child for adoption, we hope you will consider us as your adoptive family. We look forward to meeting you, to hearing all about your hopes and dreams, and to sharing the upbringing of the beautiful child we hope to share with you.
 
Sincerely,
Karen and Andrew

Our wedding

Andrew and cousins

Enjoying a family outing

We love the great outdoors!

Fun in the sun

The Nursery

Rory and Adam love their toy room

Our home