If no one has told you yet, you are enough. You are wonderful, you are amazing, you are fantastic. Having the strength to go through what you are experiencing is something we could never imagine. We are Hannah and Jason, a young, compassionate couple eager to begin growing our family. Our family is built on a foundation of acceptance, laughter, and love, though a pan of homemade lasagna never hurt anyone either. We hope that this book will give you an idea of who we are and help you as you make your final decision. Thank you so much for considering us!
Our Story
We are high school sweethearts who met our freshman year in band. Right away we bonded over our mutual love of music, Pokemon, and all other things nerdy. We became great friends but didn’t officially start going out until after graduating from high school. We ended up attending the same college, both of us pursuing music degrees. Jason proposed to Hannah our senior year during Hannah’s senior recital with all of our friends and family there.
However, we moved to a long-distance relationship for three years during our engagement due to our differing career and school paths. This was really hard to do, and during this time we learned to appreciate the value of being together. After getting married in 2019, we rented our first apartment in suburban Illinois, before finally moving to our first home which we purchased in 2022. It has been a wonderful journey together full of learning, joy, and most importantly, love.
Hannah, According to Jason
Hannah is known for her laugh, winning smile, and always looking for the best in everyone she meets. She has a level of empathy that can only be described as admirable. She is a talented musician, writer, and baker.
When someone asks me why I love her, I always respond with her absolute dedication to her craft, no matter what it may be. She is dedicated to people and will always look out for the best of them. When we started the adoption process, she was the first to make the timelines and the checklists for us to complete.
I know that I can always rely on her for anything, no matter how small, and I always know that she has my back and supports me unconditionally. Even on my worst days, I know I can count on her for a laugh, a smile, or even just a shoulder to cry on.
Hannah and I share a love for video games, Dungeons and Dragons, reading, and playing music. She is also a very talented writer, hoping to publish her first novel in the near future!
Jason, According to Hannah
Jason is one of the most genuine people you will ever know. He always takes time to listen and help you through whatever you’re going through. He has an amazing heart and truly gives some of the best hugs ever.
One of the best things about Jason is his laugh. Jason is one of the silliest people I know, and he finds a way to make everything an adventure. He also loves to laugh and has a great sense of humor. Jason keeps joy in his heart and a smile on his face wherever he goes.
Some of his favorite things to do are play his trombone in the community band, cook all sorts of things, read, and spend time with Hannah. He loves all things Disney, and often calls himself a grown-up kid.
One of the best things about Jason is his love for family. He puts his family first above everything else and does anything he can to take care of the people he loves. Being loved by Jason is one of the best feelings in the world because you always know how much he cares.
Gigi, According to Both of Us
Hannah adopted Gigi from a local shelter in 2017 when she moved into her first apartment. Gigi loves to watch the animals in the backyard from her cat tree, and will sometimes even play fetch when she feels like it!
Gigi has a lot of spunk, but that’s one of our favorite things about her. Our friends and coworkers have gotten used to her saying hello when we chat on the phone or computer – she’s one of the most social cats we know!
The best thing about Gigi, though, is that she knows when you’re sad and will always come over to cheer you up. She knows when to come over and cuddle, or when you just don’t feel like being by yourself. Gigi is a gentle sweetheart who is great with kids, and excited to be a big sister!
Traditions and Values
Music is a huge part of our lives. We met in band, had a music-themed wedding, and have multiple musicians in our family. We have found music to be an amazing way to connect with others and express ourselves.
Jason’s family has strong traditions in food, and Hannah is never one to say no to a good meal. We both love cooking and baking together as we find it is a great way to bond! Jason’s homemade pasta sauce recipe is a favorite in our house!
Hannah is an avid reader and loves to write books as well. We have a tradition each Christmas where we buy books for each other and spend Christmas Eve reading them together. There will be no shortage of books for a little one at our house!
Most of all, we value compassion and respect towards all people. It is important that we always show kindness and care in everything we do. It is our hope to create a home filled with laughter, joy, understanding, and love.
Our Thoughts on Adoption, Open Adoption, and Transracial Adoption
Adoption has always been a positive part of our family. Hannah’s step-mom is adopted, and we both have adopted cousins as well whom we are close. Growing up, Hannah knew she always wanted to adopt, and when she was diagnosed with a genetic heart disorder she knew that adoption was the only way she would be able to add to her family. When we started dating, Hannah mentioned it on the second date (we were still in high school!) and even then, Jason was on board. Once we have a little one in the house, Hannah is planning on becoming an at-home parent for our childcare plan, something she has been looking forward to for some time now.
We are hopeful about the prospect of open adoption. Honesty and communication are important to us, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to be as involved as they can. We understand this process may be hard for you, and are more than happy to be flexible to meet your needs which may change over time. Sending updates, pictures, cards and even occasional visits are what we envision for this process, and we hope that you will share this journey with us.
We will love a child no matter who they are or how they choose to identify. Acknowledging that we are a white couple, we promise to do our best to raise a child of a different background with as much authenticity to their culture to the best of our ability. Our schools are rather diverse, and both of us work in careers that expose us to different cultural backgrounds on a daily basis. A child in our care would be raised to have pride in who they are and the story that brought them to us.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to consider our family. We know that as excited as we are, this can be a difficult time for you. Whatever you decide, we wish you all the comfort and support on your journey. If you have any further questions for us, we would be happy to talk to you! Know that no matter what, you are capable and deserving of good things and all the happiness in the world.
