Although our personalities are quite the opposite (Julijana is an extrovert and Troy the introvert) our common thread is our similar upbringing and the strength of family values. We really enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially hosting holiday gatherings at our home. Our other passion is travel, either it being a well planned trip overseas or just a few-hour drive to Michigan or Troy’s mom’s farm in Central Illinois. As kids, we both liked camping and the outdoors as well as skiing and would love to, one day, share similar adventures with our children.
ABOUT JULIJANA (by Troy)
To quote one of her students: “If Julijana turned into a T-Rex she’d be the coolest T-Rex in the world.” As a second grade teacher, Julijana’s face lights up when she talks about the things that happen in the classroom on any given day. She calls them “my kids” as she feels like a mom of twenty-four. I know that her students are a source of pride and inspiration. She is a great teacher because of her ability to speak to anyone about anything. Kids do respond to that. I can picture her, one day, bringing the same excitement, warmth and support to our kids. She impresses me every day, with her energy, warmth and determination. I admire her courage to never feel afraid to speak up for what’s right. Opposite her thoughtful and analytical side she has a goofy side to her as well. I love how she can quote every episode of Friends and Seinfeld, as she giggles like a little kid (although she has seen every episode a thousand times!).
ABOUT TROY (by Julijana)
Troy’s sense humor is contagious. In his quiet yet powerful way, he brings the sunshine to everyone around him. Often, during the day he sends me silly links of puppies or kids doing funny things. I thank my lucky stars for making our paths join. Having his unconditional support is precious as his calmness and patience put me at ease which allows me to talk to him about anything. He is my shoulder to cry on when life gets tough, and he is my partner in crime when we face new adventures. Troy is an amazing husband, giving, kind and generous, and I can’t wait to see him as a dad. He helped raise his nieces Cailynn and Cassidie, who adore him, and has so many funny stories about them growing up…
PARENTING PLANS
We cannot wait to introduce our child to all the interests we already have, and let them lead us into experiencing new ones. In this modern day and time, spending quality time with your child is precious, whether it is kicking a soccer ball in the park, exploring different cultures though travel, or having fun being a little scientist at the Museum of Science and Industry. Both of us had parents who encouraged us to be curious, creative and active, so this is the way we would like to raise our child. No matter how busy things become, being observant, enjoying the world around us through simple conversation and laughter and spending time in nature helps us to balance our lives.
Last year we moved from a condo in the city into a 4 bedroom house located in a child-friendly suburban neighborhood where everyone knows each other. It was the best decision we’ve ever made! Being able to relax on our patio and garden in the front and backyard is so calming. We envision our future children running around the yard and riding their bikes with the neighborhood kids. The suburb was our choice because it has great schools, is less congested than the city, and yet it is only a half hour drive from downtown Chicago. Both the park and the elementary school are a walking distance from our house.
When it comes to childcare, we are lucky to have fairly flexible work schedules. Troy, as a network engineer can work from home when needed. Julijana, as a teacher, has school holidays and summers off. An added bonus is that Julijana’s parents and brother live only minutes away. They are all ready to jump in as babysitters, when needed! Visits to Troy’s mom’s quaint farmhouse in Central Illinois are a special treat. It is where our child will be surrounded by the sounds of chickens and playful dogs while we take serene walks through the cornfields and woods. Rain boots highly recommended!
THOUGHTS ON OPENNESS
We welcome open adoption and are very flexible about the level of communication that everyone will be comfortable with. We have no set expectations, as we believe that, at the end, it will take its natural course, as most events in life do. We think that every child benefits from knowing where they come from, so please know that our door will always be open even if you do not feel able to be in touch right now. In this lifetime journey, we are envisioning a warm and compassionate atmosphere where we are committed to having a trusting and supportive environment. A safe and nurturing home, where our child can laugh and explore, while being unconditionally loved.
