Mesmin & Michael

Our story

We met over nine years ago out and about in Chicago, and we are very grateful for the life that we have built together. Michael’s passionate personality and sharp sense of humor complement Mesmin’s calm and thoughtful disposition. We recently celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary, and we look forward to having children in our family.

What we care most about

We both have large and close knit extended families, and we have felt very lucky to have all of their love and support in our lives. There are lots of little ones in our lives but we spend the most time with our niece and goddaughter, Parker, who has solidified our shared priorities in how we hope to raise our own child. We have also both devoted our lives to kids and education. Michael was a science teacher and is currently an elementary school administrator, while Mesmin also works in education as a college professor. 

Home, community, and openness 

Recently, we bought our historic dream home in the Edgewater neighborhood. It is a diverse community where we feel safe and comfortable, and it has been great to be able to host our friends, family, and gatherings around the piano. We are fortunate to be able to provide a loving home and excited to put a new member of our family first in our lives. Our mothers are already making plans to take over the extra bedrooms from time to time and share all of their grandmother wisdom with us.

We know that this process has its challenges for everyone involved, but we believe that the Cradle's tradition of openness provides a range of options and possibilities to help us surround a child with as much love, security, and opportunity as possible. We feel very open to many forms of potential contact including exchanging photos and updates, keeping in touch through phone and email, and planning visits. We are glad that you have found the supportive community that the Cradle provides, and we sincerely hope that there is clarity and peace in whatever road lies ahead for you.