Dear Birth Parents,

We are Josie and Gary and thank you for the opportunity to tell you about ourselves. We live in a friendly neighborhood in Pennsylvania. We are surrounded by neighbors with young children, eight among from four households with ages ranging from newborn to 13 years old. Our homes are located on a cul-de-sac where the kids can play safely outside. We have a large yard, lots of trees and wildlife, a park nearby, a new large library and community center (new, larger ones are currently being built) in the neighborhood and are fortunate enough to be in one of the best school districts in the city. It is a wonderful place for a child to grow up.

Gary works as a doctor and teacher at the local university hospital. He was trained as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist and delivered thousands of babies. He now practices a has developed an area of surgical specialty which he now practices, that gives him affording him more time at home with his family. Josie stays home full-time to care for our 2 year old son whom we adopted almost 2 years ago. Alexei is a sweet, well-adjusted child who enjoys playing with other children. He attends a private preschool in addition to weekly music, gymnastics and swimming classes. We have learned over the past 2 years that we really enjoy being parents. We look forward to providing opportunities for sharing our lives with another child.

We love music, play it in our home most of the day, and attend music festivals whenever we're able. We travel often with family and friends and spend much of our vacations outdoors: hiking or at the beach. We love to read and spend a lot of time finding new books at the library or book stores. Fitness is a large part of our life. We belong to a gym which offers exercise classes, activities for children, and an indoor pool. Josie loves to cook and is always trying out new, healthy recipes.

Family is very important to us. We see our parents and siblings many times during the year. Gary and Josie both have brothers with young children. Most of our friends have young children who are involved in our social activities and we see them often. Everyone has truly embraced and loves our adopted son.

We believe it is important for you to know how we are as parents. We are patient and allow our son to explore and learn, but we set healthy boundaries. We encourage lots of stimulation, activity and exercise through play. We are affectionate, giving lots of hugs, kisses, and encouragement. We read many books and sing songs each day. We believe in providing a variety of opportunities and supporting children in finding and developing their own interests.

Thank you for considering us as adoptive parents to your child. Your child would be raised in a house full of love and laughter surrounded by family and friends. Your child would attend great schools and be exposed to many different places and opportunities.

We are excited and embrace the opportunity the prospect of being involved in an open adoption. We believe that the more people involved in the life of a child, the richer it will be. We can imagine that this has not been an easy decision for you, and want to reassure you that we will honor any agreements we make. It is important to us to know what you want most for your child, and we will do our best to honor your wishes. We are fully committed to open adoption, and look forward to a long-term relationship where you are an important part of this child's life.

Gary & Josie