Adam & Jackie
Adam & Jackie
2020 was far from ideal. But for us, it was an opportunity to spend more time together and for that, we’ll be forever grateful.
We used the lockdown as a chance to slow down and to focus on our relationship. We went from doing something together a couple of times per week to being together every day. Yes, there were instances when it was too much time together, but there were so many unforgettable amazing moments, too.
Just before the lockdown started, we decided to get a puppy – something we have always wanted to do, but never invested the time to do. Kuma has been a wonderful addition to our family – he has brought joy and love into our lives, and with all the belly pets and walks, we know we bring that same joy and love into his.
During lockdown, we reignited our passion for cooking together and trying new recipes. We got more into playing board games and playing games online with friends and family. We used the time at home to find new common interests – although only one of us thought Tiger King was interesting.
Seeing our relationship get stronger during such a difficult time makes us more appreciative of one another and makes us confident we can face any challenges that come our way in the future.
Our Story
We met and began dating at Michigan State. Funny story – our dads worked together at GM years before we ever met (small world).
As college sweethearts, we have really grown up together – from navigating life as young adults who had just moved away from home, to getting our first apartments, to deciding what we wanted to do when we grew up – we have encouraged one another to grow into our best selves.
What Jackie loves about Adam: He is so kind – to everyone and everything. He won’t even kill a spider, instead catching and releasing them. Adam has a quirky and witty sense of humor. He is understanding, always looks on the bright side, and sees the best in everyone.
Adam is my biggest cheerleader, supporting my dreams and goals and without him, I wouldn’t have gotten through law school. Adam is a talented home cook, and he shares that with our nieces and nephews. I know he will make a fantastic father and I can’t wait to see it.
What Adam loves about Jackie: I was drawn to Jackie because of how fun and adventurous she is. I am quieter and more reserved, and Jackie complements me very well – we are proof that opposites attract. I love how motivated and dedicated she is, always pushing to be better in ways that benefit our family.
I also admire Jackie’s maternal instincts. She’s amazing with our nieces and nephews – she can calm a crying baby, make any kid giggle, and loves reading to and playing with children. I know she will make a wonderful mother.
Our pets are accustomed to being around children, and are very patient to the exuberance of toddlers.
Our Relaxation & Fun
Jackie: I really enjoy working out, including running, biking, and barre classes. Exercising helps me reduce stress and feel more energized. I also really love volunteering with local organizations and affinity bar associations.
Adam: In my spare time I enjoy cooking, disc golfing, reading, and watching soccer. Cooking allows me to be creative and express myself, while disc golfing lets me enjoy the outdoors and get exercise.
Together we love to spend time with our family and friends, including hosting football game watch parties, holiday and other celebrations, and pool / BBQ days. We also love playing with our pets, including long walks and hikes with our dog, and spending time with our family and friends.
We really enjoy food, especially food Adam makes for us (he’s an incredible home chef), which is why we love going to local farmers markets and local mom-and-pop restaurants. We love traveling together, whether it’s a major trip out of the country, or a day trip to explore another neighborhood in Lansing, Detroit, or Grand Rapids.
our adoption hopes
Gender: Any Gender, including an Ambiguous or Transitioning Gender Child
Ethnicities: Any Race and Ethnicity
Age: Newborn to 6 Months
Total of: 1 to 2 Children, 2 Siblings or Twins
a snapshot
of us
We Live In: Lansing Area
Our Faith: Open to All Religions
Pets: Both Cat(s) and Dog(s)
Kids Already: No Children Now
Child Care Plan: Licensed Child Care Center
Our Family & Friends
Adam’s family lives in southeast Michigan. He is close with his parents and sister, talking on the phone or texting weekly. He grew up playing games with his family, including playing euchre, board games, and during the pandemic, playing games online.
Jackie’s parents and younger sister live in the Grand Rapids area. Jackie has a great relationship with her parents and is extremely close with her younger sister, talking on the phone, texting, and FaceTiming daily.
Our Home & Neighborhood
We live in a nice home in a cul-de-sac in a suburb of Lansing. Our neighborhood has lots of children of all ages, and you often see them playing in the neighborhood soccer field and playground, or in various yards throughout.
We have a very friendly community, that has a weekly farmers market, as well as festivals throughout the year.
Education
Education is very important to us, as it is something you can achieve that no matter where life takes you, no one can ever take away from you. We understand that a strong education gives you countless opportunities, and we plan to instill a strong love of education in our child. To that end, we plan to read daily with our child, just like our parents did with us growing up.
Correction & Discipline
Discipline is an opportunity to educate our child about what is right and what is wrong, what leads them to their goals and what leads them astray, as well as how to treat others. We will not use any form or corporal punishment since the same tends to lead to fear rather than respect, and more importantly, does not encourage positive behavior, but simply avoiding consequences and being caught.
Our Faith Views
Although we do not actively practice a religion, we are open to all religious beliefs and customs, and will fully support our child as they navigate their beliefs.
Adam's Career
I am a software developer at a midsized company in Bath, MI. I enjoy working with computers and I’m privileged to do what I love. I work with a team to solve problems and enjoy finding creative and interesting solutions.
I will take time off when we bring home our baby. I will continue working full-time; however, my work allows me to have some flexibility in my start and end time, which will ensure that Jackie and I are tag-teaming parenting and raising our child together.
Jackie's Career
I am a family law attorney at a large law firm in Lansing. My work ranges from divorce to custody and support issues. Practicing family law can be emotionally exhausting, but it gives me an opportunity to truly help make a difference for families and children, which has always been my dream job.
I will take time off when we bring home our baby. After my leave, I will return to working full-time; however, will reduce my involvement in local bar association and volunteer boards, so that I can ensure I am present and actively involved in raising our child. While we are both at work, our child will attend a licensed daycare facility, just a couple of miles away from our home.
We will share the responsibility of taking our child to and from daycare. It is really important to us that we spend time together as a family, including having dinner together the majority of nights. Growing up, eating dinner together was a chance for us to check-in, get updates on one another’s day, and enjoy a great meal.
Adam
My dad is Caucasian (Swiss, German, British, and Irish) as is my mom (British and Irish). Both of my parents were born and raised in Michigan. I was born in Royal Oak, Michigan, and have lived in the state all my life. We moved around a bit (Troy, Lansing, and Rochester) but I lived in the Metro Detroit area for most of my childhood.
Jackie
I am bi-racial, something I say with a lot of pride. My dad is Caucasian (Irish and British), and is from Denver, Colorado. My mom is Japanese, born and raised in Okinawa, Japan. I was born in southern California and lived there until I was 7 when my family moved to Brighton, Michigan.
We lived in Brighton until I was 13, and then we moved to Yokohama, Japan. We lived in Japan for all of my high school years, which helped me to get to know more about my Japanese heritage, language, and culture.
As a family, we have already started carving out some traditions of our own, including annually attending an MSU football tailgate; having a Friendsgiving with our friends and their children; celebrating Christmas Day at our home; and celebrating our anniversary in downtown Detroit (including getting a photo in the lobby of our wedding venue).
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our profile. We can’t even begin to imagine how difficult this must be, and we want to tell you how inspired we are by the love you have for your baby. We are quirky, fun-loving, and a close-knit family, and we would give your child so much love. We will be supportive and encouraging parents, guiding our child to fulfill their potential and reach their dreams, whatever they may be. We will do our best to ensure your child has the best possible life, and is constantly reminded how much you, and we, love them. If you are comfortable with it, we would love for you to be involved in the child’s life so that they have as much love in their life as possible.
- Child Separation, Attachment, and Bonding
- Child Development, Including Safe Sleep Practices for Children
- Behavioral and Emotional Needs of Adoptive Children
- Impact of Adoption on the Family
Our priority is to form and maintain a relationship with our child’s birth family that ensures our child always feel loved and supported by us all. We understand that there may be times when our child’s birth family is busy, or when the reality of our child living with us may be too difficult to maintain the usual contact.
That said, we want to make sure that our relationship with our child’s birth family is strong and committed to loving one another so we can help each other through the tough times, and show one another grace. We hope that we will have frequent contact, including sending messages and photos, having phone or FaceTime calls, and in-person visits.
OUR COMFORT LEVEL WITH DIFFERENT ADOPTION OPTIONS
- Very Comfortable
- Mostly Comfortable
- Unsure
- A Bit Uneasy
- Not Comfortable
Our priority is to form and maintain a relationship with our child’s birth family that ensures our child always feel loved and supported by us all. We understand that there may be times when our child’s birth family is busy, or when the reality of our child living with us may be too difficult to maintain the usual contact.
That said, we want to make sure that our relationship with our child’s birth family is strong and committed to loving one another so we can help each other through the tough times, and show one another grace. We hope that we will have frequent contact, including sending messages and photos, having phone or FaceTime calls, and in-person visits.
Just one more thing...Our priority is to form and maintain a relationship with our child’s birth family that ensures our child always feel loved and supported by us all. We understand that there may be times when our child’s birth family is busy, or when the reality of our child living with us may be too difficult to maintain the usual contact.
That said, we want to make sure that our relationship with our child’s birth family is strong and committed to loving one another so we can help each other through the tough times, and show one another grace. We hope that we will have frequent contact, including sending messages and photos, having phone or FaceTime calls, and in-person visits.