Some say the best things in life are worth waiting for, and that couldn’t be truer for our journey to finding each other.
After nine years of teaching in Chicago, Ashley decided to move back to West Michigan to be closer to family. Rob had spent his life in West Michigan and was also hoping to find someone to share life with. Both Ashley and Rob found it more challenging than expected to find the person they wanted to spend their lives with. So, Ashley decided to give online dating a try. With the hope of the new year on the horizon, Ashley and Rob were matched online on January 1, 2019.
We quickly realized we had so much in common, from both being Polish to sharing a love for sports. Both in our mid-30s, we had a similar goal of wanting to find our special someone and start a family. We even discovered that some of our relatives already knew each other!
After a few days of talking, we decided to meet up to watch an MSU basketball game on a snowy January evening. The conversation flowed endlessly, and we didn’t want the night to end. We both knew there was something special between us.
We spent more time together, cooking and watching sports, attending concerts, skiing and just enjoying one another’s company. The long winter became much more enjoyable just by having one another. It wasn’t long before we introduced each other to our friends and family, fitting perfectly into each other’s lives.
In October 2019, Rob proposed to Ashley at her home, catching her completely by surprise. That same evening, our families came over to celebrate.
Jumping forward to 2020, what began as a year full of hope and excitement of our wedding year, quickly turned into a whirlwind of uncertainty. Like so many others, we found ourselves needing to adapt and make significant changes to our wedding plans. We had originally planned to have a December wedding. However, our venue called us and told us they had to shut down, which left us scrambling to finding a new place. This unexpected turn of events meant we had to completely change our wedding plans and date.
While there were countless unknowns in the world around us, one thing remained steadfast: our love for one another. Our determination to get married, no matter what obstacles came our way, never wavered. Our love provided us with the strength and resilience to navigate these challenges together.
Our wedding ceremony was held outside in October. Despite most of the day being unseasonably cold, the sun graciously came out and provided warmth for us all during our ceremony. It felt like a sign that everything was going to be alright.
While we had originally planned for a larger celebration, the intimacy of a smaller wedding turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We were so grateful to share our special day with those who mean the most to us. It was a beautiful reminder that love, family, and close friendships are what truly matter. Our wedding day, filled with love, joy, and a few unexpected turns, perfectly encapsulated the start of our journey as a married couple.
We love spending time together doing all sorts of activities, especially traveling! This summer, we took our first international trip together, and it won’t be our last. With Ashley having summers off, we travel more during this time, exploring new cities. We also love watching sports and attending games, cheering for the Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago Cubs. We often cheer on our nieces and nephews at their games too.
We enjoy playing board games and cards with friends and family. In winter, we love snow skiing, while in warmer months, we bike, play corn hole, go to the beach, swim, have bonfires, or relax on our patio. Recently, we started playing pickleball and love it, and we both enjoy golf. Being active outdoors is important to us, but we also enjoy relaxing at home and watching TV after a busy day.
Concerts and Broadway musicals are another shared interest, with “Wicked” being a recent favorite. Rob enjoys playing disc golf, watching NBA games, working out at the gym, doing yard work, playing video games with friends and his brother, and grilling. Ashley enjoys reading, working out on the Peloton bike, mowing the lawn, building Legos, playing euchre, going to amusement parks and riding roller coasters with her nieces and nephews, and spending time with friends.
Gender: Any Gender, including an Ambiguous or Transitioning Gender Child
Ethnicities: Any Race and Ethnicity
Age: Newborn to 5 Years Old
Total of: 1 to 2 Children or 2 Siblings
We Live In: Grand Rapids Area
Our Faith: Catholic
Pets: Cat(s)
Kids Already: No Children Now
Child Care Plan: Family Member Child Care  Licensed Child Care Home Â
We are both extremely close with our families. Rob’s parents and brother live close by in Grand Rapids, which makes it easy for us to see them frequently. Rob and his brother love playing disc golf together, fishing, camping or just hanging out. Ashley shares a close bond with her two sisters, staying in touch daily through calls or texts.
Both sisters and her brother-in-law live within 2 miles, making it easy for us to meet up with them weekly. We cherish spending time with our nieces and nephews, whether playing together, taking them on special outings, watching their sporting events, or attending their school events. Ashley’s mom and stepdad live in Holland (25 minutes away.)
Through their marriage, Ashley has 3 stepsisters. We see Ashley’s mom and stepdad at least once a month. However, Ashley talks with her mom almost daily. We gather with her stepsisters on holidays, during an annual ski trip, and at the lake in Holland. Ashley’s dad and step-mom live in California, along with her 2 half-brothers and 1 half-sister (she lives in Oregon).
Despite the distance, we stay connected through yearly visits, group texts, video chats or phone calls. Living close to where we grew up has allowed us to maintain lifelong friendships, and we’ve also formed close-knit bonds through our work. Our friends feel like family, and we cherish watching their children grow.
We make an effort to meet up with our friends monthly, whether it’s at each other’s homes, playing yard games, dining out, playing cards, cheering on our favorite sports teams, or celebrating a birthday or a life event.
We were blessed to build our dream home in 2022 in Hudsonville, Michigan, just 20 minutes southwest of Grand Rapids. Our home is in a safe, newer development filled with many children of all ages, perfect for our future adoptive child to have playmates nearby. We have friendly and welcoming neighbors. We chose this location because it’s halfway between both sets of our parents.
Rob’s parents live in Grand Rapids, and Ashley’s mom and stepdad live in Holland, right on Lake Michigan. Ashley’s sisters live right down the road less than 2 miles away, so we get to see our nieces and nephews frequently. We’re also just over a mile from the local elementary school, with a nice bike path adjacent to our neighborhood. Our neighborhood also hosts block parties a few times a year so all families can get together.
Our home is two stories with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. All the bedrooms are on the upper level, with one planned as a future nursery. The main level includes a bonus room that we could use as a toy room, and an open-concept kitchen with a spacious living room. The large backyard is perfect for yard games and bonfires, and we plan to add a swing set. There’s also a deck off the main level for relaxing and a concrete patio underneath the deck for more space to spend outside.
Our walk-out basement is currently unfinished, but we plan to finish it with an addition of another bathroom and a large rec-room for more play space. Also, a new township park is being built less than a mile away, with a playground, splash pad, soccer and baseball fields, and more.
We are excited to be actively involved in our future child’s education. We look forward to reading books, lots of play time, spending time with them, and being active participants in any activities they have a role in. We plan to take family trips to explore new places as a way of offering valuable memories and teaching them about our world.
We hope to instill a sense of curiosity and a love for lifelong learning, whether through reading, travel, or hands-on experiences. We want to encourage our child to follow their interests and passions, ensuring their happiness and success. Education is vital for personal growth, but we prioritize celebrating achievements without pressuring our child to have that perfect report card.
Our goal is to raise kind, passionate child who always tries their best. We value kindness and effort, aiming to create a supportive environment where they can thrive and enjoy learning. We believe a lot can be learned outside the classroom through experiences and travel, and we look forward to exploring different places and cultures as a family. By being active participants in their education and encouraging their interests, we hope to nurture their growth and development into well-rounded individuals.
We believe that discipline is about encouraging and nurturing growth, helping children learn and develop in a positive and supportive environment. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s important to grow from them. As parents, we believe it’s important to model appropriate behavior and reactions. Children learn from observing others, so being positive and nurturing role models is essential to us.
We plan to use the Magic 1-2-3 method, which provides a straightforward and effective way to manage behavior. This approach helps children understand the consequences of their actions in a clear and calm manner, fostering responsibility and self-control. We like that it involves “BreakTime” (rest period) and discussions about behavior, without any form of physical punishment or without any yelling or arguing with the child. We also believe that consequences should be age appropriate. We are very much opposed to using any type of physical punishment. Instead, we will use redirection, BreakTimes and loss of privileges.
We want to give our child the tools they need to thrive in life. We’ll use a lot of positive reinforcement and will shower them with praises as we recognize positive behavior. Though discipline is part of learning, we believe that our child should always feel cherished and understand that we are here for them unconditionally. Our goal is to create a caring and encouraging environment where our child can develop into a compassionate, respectful, and responsible individual.
Rob grew up attending Catholic schools and church, and Ashley grew up going to church every Sunday. We were both involved in our church’s youth group. We both follow the Catholic religion, and our faith keeps us strong through challenging times.
We pray regularly and constantly lean on our faith. Faith is a large part of our lives and has shaped us into who we are today. While we don’t go to church weekly, we attend occasionally and on holidays.
Our adoption journey is grounded in faith. We trust the matching process and are so excited to open our hearts and grow our family.
We are open to all religious beliefs and customs and will fully support our child as they explore their beliefs. We believe religion is a lifelong personal journey. If our child shows interest in religion, we want to help them learn about all major religions so they can choose the values that feel right for them.
I work full-time as a Sales Representative at a Digital IT Consulting Services company, and I love it! My role lets me connect with people from different organizations across the country, each bringing a new perspective.
I thrive on staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends and innovations. The constant learning keeps me engaged and motivated. Understanding how tech advancements can improve business processes and everyday life is incredibly satisfying.
My company is exceptionally supportive, fostering a culture of growth and development with numerous opportunities for professional advancement. This supportive environment has been crucial for my career.
A great perk of my job is flexibility. I can work remotely or in the office, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and demonstrating the company’s trust in us.
Being in sales allows me to meet interesting people and tackle unique challenges, enhancing my problem-solving skills and broadening my understanding of different industries.
I’m often at the forefront of digital transformation conversations, helping organizations modernize their operations. This role requires both technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, which I find fulfilling.
My company is very flexible and will allow me to take Paternity leave at any time after placement. I do have the option to work remote as often as I need and want. My company does not require me to be in office as they allow for remote work. For working remote they will provide me with what I need to be productive during the work day.
I have had the privilege of being an elementary school teacher for the past 17 years. My career began in the bustling city of Chicago, where I spent the first nine years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade. These formative years in Chicago helped me develop a strong foundation and a deep passion for education.
In pursuit of being closer to my family, I made the decision to move back to Michigan. This move brought me full circle, as I now teach 5th grade in the same school district where I went to school. It’s a bit surreal to be an educator in the community that shaped me, and this connection adds a special layer of meaning to my work.
My journey into education was inspired by the amazing and influential educators I was fortunate to have growing up. Their dedication and impact on my life fueled my dream to give back and become an educator myself. Today, I strive to be that same source of inspiration and support for my students, guiding them as they navigate their own educational journeys. Building meaningful connections with my students is what I find most rewarding. Their unique perspectives and boundless curiosity keep me inspired and motivated to be the best teacher I can be.
Being a teacher is not just a profession for me; it’s a calling. It’s about making a difference in the lives of young people and helping to shape the future. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of my students’ lives, helping them grow and succeed.
I plan to take a full maternity leave following placement. Once my maternity leave is over, I will go back to work full-time. My school day ends before 3:00 p.m, so this also allows more time to be with our child after school. I also have the summer months off and extended holiday breaks, so I will be able to be home with our child during those times too!
For child care, we have several options. Our family lives nearby and is excited to help out. Rob can also work from home. We’ll most likely use a mix of family assistance and a licensed in-home child care provider.
My family originates from Poland, Italy, Ireland, and England. Family is very important to us, and we enjoy being together and celebrating each holiday. We are Catholic, and faith is very important to us. During Christmas, we celebrate a Polish tradition that has been in our family for over 100 years.
During the celebration, we still use my great-grandmother’s dishes to this day. This is one celebration that we look forward to every year. Throughout my childhood, we traveled as a family to experience new places together.
My family has roots in Poland, Lithuania, and the Netherlands. We love gathering for all holidays and incorporate Polish and Lithuanian foods into our holiday meals. Additionally, we attend an annual Polish festival in downtown Grand Rapids. We all enjoy decorating for the holidays, especially baking cookies together at Christmastime.
Throughout my childhood, we took an annual camping trip to Pentwater, Michigan. Now, every summer, two of my sisters (with their families), Rob, and I travel to Mackinac Island. In winter, we have a yearly family ski trip, where we spend an extended weekend together in northern Michigan, downhill skiing, laughing, and playing board games.
Thank you for taking the time to look at our profile to learn more about us. We can’t begin to understand the emotions you are going through, but we have the utmost respect and admiration for your strength and courage during this time.
We promise to provide your child with a loving, nurturing home where they can grow and thrive. We will support them in exploring their interests and passions, ensuring their happiness and success. We are open to maintaining a connection that feels right for you and your child, honoring your important role in their life.
Thank you for considering us to raise your child. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to the future with hope and love.
With heartfelt gratitude,
We would love to build a meaningful connection with you, where we can have visits a few times a year and also stay in touch through photo and video updates. We are open to discussing additional visits throughout the year if that’s something you’d like. As we grow our family, it’s important to us that it’s not just about adding a child, but also welcoming you into our lives. We want this relationship to feel right for you—whether that means occasional visits, regular updates, or simply knowing we’re here for each other. We’re committed to honoring your comfort and what feels best for you.
We plan to be open and honest with your child about their adoption story, helping them understand who they are and where they come from. We hope that this openness includes you, allowing your child to have a clear connection to their roots.
Looking ahead, we would love to celebrate special moments like birthdays, some holidays, school events, athletics, and milestones together. We’d be thrilled for you to be part of as many of these moments as you wish. Our hope is that you feel like an important member of our extended family.
We completely respect your choice if you prefer some distance, but please know that you’re always welcome to be part of our lives.
We would love to build a meaningful connection with you, where we can have visits a few times a year and also stay in touch through photo and video updates. We are open to discussing additional visits throughout the year if that’s something you’d like. As we grow our family, it’s important to us that it’s not just about adding a child, but also welcoming you into our lives. We want this relationship to feel right for you—whether that means occasional visits, regular updates, or simply knowing we’re here for each other. We’re committed to honoring your comfort and what feels best for you.
We plan to be open and honest with your child about their adoption story, helping them understand who they are and where they come from. We hope that this openness includes you, allowing your child to have a clear connection to their roots.
Looking ahead, we would love to celebrate special moments like birthdays, some holidays, school events, athletics, and milestones together. We’d be thrilled for you to be part of as many of these moments as you wish. Our hope is that you feel like an important member of our extended family.
We completely respect your choice if you prefer some distance, but please know that you’re always welcome to be part of our lives.
Just one more thing...We would love to build a meaningful connection with you, where we can have visits a few times a year and also stay in touch through photo and video updates. We are open to discussing additional visits throughout the year if that’s something you’d like. As we grow our family, it’s important to us that it’s not just about adding a child, but also welcoming you into our lives. We want this relationship to feel right for you—whether that means occasional visits, regular updates, or simply knowing we’re here for each other. We’re committed to honoring your comfort and what feels best for you.
We plan to be open and honest with your child about their adoption story, helping them understand who they are and where they come from. We hope that this openness includes you, allowing your child to have a clear connection to their roots.
Looking ahead, we would love to celebrate special moments like birthdays, some holidays, school events, athletics, and milestones together. We’d be thrilled for you to be part of as many of these moments as you wish. Our hope is that you feel like an important member of our extended family.
We completely respect your choice if you prefer some distance, but please know that you’re always welcome to be part of our lives.
