I'm pretty simple. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. If there's an opportunity to make a corny joke, I'll be the first to take it. I enjoy being active, whether it is a group fitness class or just a long walk around my neighborhood, any day that I'm able to move my body is a great day. I also enjoy nights in, knitting, and watching tv with Peppa, my cat.

To give you a little more insight about me, I asked my mom and my oldest niece to tell you more about me.

Mom

Hello. I am Alexandra's mother. I have walked with her through all stages of growing up into her adulthood. Alexandra is centered, dependable, responsible, organized, and honest. Her interaction with my two granddaughters and her nieces has been and is great. She understands how to interact with them in a positive, joyful loving way and still maintain control. I know Alexandra would do a great job of being a parent. I look forward to her becoming a mom and being a grandmother to her child.

Carmen

Hello! My name is Carmen, and I am Alex's niece. I am a 20-year-old mom, nursing student, and artist. My fondest memories of growing up were with my Aunt Alex. She made summer vacations and holidays memorable experiences that I will tell my son about as he gets older. My favorite memories with Alex growing up would be our Christmas traditions. Every Christmas we would decorate cookies and she'd help me write a letter to Santa. I was always looking forward to spending that time with her. Alex is someone who makes moments special for those around her. I know that when she becomes a mom, there will not be a shortage of fun to be had with her child. Alex is not only a fun person to be around but also focused, thoughtful, responsible, and grounded. If there is anyone who is equipped to handle the daily stressors that come with having a child it would be her! She is calm under pressure and is a quick thinker. She is someone I believe is deserving of the joy of becoming a parent.

I've always imagined myself as a mother, and in the back of my mind I always thought adoption would be a good choice for me. I don't really have a definitive reason why I've always considered adoption. I think part of the reason is the unconditional love that I have from my parents, and understanding how important that has been, and continues to be, a source of confidence and security for me, and my desire to be that safe space for a child.

I have so much love to give and I want to share that love with a child. I know that I am emotionally, physically, and financially ready to begin this journey - and for the years to come

I have a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting. I've worked at the same company for the past 12 years as a financial statement auditor. I spent the last 12 years working really hard, and I'm happy that I've reached a point in my career that allows for more work-life balance. I like the work of my job - it's kind of like solving a puzzle but using numbers and rules of accounting. Also, my company has a number of programs for parents, including 3 months of parental leave for adoptions.

• TV Shows: Law & Order, Insecure, Golden Girls, The Office, RuPaul's Drag Race
• Foods: Pizza, Meatloaf, Potato Chips
• Holiday: Christmas
• Season: Fall
• Candy: Anything gummy

I love that my home is full of color and physical reminders of my travels, places I've lived, and gifts from friends. My city is full of eclectic people, festivals, and a rich history. There's a beautiful park close to my home that is always busy with families and various activities - it even has a fairy tale land!

I come from a fairly small family of 4 - my parents, my brother, and me. I'm an even mix of both of my parents. The high-performing type A traits that I get from my mom are balanced out by the calmer demeanor that I picked up from my dad. My brother is about 9 years older than me. So, I mostly annoyed him by trying to tag along everywhere he went when we were growing up, but as adults, we enjoy hanging out. I especially enjoy hanging out with his 2 daughters - I take my role as the fun aunt very seriously :).

Outside of my immediate family, I have a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins that I enjoy spending the holidays with.

Actually, my nieces don't call me "Aunt Alex" -just Alex. We tried to figure out why the "aunt" part never stuck, but no one was really sure. So, we're just rolling with it.

It's been so fun and interesting to see my nieces grow. We have very different interests and personalities. So, over the years I've learned so much about anime, goth, and the joy of Hot Topic.

I truly love them with my whole heart.

Peppa is my ride or die...well, maybe a little more ride-along if treats are involved. I got Peppa in February 2020 - right before the pandemic. So, she was my main companion during lockdown. She is a sweet cat who enjoys head scratches and the occasional cuddle session. She is also incredibly patient - just look at all of the costumes she's let me put her in!

I have a small, close-knit circle of friends, with my closest friends being friends for almost 20 years. At this point, they're more family than friends.

They are all excited to support me on this journey!

When I'm not spending time with my family, I enjoy finding new hobbies to explore. My most consistent hobby is roller derby. I've been playing roller derby since 2018. Beyond just playing the sport, I've really enjoyed the community that I've been able to build and be a part of.

I don't travel a ton, but I do enjoy a fun trip every few years. When I was younger, I was a little fearful of traveling by myself, but as I've gotten older, I've learned the joy of solo traveling. I love going to a new place and experiencing a different culture.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.

I'm so excited about becoming a parent, but I'll admit that I'm also a little nervous. I believe that I've done everything that I can do to be emotionally, financially, and physically prepared for this next chapter, but as I've learned no matter how much you prepare life can surprise you and you have to be able to roll with the punches. So, I don't know what the future will hold, but I know that if you select me to adopt your baby they will be loved and cared for in a home that will allow their authentic selves to flourish.

No matter your decision, I wish the best for your future.