HOW WE MET

We met at college in our early 20s. We had friends in common and sometimes went to the same parties, but didn't really know each other. It wasn't until we were both about 30 years old that our paths crossed again, this time in New York City. We were friends first. But after a few beers one night, we kissed. Fast forward 1 year and we were living together and working in Europe (a big adventure!). Next thing you know, we were married. Later, we made our way back to NYC, where we live now and want to raise a family.

This image to the right is us with the city official who legally married us in our kitchen. A few months later, we had a 'real' wedding with lots of family and friends.

We imagined having a family right away. But it never happened and no doctors could tell us why. Jackie was pregnant once but it didn't last. Eventually, we decided to create a family through adoption.

We researched a lot. We wanted to know what it would be like for us, but also for our future child and for the birth parents. As we learned, we became more and more comfortable with our decision. Now we are here and hoping to get to know you!

WE ARE SO EXCITED

We are so hopeful and -- and, yes, a little bit scared -- because we don't know if (or when) someone will choose us to become parents.

WE HOPE IT'S YOU

We hope you will see us for who we are -- two people with big hearts and open minds who are ready to nurture and love a child with plenty of support from our family and friends.

HI! I'M JACKIE.

I hope to be a loving mother with a caring spirit and high energy. I want to inspire your child, fill them with confidence, and help them be good to others.

I grew up in New Jersey in a middle-class town with my parents and my brother, who is 2 years younger than me. My mom was a high school teacher and my dad worked in IT.

I was a happy kid who loved reading, gymnastics, swimming, and singing. I grew up playing outside a lot. One thing about my childhood that shaped who I am today is that I was a bit of an ugly duckling. That didn't bother me at all (until puberty and mean girls). It taught me to always be kind to people and make everyone feel included.

I think it's fair to say I gained the most confidence in college, where I made a huge group of friends. Now I would describe myself as an outgoing person who is comfortable being who I am and who tries to make sure others feel good about being themselves too.

Garret - I fell in love with Jackie because of her sense of adventure and the way she can bring a smile to everyone in a room. I think my friends are more excited to see her now than me :)

YAS!!!!!!

I'm often singing and dancing around the house. I might be twerking to Cardi B or belting out the Little Mermaid.

MY DAILY RITUAL

Almost every morning I drink coffee in a sunny spot in our home. Our cat curls up next to me and I make a list of what I'm thankful for. Sometimes instead of writing it, I sketch it. After that, I read the news or a good magazine.

I BELIEVE IN

• Having fun
• Giving everyone the benefit of the doubt
• Being a good listener
• Being nice

HI! I'M GARRET

As a parent, I hope to raise your child to feel unconditionally loved and supported.

I grew up in a small town in New Jersey an hour outside of New York City. My favorite memories of growing up were playing in the woods with my brother and going to a nearby lake in the summer with my family. I spent a lot of time outside partly because my brother and I enjoyed it and partly to stay out of my mom's hair.

I played a lot of sports growing up. But as I got older I mostly started to focus on soccer and have been playing since I was 5. My father was the coach for some of the teams and my family spent a lot of weekends on soccer fields.

I think being part of a team sport really helped teach me the value of supporting the group and how important it is to work together to win. I still love being outside and whenever the sun is shining I make a point of going for a long walk to soak in the fresh air.

Jackie - I have deep respect for Garret. He is full of curiosity, kindness, and energy. People love to be around him. He is also very responsible and even-tempered. I can always depend on him to do the right thing.

EXPLORE!

I always love finding new places to explore and one of my favorite things about New York is there is no end of new places!

THE BEACH

One of my favorite places is the beach. I love going swimming in the summer but I enjoy it almost as much in the winter when it is empty and quiet except for the seagulls and waves.

I BELIEVE IN

• The importance of friends and family
• Respecting everyone's story
• You can't always feel happy, but when you do it's nice to share that feeling with others

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

We bought our home in 2021. It's a large, 2-bedroom apartment in a beautiful, safe neighborhood in New York City across from a park.

There are great schools, playgrounds, and museums nearby - plus a pool just a short walk away.

The city is full of energy. Children here can explore nearly any sport, music, art program, or activity you can think of!

It's very different from how we grew up but we think NYC's a super interesting place to raise a family. Our diverse community has people from all walks of life.

We hope our kids will have a healthy respect and appreciation for all people.

Our cat Wilby is a snuggler and he's very patient with kids.

Time for Fun!

We're two very active people who try to make the most of life. Our recent weekends are a good example of how we spend our free time.

Last Weekend

On Friday night we met some friends for drinks. The next day Garret played soccer and Jackie went to an exercise class. On Sunday, we took our nephew Bruno to the playground.

This Weekend

We went hiking not far from NYC with our friends Zach, Nirupa, and their son. We also went to a Halloween party. The next day we saw our friends Maud and Nico, and Jackie's godson Jack.

MY BROTHER & HIS FAMILY

My older brother Ian and his wife Annmarie also live in New York with our nephew Bruno, and we hang out all the time. Bruno loves boats, trains, and trucks. He also loves our cat, Wilby.

MY PARENTS

My dad is an engineer and my mom is a retired preschool teacher. They are caring grandparents. They come to the city to meet us often. We also spend time together at our family's beach house.

MY PARENTS

My parents inspire me with the way they have reinvented themselves in retirement. My mom went from teacher to painter and my dad became a personal trainer. He will be a very fit grandpa!

MY BROTHER & HIS WIFE

My younger brother John and his wife Marykate live in Florida with their dogs. They got married last year. We like to visit them in Florida or meet up somewhere for ski trips. They will probably start a family soon.

Cozy by the fire

Our families have combined some of our holiday traditions over the years. We all usually go to Garret's parents' house for Thanksgiving and Jackie's parents' house for Christmas. We are really lucky that our families get along so well.

Jackie - The guys in my family take turns being Santa.

Garret - Jackie has a lot of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Holidays are loud and fun.

Jackie - Both our moms show their love through cooking. I'm helping my mom make stuffed shells, a pasta we always eat at Christmas.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us a bit. While we don't know you yet, we do know one thing we have in common: we want what's best for your child.

I guess the other thing we have in common is that we're nervous, especially about our relationship with you. We want to show you absolute respect and privacy. At the same time, we are curious about you and whether you will want to stay in touch. What do you think? Our hope is that we can figure it out together -- now or whenever you're ready.

If you decide to put your trust in us as parents, we can promise that your child will know they are loved unconditionally. We will read them bedtime stories, tuck them in at night, and say "I love you" all the time. There will be countless family memories -- under the Christmas tree, at the beach, and around the kitchen table.

We will do everything within our power to make sure your child

is healthy and happy. From home-cooked meals to helping with homework to spending long sunny afternoons at the playground.

We will open every door we can to help your child learn, grow, and follow their dreams--whatever path they choose.

And whatever you choose, we hope you feel at peace.

Sincerely,

JACKIE & GARRET