Dear Birthmother:

Hi. Our names are Marcia and Kevin, and we want to thank you for taking a peek into our lives. We have to admit that it's very difficult to imagine what you are going through, but we want you to know that we think you are very brave and extremely selfless and caring for thinking about adoption as a possible option. It takes a very special person to undertake this journey, because you are considering adoption out of great love for your child.

About Us

We met through work nine years ago, and at first we were only friends. As we got to know more about each other, we realized that there was more to our relationship than anticipated. We suddenly became inseparable, and we knew right away we had found our soul mate. We were married three years later on May 27, 2000, and ever since have built a marriage that is based on great respect and loyalty to one another. After two IVF treatments, we were blessed on November 2, 2003 with the birth of our precious son, Sean. We could never imagine how much a little guy like him could make such a positive impact in our lives. We very much want to expand our family and, after three failed IVF treatments, we naturally turned to adoption.

We own a charming ranch style house on a quiet, tree-lined street in the northwest side of Chicago. We share our home with three cats: Sweetness, Pumpkin and Rocky. The community in which we live is a safe and family oriented neighborhood with lots of kids. We have two nearby parks that are literally one block from our house, and there are several great schools in the area.

Kevin's family also owns a summer cottage in Wisconsin, which is located minutes away from Wisconsin Dells; famously known for its fun water parks. The property is large enough to accommodate all the extended family, and it is a place where we all meet up. In the summer time, we take frequent drives up north where we are able to get away from city life and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors. Swimming, fishing and camping are a few activities we enjoy with the rest of our family.

In Marcia's Words

I was originally born in Brazil and speak Portuguese fluently. Because my father was a diplomat, I was raised abroad and attended American speaking schools in countries such as Switzerland and Singapore. After graduating from high school, I moved to Illinois to attend college. Four years later, I earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies and landed my current job today working for a Brazilian Consulate. I basically issue travel visas for those interested in vacationing in Brazil. We have decided that, after we have our second child, I will quit working and become a full time mom.

Both Kevin and I come from a very tight family with strong values and morals. That is perhaps one of the many common bonds we share. I have two much older sisters (they are 14 and 16 years older); one of them lives in Sycamore, Illinois, while the other is currently in London, England. My father passed away about three years ago, and my mom lives in Geneva, Illinois, where we make weekly visits to her. I have three nieces who are practically like sisters to me, and although they live out of state, we keep in contact via phone and e-mail.

Taking photos of my family is one of my favorite hobbies. I also enjoy scrapbooking and creatively putting a page in the album together. I love to cook Italian food and try out new recipes in general. When I have time, in the summer, I like to tend to the vegetable patch with tomatoes, squash and basil.

Kevin, By Marcia

Kevin is the love of my life and my best friend. He is my rock in not only the good times but also in the bad. Kevin is the most compassionate, honest and kind person I know, as he is always willing to extend a helping hand to his family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike. He is a loyal, responsible and hardworking individual who takes pride in everything he does. He truly enjoys his job because he knows he is making a better today and tomorrow for his family and society in general. He is a wonderful, affectionate and patient father who loves to spend endless hours playing with our son. He loves to make Sean giggle, and they often play silly games making Kevin seem like a little kid himself! He can't wait to be a father again, for he has so much love to give!

In Kevin's Words

I was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago in the Edison Park neighborhood. I have 6 brothers, 3 sisters and 16 nieces and nephews! Our son has plenty of cousins to play with. Five of my brothers live nearby, and my three sisters live in the suburbs. Despite the size of my family, we remain very close and, because of the proximity to one another, we see each other often. Every Fourth of July, we get together at our property near the Wisconsin Dells, where my father lives, for a family reunion. My favorite childhood memories are growing up with my siblings. My younger brother and I are only a year apart in age, and we grew up as best friends. Being close to my brothers and sisters is the foundation for my own family values today. I want my children to grow up in a lively house filled with kids, pets and plenty of fun!

I have been a Chicago Police Officer for over seven years, and I'm presently assigned to the Narcotics unit. My job offers many new and exciting experiences every day, but none better than coming home each night and having Sean run into my arms shouting "Daddy!" I can't wait for the opportunity to raise another child.

My hobbies include sports and gardening. I stay active by playing in softball and basketball leagues every year. Coming home each day from work sends me right to our extensive garden for upkeeping, with Sean serving as my assistant. He loves to water all the flowers.

Marcia, By Kevin

Marcia is the most loving and caring woman I have ever known. It was these attributes that convinced me to ask her to marry me. She is a wonderful mother to Sean. They have already formed a bond between mother and son that will never be broken. Her compassion is neverending. She has so much more love to give and is looking forward to being able to offer that to another child. She is very excited about being a full time mom to our children.

About Sean

"Hi my name is Sean and I'm three years old. I love to laugh, play and chase my kitties all over the house. I love airplanes and especially love Blue's Clues, Elmo and Dora. I'm really excited about having a little brother or sister! I know that together we will get into plenty of mischief, have lots of laughs, share many secrets and be true friends forever. Christmas time is my favorite time of the year...because Santa comes to visit me and all my cousins and I get to tell him that I have been a good little boy. On Christmas Eve, my parents let me camp out in front of the tree, and I swear I can hear Santa's reindeer outside my house. They love eating the granola I leave out for them!"

Our Promise to You

Both of us grew up in close, loving homes where family came first. We know we can count on our families to stand by us in both good times and in bad. They are all eager to share our joy when we adopt a child. We have worked hard to provide Sean with a loving stable, secure life. We feel we have the love in our hearts to promise the same for your baby.

We feel at ease about open adoption because we know that it will benefit everyone involved. We want our child to grow up knowing you are a loving and selfless person and your choice made was out of pure love. We wish you only the best on the journey you have ahead of you.

If you have any questions or would like to chat, please contact us toll free at 1-888-208-0178 or via e-mail at marsnkev@sbcglobal.net. If you prefer, you may also contact our adoption counselor, Maggie Benz at 1-800-869-1005. She will be happy to talk with you.

We hope that there is a special reason that this letter has found its way to you.

Thank You!
Marcia and Kevin

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