Michael and Steve
Location: Illinois
Ages: 32 and 36
Religion: Jewish
Professions: Health Policy-Federal Government/Fundraising-Environmental Nonprofit
Other Kids: None
Preferences: Any Race, Either Gender, Newborn up to 2 months
How We Met: We met online in the fall of 2013. Both of us didn’t have many expectations as we had been on many coffee dates before, but after 5 hours together, including a walk along Lake Michigan on a cold December evening, we knew we wanted to see each other again. While our personalities are a bit opposite, we embrace who the other person is wholeheartedly and never expect the other to be someone they aren’t. Nine years later, we are even more committed to each other and our future family.
Qualities We Love, Admire and Respect in Each Other: Steve: The phrase opposites attract holds very true for us. Michael is the introvert in our relationship and I gravitated toward his calm, contemplative, and thoughtful demeanor. He can attentively listen to my stream of consciousness and respond with care and insight, even if I am rambling. My favorite thing is to make Michael laugh, as it truly brightens a room.
Michael: Steve is a one-of-a- kind person – quirky and outlandish, and at the same time warm and inviting, and able to put almost anyone at ease. His ability to always be his original self, no matter who is around, and fully embrace everyone for who they are, is what made me fall in love with him. Steve encourages me to be bold and challenges me to improve and make the most of life.
Our Hobbies and Interests: Our passions lie close to home and are a big reason why we love living in Chicago and plan to raise a family in the city. We spend a lot of time on the lakefront or in the many parks across the city with our dog, Wallaby, and Steve dedicates his Saturday mornings to ensuring these parks are maintained by doing tree planting and pruning. If not in a park, we’re exploring the many lively neighborhoods all around the city, and Michael spends his evenings and weekends doing community organizing to ensure residents are able to live healthy and vibrant lives in these communities. We are fortunate to have Steve’s large and extended family close by, so there are frequent family get-togethers for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations.
Why We Want to Adopt: Early on in our relationship, we both expressed to each other that we desired to have a family one day. While we gain fulfillment and joy through our careers, as well as through our passion for building a healthy and vibrant community in our neighborhood, we know that raising children is part of the fulfillment we ultimately desire. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and loving home. Your baby will be surrounded by family that lives close-by, and an even larger friend group that consists of relationships that have lasted decades. We will love and celebrate whatever background your baby comes from, and make sure they know their story through a relationship with you if you feel comfortable, as well as ensure they have access to people and resources who can support them however they need.