Jim & Melissa
Hello,
We admire the courage it must take to make an adoption plan for you and your child. We fully understand what a huge task it is to find just the right family. We would be honoured to be considered as the family you chose for your baby, and hope this letter/book will show you the wonderful life your child could have with us. We are already adoptive parents to a little girl named Allie, and we already have adoption experience. You might want a childless family for your baby; but if you pick us you can be assured we already are great parents and you would be giving your child the gift of an adopted sibling; someone to share their life with. We promise to share ALL the love that we have for each other, as well as the happiness and laughter that fills our home and our lives, with your child! We hope that our profile provides you with some insight into our lives, and that you get to know us a little through our photo story. Shall we start? Melissa Age: 36 Education: Bachelor of Education Occupation: Elementary Teacher Interests: Family, Nature, Outdoors, Fitness, Travel, Gardening, Health Melissa (According to Jim) Mel is 5'6" tall, and is a ball of energy. She loves organizing events with our family and friends, and is always the one to initiate gatherings. It is important to her to maintain strong relationships with people (you would be included in this). She also loves time spent at home just watching movies and hanging out, but not for long, because she also likes to be on the go, often training for triathlons or running events. Mel teaches elementary school, and puts a lot of herself into her job, doing extra curricular activities, and providing opportunities for students to better themselves. This is because she respects the needs of a variety of kids, and is compassionate toward those who need her the most. Mel is a great mom because she is patient, kind and understanding. Allie is her world, and Allie loves spending time with her mommy going for hikes and snuggling up to read a book. I love watching "my girls" and the bond that keeps growing as Allie grows. Your child would know a love like no other from Melissa, I promise you this. We also have a lot of nieces and nephews of all ages, and they love Mel. She takes her time with the younger kids, and shares in their enjoyment of crafts, bike rides, and reading, but also has strong bonds with the older kids because they trust her, and she relates to them. I can always count on Melissa. She is ALWAYS there for me. I know that when I get home from a long day at work, she will have some kind of funny story that will make me laugh. She teaches me not to sweat the small stuff. Mel is dependable, organized and treats me and those she loves with compassion and kindness. Jim Age: 38 Education: Licensed Mechanic Occupation: Business Manager Interests: Family, Outdoors, Motorcycles, Travel Jim (According to Melissa) Jim is 6'5" tall, and is a gentle giant. He has a smile that is contagious, and is the type of person that would help anyone in need. He has many friends, and it is clear that he is respected by people as being an honest and hard working guy! Jim runs a business that allows us to live a lifestyle that we enjoy, but he always has time for Allie and I, as well as his family and friends. Jim values the people in his life, and they always come first. He is resilient, funny and real. Most of all, he is an amazing father to Allie nothing lights up the room like her smile when he walks in the door each day. |
Email:
[email protected]
T elephone: 613-804-4946 We live in: Rural Ottawa Our ages: Melissa - 37; Jim - 39 Years together: 18 years together, 9 years married Hoping to Adopt: newborn - 1 year old Pets: Cruze, our gentle, goofy Rottweiler Occupations: Melissa - Teacher; Jim - Mechanic |
Jim loves kids! He is always the guy at the family gatherings that will disappear from the adult conversations and can be found playing wherever the kids are. These kids love their "Uncle Jimmy" and our neighbourhood kids love to pop by our house to say hello to him.
I have never doubted Jim's abilities to love a child, but when I look at him with Allie, it is clear that he was meant to be a dad! He doesn't want to miss a moment with her, and he shows her love and tenderness, while playing rough and tumble, and creating giggles like no other. She adores her daddy in a way that makes me just want to sit back and observe them together. I know that for your child, a father is just as important as a mother; and Jim will be an excellent and loving support to your little one.
Allie
-Curious
-Energetic
-Playful
-Funny
Allie came into our lives in October, 2014, and we absolutely adore this little creature. She is the sweetest joy in our lives and has brought with her an abundance of love and laughter. We are eager to offer your child not only loving parents (us), but also the love and experiences that only a happy sibling can bring. In Allie your child will find a playmate, a lifelong friend, and most of all someone make memories with. We both grew up with siblings and have such whole and happy experiences from our sibling relationships; they are an important part of our lives.
50 Reasons You Want Your Child to Have a Big Sister!
50 Reasons You Want Your Child to Have a Big Sister!
1. Allie will be your child’s absolute friend for life!
2. The unconditional love of a big sister
3. Someone to always share toys or stories with
4. Allie will always have your child’s back at school
5. An older sister will share in your child’s joy and troubles so they are never alone
6. With a sibling your child will how to fight for what they want (even if it’s just the front seat or the last oreo)
7. Together they can share how silly, funny, irritating, crazy or super cool their parents are
8. To teach the value of taking care of others
9. A sibling teaches patience and kindness
10. To have someone to cry and laugh with, no matter what life brings
11. To learn to work as a team
12. Together they can talk and giggle with after bedtime lights go out
13. To build Saturday morning couch forts together
14. Together they can walk through the halls on the first day of school
15. Allie can demonstrate the back float, because she used to be scared to float too
16. To share clothes and secrets
17. To explore the “enchanted” forest behind our house as they get older
18. To ride bikes together
19. For late night chats after a first break up or first kiss
20. To have a brutally honest fashion opinion
21. To play board games on rainy days with
22. To run and splash in the rain together on rainy days
23.To build sand castles and catch the waves as a team
24. Your child will always have a friend at the fair to go on rides with
25. To share dreams and make them come true together
26. To have a constant supporter, even when they goof up
27. Someone who will giggle with uncontrollably
28. To help to teach their letters and numbers
29. Someone to make a snowman with
30. Someone to wake up with at 4am on Christmas morning with
31. A trick or treating partner
32. Someone to make childhood memories with
33. A buddy to play travel games with in the car
34. A buddy to travel the world with after high school with
35. A partner for chasing the ice cream man down the beach in Florida (one of my favourite childhood memories)
36. A mini coach for their favourite sports, or supporter at your child’s hockey game
37. A partner at the playground two swing with
38. A teeter-totter buddy
39. Someone to throw the ball with
40. Someone who understands what it is like to be adopted too
41. To teach the value of compromise
42. Someone to accept (and make fun of) the little quirks.
43. Playing hide and seek
44. Someone to make the lazy days fun and bring the calm to the crazy days
45. Someone to teach healthy competition, and be so proud of her little sibling’s success
46. Someone to kiss the booboos when success doesn’t come easily
47. Someone to see things from the same perspective, or to offer a different view
48. To help with projects and homework
49. Friday night pizza and movies on the couch
50. Together they can feel love, pain, laughter, anger, joy, and fear with; always knowing that when the dust settles, they will have a lifelong friend who is there for them always.
A sibling relationship is like no other.
Our Relationship
We met in 2000 when Melissa was working at the resort that her parents owned. Melissa was in her last year of high school, and Jim was working in his family's automotive business; there was no denying it - It Was Love! So we started dating. Jim proposed in 2009 at Dow's Lake, the place that we had our first date. Life has continued to bless us ever since. We have a strong and happy relationship that is 18 years strong, and getting stronger every day.
The key to a happy marriage is taking the time for each other every single day. We listen to one another, share our days, express our fears and always support each other. It is this incredibly strong foundation that permits us to be such excellent parents to Allie. You can be rest assured that having your child join our happy family will be a blessing for all involved. We are already parents together, we know the responsibilities and dedication it takes to raise a balanced and healthy child; as a team we are game for the task of adding another little one to our lives.
Our Home
We have recently built our dream home on a beautiful 1.5 acre country lot. We are 10 minutes from town and have a school just down the street our kids will attend (the same school that Melissa attended as a child). When we look out our windows, we see trees, a small creek and a cow pasture. We love to spend time outdoors, looking after our flowers, and growing organic veggies. We have amazing neighbours, many with small children, who we get together with for dinners, campfires, four wheeling, and neighbourhood fun! There is lots of room here for your child to grow and explore. Of course, there is more than enough love in our home to grow by 1 more!
Our Homes Away From Home
We love spending time with our families and spend a lot of time at our parents' houses (which means your child would know that absolute adoration of their adoptive grandparents on a regular basis). Their homes offer an abundance of fun things to do for us all; big and small kids alike. Jim grew up on the lake so we spend lots of time there with Allie. And Melissa's family loves to spend summers by the backyard pool playing and splashing to our hearts content. We also are blessed to spend our winter vacations at Melissa's family condo in Florida. So your child would have a full and adventurous live outside of our home too travelling and playing with relatives.
Our Family
We both come from very close and supportive families. Most weekends include some family time, enjoying large dinners, Italian style! We live five minutes from Melissa's family, and ten from Jim's, so there is always something going on.
Jim's family is Italian. He has one sister, and a nephew that we spend a lot of time with. Melissa has a large blended family, including a brother, a sister, and two step sisters. We have seven nieces and nephews on this side.
Our families have given us the tools to be loving and nurturing parents. From bed time stories to cheering at swim meets, volleyball games and family vacations we always enjoy one another. We look forward to providing a loving, structured, and supportive family life to your child, as we have been blessed with so many wonderful role models.
Things We Want to Share With Your Child!
-Family BBQs
-Skating on the lake
-Florida vacations
-Sunday afternoons on the water
-Double family Christmas party
-Winter camp party
-Hikes to Foley Mountain
-Camping trips
-Canoe trips
-Sports events
-Family bike rides
-Bedtime stories
-Many, many hugs and kisses
-Meals as a family
-Walks
-Gardening
-Exploring
-Homework
-Movie Fridays
-Love for nature
Our Relationship With You
Family is the most important thing to us, and we believe that our two families are being brought together through your child. We already have an abundance of respect for you and the decision that you are making for your child. As we do with Allie’s biological family, we would also love to have a relationship with you. Without a doubt, our goal is to nurture a relationship between you and your child in all the years ahead of us all; the more who love your child and are part of their life the better. Now, we would also understand if that is not a possibility for you at this time and you need your space. If this is the case please know we will remain open to and accessible to you if you want to reconnect in the future. You have only our utmost respect, consideration and acceptance.
Our Thoughts on Parenting
We feel that we have a strong set of values that we are able (and enthusiastic) to share with your child. We have both been raised with a strong spiritual faith that encourages the development of a strong character. Our main goal in parenting is to nurture a kind and empathetic human being who cares about others and the world. We will parent with a consistent, flexible, and gentle method, encouraging the development of “knowing” and “doing” the right thing. We don't believe in physical discipline, and instead believe in modelling expected behaviours, while redirecting and guiding a child to provide learning and understanding.
Our careers as a teacher and a business owner in the trades have allowed us insight into our thoughts on education and work ethic. Both of these things have provided us not only with stable and sustainable careers in which offer your child a secure home and family life, but have also allowed us to find jobs that we are passionate about. We will encourage your child to focus on hard work through education, but also to pursue goals and interests in life that will bring him or her happiness. Because what is the purpose of life if we can’t be happy while living it.
Melissa - The Teacher
I teach elementary school, kindergarten to grade 8 and am a specialist in Special Education. I enjoy participating in extra-curricular activities and finding new opportunities for my students. I LOVE my job!
"The more that you read, the more things you'll know, the more that you know, the more places you'll go"! Dr. Suess
Jim - The Mechanic
I run my family's automotive business. We've been in business for thirty years, and I love working with customers, often second and third generation.
"Nothing will work unless you do”
Fitness and Outdoors
We lead an active and healthy lifestyle, and hope to share this with our children. Our activities allows us to spend quality time together, while staying healthy and appreciating the world around us.
Travel
We love to travel and are looking forward to sharing what the world has to offer with children. Exploring different cultures, meeting new and interesting people and developing a respect and understanding for nature, are all important parts of our travels.
Ask The Experts
"Their kids would learn a lot from them because Melissa is a teacher and Jim knows so much about cars”. -Nicholas, 9
"They love children and they are very nice. They would take very good care of a baby". -Alice, 6
"Because Melissa always plays with me and does fun things, and uncle Jimmy takes me to the park and on the four wheeler”. -Niko, 5
"Jim and Melissa are kind, considerate and so much fun to be around. I know that Jim and Melissa, along with their families would create an ideal life for a baby. They are loving, bubbly people, who any child would be lucky to have". -Charlotte, 15
"Melissa and Jim are the type of people who I always thought I would want to live with if something ever happened to my parents. They are always interested in me, and I feel comfortable spending time with them. Any child who is lucky enough to have Melissa and Jim as their parents will have a life full of love, support and incredible opportunity". -Angus, 18
Thank You
So there you have it; our Adoption Letter and Profile. We hope it clearly expresses what kind of loving home we could offer your child. We hope it shows you that we are thoughtful and considerate parents who live a good and full life. If you have any questions of us we welcome you to contact us and ask. We all want the very best for your child and we hope you know we are always only a phone call away.
Whatever your decision may be, or the path you choose, we wish you and your child a bright and happy future.
Sincerely,
Jim and Melissa
I have never doubted Jim's abilities to love a child, but when I look at him with Allie, it is clear that he was meant to be a dad! He doesn't want to miss a moment with her, and he shows her love and tenderness, while playing rough and tumble, and creating giggles like no other. She adores her daddy in a way that makes me just want to sit back and observe them together. I know that for your child, a father is just as important as a mother; and Jim will be an excellent and loving support to your little one.
Allie
-Curious
-Energetic
-Playful
-Funny
Allie came into our lives in October, 2014, and we absolutely adore this little creature. She is the sweetest joy in our lives and has brought with her an abundance of love and laughter. We are eager to offer your child not only loving parents (us), but also the love and experiences that only a happy sibling can bring. In Allie your child will find a playmate, a lifelong friend, and most of all someone make memories with. We both grew up with siblings and have such whole and happy experiences from our sibling relationships; they are an important part of our lives.
50 Reasons You Want Your Child to Have a Big Sister!
50 Reasons You Want Your Child to Have a Big Sister!
1. Allie will be your child’s absolute friend for life!
2. The unconditional love of a big sister
3. Someone to always share toys or stories with
4. Allie will always have your child’s back at school
5. An older sister will share in your child’s joy and troubles so they are never alone
6. With a sibling your child will how to fight for what they want (even if it’s just the front seat or the last oreo)
7. Together they can share how silly, funny, irritating, crazy or super cool their parents are
8. To teach the value of taking care of others
9. A sibling teaches patience and kindness
10. To have someone to cry and laugh with, no matter what life brings
11. To learn to work as a team
12. Together they can talk and giggle with after bedtime lights go out
13. To build Saturday morning couch forts together
14. Together they can walk through the halls on the first day of school
15. Allie can demonstrate the back float, because she used to be scared to float too
16. To share clothes and secrets
17. To explore the “enchanted” forest behind our house as they get older
18. To ride bikes together
19. For late night chats after a first break up or first kiss
20. To have a brutally honest fashion opinion
21. To play board games on rainy days with
22. To run and splash in the rain together on rainy days
23.To build sand castles and catch the waves as a team
24. Your child will always have a friend at the fair to go on rides with
25. To share dreams and make them come true together
26. To have a constant supporter, even when they goof up
27. Someone who will giggle with uncontrollably
28. To help to teach their letters and numbers
29. Someone to make a snowman with
30. Someone to wake up with at 4am on Christmas morning with
31. A trick or treating partner
32. Someone to make childhood memories with
33. A buddy to play travel games with in the car
34. A buddy to travel the world with after high school with
35. A partner for chasing the ice cream man down the beach in Florida (one of my favourite childhood memories)
36. A mini coach for their favourite sports, or supporter at your child’s hockey game
37. A partner at the playground two swing with
38. A teeter-totter buddy
39. Someone to throw the ball with
40. Someone who understands what it is like to be adopted too
41. To teach the value of compromise
42. Someone to accept (and make fun of) the little quirks.
43. Playing hide and seek
44. Someone to make the lazy days fun and bring the calm to the crazy days
45. Someone to teach healthy competition, and be so proud of her little sibling’s success
46. Someone to kiss the booboos when success doesn’t come easily
47. Someone to see things from the same perspective, or to offer a different view
48. To help with projects and homework
49. Friday night pizza and movies on the couch
50. Together they can feel love, pain, laughter, anger, joy, and fear with; always knowing that when the dust settles, they will have a lifelong friend who is there for them always.
A sibling relationship is like no other.
Our Relationship
We met in 2000 when Melissa was working at the resort that her parents owned. Melissa was in her last year of high school, and Jim was working in his family's automotive business; there was no denying it - It Was Love! So we started dating. Jim proposed in 2009 at Dow's Lake, the place that we had our first date. Life has continued to bless us ever since. We have a strong and happy relationship that is 18 years strong, and getting stronger every day.
The key to a happy marriage is taking the time for each other every single day. We listen to one another, share our days, express our fears and always support each other. It is this incredibly strong foundation that permits us to be such excellent parents to Allie. You can be rest assured that having your child join our happy family will be a blessing for all involved. We are already parents together, we know the responsibilities and dedication it takes to raise a balanced and healthy child; as a team we are game for the task of adding another little one to our lives.
Our Home
We have recently built our dream home on a beautiful 1.5 acre country lot. We are 10 minutes from town and have a school just down the street our kids will attend (the same school that Melissa attended as a child). When we look out our windows, we see trees, a small creek and a cow pasture. We love to spend time outdoors, looking after our flowers, and growing organic veggies. We have amazing neighbours, many with small children, who we get together with for dinners, campfires, four wheeling, and neighbourhood fun! There is lots of room here for your child to grow and explore. Of course, there is more than enough love in our home to grow by 1 more!
Our Homes Away From Home
We love spending time with our families and spend a lot of time at our parents' houses (which means your child would know that absolute adoration of their adoptive grandparents on a regular basis). Their homes offer an abundance of fun things to do for us all; big and small kids alike. Jim grew up on the lake so we spend lots of time there with Allie. And Melissa's family loves to spend summers by the backyard pool playing and splashing to our hearts content. We also are blessed to spend our winter vacations at Melissa's family condo in Florida. So your child would have a full and adventurous live outside of our home too travelling and playing with relatives.
Our Family
We both come from very close and supportive families. Most weekends include some family time, enjoying large dinners, Italian style! We live five minutes from Melissa's family, and ten from Jim's, so there is always something going on.
Jim's family is Italian. He has one sister, and a nephew that we spend a lot of time with. Melissa has a large blended family, including a brother, a sister, and two step sisters. We have seven nieces and nephews on this side.
Our families have given us the tools to be loving and nurturing parents. From bed time stories to cheering at swim meets, volleyball games and family vacations we always enjoy one another. We look forward to providing a loving, structured, and supportive family life to your child, as we have been blessed with so many wonderful role models.
Things We Want to Share With Your Child!
-Family BBQs
-Skating on the lake
-Florida vacations
-Sunday afternoons on the water
-Double family Christmas party
-Winter camp party
-Hikes to Foley Mountain
-Camping trips
-Canoe trips
-Sports events
-Family bike rides
-Bedtime stories
-Many, many hugs and kisses
-Meals as a family
-Walks
-Gardening
-Exploring
-Homework
-Movie Fridays
-Love for nature
Our Relationship With You
Family is the most important thing to us, and we believe that our two families are being brought together through your child. We already have an abundance of respect for you and the decision that you are making for your child. As we do with Allie’s biological family, we would also love to have a relationship with you. Without a doubt, our goal is to nurture a relationship between you and your child in all the years ahead of us all; the more who love your child and are part of their life the better. Now, we would also understand if that is not a possibility for you at this time and you need your space. If this is the case please know we will remain open to and accessible to you if you want to reconnect in the future. You have only our utmost respect, consideration and acceptance.
Our Thoughts on Parenting
We feel that we have a strong set of values that we are able (and enthusiastic) to share with your child. We have both been raised with a strong spiritual faith that encourages the development of a strong character. Our main goal in parenting is to nurture a kind and empathetic human being who cares about others and the world. We will parent with a consistent, flexible, and gentle method, encouraging the development of “knowing” and “doing” the right thing. We don't believe in physical discipline, and instead believe in modelling expected behaviours, while redirecting and guiding a child to provide learning and understanding.
Our careers as a teacher and a business owner in the trades have allowed us insight into our thoughts on education and work ethic. Both of these things have provided us not only with stable and sustainable careers in which offer your child a secure home and family life, but have also allowed us to find jobs that we are passionate about. We will encourage your child to focus on hard work through education, but also to pursue goals and interests in life that will bring him or her happiness. Because what is the purpose of life if we can’t be happy while living it.
Melissa - The Teacher
I teach elementary school, kindergarten to grade 8 and am a specialist in Special Education. I enjoy participating in extra-curricular activities and finding new opportunities for my students. I LOVE my job!
"The more that you read, the more things you'll know, the more that you know, the more places you'll go"! Dr. Suess
Jim - The Mechanic
I run my family's automotive business. We've been in business for thirty years, and I love working with customers, often second and third generation.
"Nothing will work unless you do”
Fitness and Outdoors
We lead an active and healthy lifestyle, and hope to share this with our children. Our activities allows us to spend quality time together, while staying healthy and appreciating the world around us.
Travel
We love to travel and are looking forward to sharing what the world has to offer with children. Exploring different cultures, meeting new and interesting people and developing a respect and understanding for nature, are all important parts of our travels.
Ask The Experts
"Their kids would learn a lot from them because Melissa is a teacher and Jim knows so much about cars”. -Nicholas, 9
"They love children and they are very nice. They would take very good care of a baby". -Alice, 6
"Because Melissa always plays with me and does fun things, and uncle Jimmy takes me to the park and on the four wheeler”. -Niko, 5
"Jim and Melissa are kind, considerate and so much fun to be around. I know that Jim and Melissa, along with their families would create an ideal life for a baby. They are loving, bubbly people, who any child would be lucky to have". -Charlotte, 15
"Melissa and Jim are the type of people who I always thought I would want to live with if something ever happened to my parents. They are always interested in me, and I feel comfortable spending time with them. Any child who is lucky enough to have Melissa and Jim as their parents will have a life full of love, support and incredible opportunity". -Angus, 18
Thank You
So there you have it; our Adoption Letter and Profile. We hope it clearly expresses what kind of loving home we could offer your child. We hope it shows you that we are thoughtful and considerate parents who live a good and full life. If you have any questions of us we welcome you to contact us and ask. We all want the very best for your child and we hope you know we are always only a phone call away.
Whatever your decision may be, or the path you choose, we wish you and your child a bright and happy future.
Sincerely,
Jim and Melissa