You're braver than you believe,
and stronger than you seem,
and smarter than you think."
- Christopher Robin
Hi!! We're Tara and Tony, and we're so glad you've taken a moment to take a glimpse into our lives. We recognize the difficulty in your decision, and respect the choice you will ultimately make. You must be completely comfortable with the family you choose, and remember, you should never compromise what is important to you in the adoption process. We adopted a baby angel last year, and we have an open (and very loving) relationship with the birth-mother. We have so much more to tell you in just a few short pages, so please keep reading!!
Tony and I have been married for 6 ½ years, and have a very loving and stable relationship, based upon friendship, trust and respect. We have known each other since March of 1989, when we met a St. Patrick's Day party (and Tony fell in love at first sight!) (However, to ask him, it was the other way around - but I know the real truth!) We became the best of friends after several dates, and remain so to this day. We were married in Annapolis, Maryland in 1992, and return there every year to celebrate our anniversary. We still celebrate every St. Patty's Day, but find each year that we can't stomach quite as much green beer as we had the year before!
In May of 1997, we were blessed with the adoption of the most beautiful baby girl, Madison Kendall. We met Madison's mother in January, when we initially spoke over the telephone. A year after the adoption, we continue our very close and special relationship. She is a very special part of our lives, and the bond is a combination of daughter, sister and niece all wrapped into one. We still speak on the phone, and send her and her family pictures of Madison monthly, including all the special keepsakes (christening invitations, birth announcements, party favors, etc.).
At one year of age, we already read Madison stories about adoption. She will always know how much she is loved by her birthmother and birthfather, and their families. She has all their pictures, their letters, and a hope chest containing all the gifts and cards their families have sent. Madison will grow knowing how much she is loved by them, and understand the tremendous sacrifice that her parents made to provide a healthy home. We will raise Madison to love and respect her birthparents, and to understand their decision. We have already planned a family reunion when Madison is older. So much hugging, and laughing, and crying. Won't it be wonderful!!!
And I can't forget to mention our spoiled-rotten yellow Labrador named Kemper. She has a beautiful disposition; she is gentle, lovable and exceptional with children. She ADORES Madison (and all of Madison's toys!) and especially the food that Madison drops on the floor! She is an integral part of our lives. Madison pulls Kemper's ears and tail, rips toys from her mouth, stomps on her paws - poor Kemper. But she keeps coming back for more (perhaps it's the promise of more dropped food!!!
Oh yeah, about us.. Tony is 37 years old, and I am 36. Tony graduated from college with a degree in accounting. He has been working for the same corporation since college, and is currently the Director of contracts and pricing. I graduated from college with a double major in psychology and sociology. Up until we adopted Madison, I was a technical trainer with a mainframe computer company. When we began our journey to share in Madison's birth, I resigned my position to become a stay-at-home mom. I knew I was putting my professional career on hold, but I wouldn't dream of doing anything else. Tony and I both believe that love, patience, understanding, support, guidance and encouragement are the cornerstones of a child's development.
We know that example carries so much more impact than words - and we strive to continue our lives honestly and morally. We believe that children need a structured environment to grow to their fullest potential - but we also know that too much structure can be suffocating. We will endeavor to find the perfect balance. We firmly believe that children cannot get too much love, time or attention from their parents. We treasure the time we have to spend together as a family, and hope to add one more child to our list of blessings. We think it is crucial for a child to have a sibling to love and share life's pleasures (and problems) with. Wouldn't it be wonderful for two children to grow together with that special, magical, bond of adoption? And to share two wonderful, adoring parents (who also adore each other)?
We think it is important to introduce a child to religion, and will raise our child in the Catholic church. We also believe strongly in the importance of education. We will provide every opportunity for our children's education and future, and will provide the support and encouragement to make their dreams come true (now matter what their dreams may be). I'd also like to tell you a little bit about our home in the suburbs. We live in a lovely four bedroom home that backs to the woods with a buried treasure - a babbling brook (sounds corny - but it's true!). It has a spacious finished country basement (which now has a large play area filled with toys and a Winnie-the-Pooh playhouse!). One of my hobbies is decorating, so our home is traditional and elegant yet oh-so warm and inviting. Madison's room is truly a work of art (it took us 6 weeks to complete!), full of vibrant color and interest and excitement. (It just screams WOW). Of course, when we adopt our next sweet pea, their room will have to be even better!! I can't wait to begin.
Yup, I'm getting ideas already - poor poor Tony! We hope that we have given you some insight into our lives, our family and our home. We are SO VERY EXCITED about the potential to become parents again! We believe that birthmothers who plan for adoption are truly "guardian angels on earth" for their unselfish gift. The decision requires great inner fortitude, maturity, and selflessness. It is an incredibly loving act, and we have a tremendous amount of respect for you.
Thank you so much for reading this letter, and we do hope to hear from you soon. Please feel free to e-mail us at Miswhisker@aol.com or pick up the phone and call us at ANY time (really!) on our toll-free number: (800) 647 - 4403 and get to know us. We're easy to talk to. Thank you for considering us as your baby's adoptive family. Tara, Tony, Madison and Kemper (woof!)