Derek and Caitlin
Hi
THERE!
- WE ARE -
CAITLIN
& Derek
from New York
We’re EXCITED and GRATEFUL you’re considering us to be your child’s adoptive parents.
Dear Expectant Parents,
We can only imagine how difficult this is for you, and we want you to know that we will respect you and your wishes throughout this journey. Our promise to you is to love your child as our own, and to raise them in a life full of love, laughter, happiness and strength. We have been fortunate to have built a beautiful life together and have achieved many milestones over the years, but the most important chapter is next: becoming parents. We have a beautiful home that we love, careers that provide us with work/life balance, and are surrounded by amazing friends and family.
Adoption was a big part of our individual stories. Our individual experiences only strengthened our commitment to each other and to carrying on the gift that we both received in our families. We always believed that adoption was a beautiful way to start our family, and are so grateful and excited to begin this journey to parenthood. We’ve spent the last several years making intentional decisions to prepare for this next chapter, and are blessed to be able to carry on this gift as we wish to expand our family. We do not plan to have biological children and are incredibly fortunate and thankful to be able to grow our family through adoption.
- A LITTLE -
ABOUT US
We are each other’s best friends, and have been since the first time we met in college. After spending countless hours in the library, it became clear to the both of us that we were more than just friends. Shortly after graduating, Caitlin moved to Washington, DC and Derek quickly followed. We got married on our 10-year anniversary at a local coffee shop where we were surrounded by our closest family and friends. About a year after getting married, we moved back to our hometown in Upstate NY and settled in to the next chapter of our lives with dreams of becoming parents.
- OUR LIFE -
TOGETHER
Both of us share a love of humor, and there is no shortage of laughter that comes when we are around. No matter what obstacle comes our way, you can typically count on one of us to cut the tension with a belly laugh.
One thing that bonded the two of us was our love of travel – we are big fans of experiences over material things. We also both love spending as much time outdoors as possible. We’re fortunate to share a fantastic group of friends that we consider family. We prioritize spending time with them as often as possible. We can’t wait to become parents and explore the world through their eyes.
A Little About
CAITLIN
Caitlin is my best friend and the most THOUGHTFUL person I have ever met. She is always thinking of others, and genuinely wants everyone to feel comfortable in any situation. She has built a career in a field she loves and is able to balance that with an active and full home life.
She is an excellent cook, which I benefit from on a daily basis. Caitlin loves kids and excels at being an aunt and Godmother to many! Each kid in our lives has a different personality, and Caitlin adapts to each effortlessly. I know that she will be a wonderful mother to our future child.
-DEREK
DO WHAT YOU LOVE,
LOVE WHAT YOU DO
I have worked in Human Resources for the past 12 years. I am responsible for the overall engagement and happiness for every employee at my company and love it! I am fortunate to work for a flexible employer who values work life balance, along with embracing a family friendly environment. I have unlimited paid time off along with other great benefits and perks.
A little About
DEREK
Derek is outgoing, wicked smart, and incredibly kind. He is the person you want around in any situation as he’s able to adapt and make the most out of every scenario – both fun or challenging. While he has a great career, he values his time away from the office and makes the most of it. He is a lover of movies and television, an endless reader, and always on the hunt to learn more whether it’s through reading, research, or conversations with friends. He prioritizes staying active and healthy, but won’t pass down a dessert, especially if I made it.
Derek is a fun loving, comforting uncle to our nieces and nephews. He is patient, kind, and the life of the party (even kids’ parties!). He’ll make an excellent dad, and I can’t wait to see him teach our future child about the world.
- CAITLIN
DO WHAT YOU LOVE,
LOVE WHAT YOU DO
I have worked in accounting for the past 12 years. I am a Senior Staff Accountant working for a large university system and get to work from home as well as the office. My office sits above a theater and next door to a local coffee shop, so I get the added bonus of hearing students practicing their instruments during the day. I have great benefits through the university, including ample paid time off.
Home
sweet
HOME
We live in a 3 bedroom ranch in Upstate New York, and our community fully embraces all four seasons, offering ample farmers markets, local festivals, live music, and outdoor activities which we take full advantage of! Our school system is excellent, and one of the reasons we bought our home in the town that we did knowing our plans to grow our family.
We’ve spent the last three years making our home our favorite place to be – whether it’s having a lazy Saturday morning on the front porch, grilling in our backyard, or movie night in our living room. Most of all, our kitchen is our cherished place – we (mostly Caitlin) loves cooking and recently began teaching our niece how to bake – her favorites are cookies and pancakes!
Our neighborhood is full of families with young children, and Caitlin’s parents live a couple streets away. We are close with our neighbors and have several parks nearby. During the warmer months, you’ll find us at our folks’ house for a BBQ or family pool party.
- OUR -
HOBBIES
Caitlin’s favorite hobby is cooking and meal prepping. She loves exploring new ingredients and challenging herself with a new recipe and Derek is always ready to indulge!
Derek’s favorite hobbies include playing guitar, exercising, and learning as much about science and the universe as possible! He can’t wait to share his knowledge with our adoptive child.
- OUR -
FAVORITE THINGS
HOBBY
CAITLIN: Cooking and meal prepping
DEREK: Exercising
Vacation Spot
CAITLIN: Finger Lakes
DEREK: Outer Banks
Dessert
CAITLIN: Cookie cake from Wegman’s with all the frosting!
DEREK: : Carrot Cake
Musical Artist
CAITLIN: John Mayer
DEREK: Pearl Jam
Holiday
CAITLIN: Fourth of July
DEREK: Fourth of July
Seasonal activity
CAITLIN: Apple picking in the fall
DEREK: Going to the beach in the summer
Food
CAITLIN: Chicken tenders with every dipping sauce
DEREK: Burritos
Outdoor activity
CAITLIN: Long walks along the Canal
DEREK: Hiking in the mountains
TV Show
CAITLIN: Schitt’s Creek
DEREK: Game of Thrones
our friends &
FAMILY
Both of our families live within a 10- minute drive from our home. Caitlin’s family is actually just a couple streets away, so you’ll often find us hanging out with her two brothers and sister, along with our nieces at her parents’ house. Derek’s brother and his family live out of state but come home often to visit. Derek’s parents live close by, and Derek spends many Sundays playing cards with his dad at our house.
Caitlin was adopted by her father when she was about two years old. Derek’s mom was adopted by both parents as well. Adoption has always been a part of their individual family’s story, and those experiences have shaped their journey to become adoptive parents themselves.
We are fortunate to have an amazing group of friends who we have known for years. To us, friends are an extension of our family. We’re always there for each other, celebrating each other’s successes and being there for each other when needed. We can’t wait to introduce our adoptive child to our friends & family, and they can’t wait to meet them too!
- OUR -
THOUGHTS
- ON -
PARENTING
We promise to care for, love, and cherish each moment with your child and maintain a loving home full of kindness, laughter, and play.
We promise to always put your child first. We can’t wait to share our home with your child, and to explore the world through their eyes. Our home is in an ideal neighborhood, full of children and families with endless amounts of sidewalks to explore. We’re close to several parks with awesome walking trails, and have a beautiful backyard patio and yard that is a perfect place for play.
OUR HEARTFELT
THANKS
CAITLIN & DEREK
We admire your grace and courage to consider us as adoptive parents, an honor that we do not take lightly. We welcome an open, semi-private or closed adoption – whichever path you desire. We’d love to share photos and letters with you if desired. Our promise to you is to love your child unconditionally and provide a safe and loving home rooted in laughter, family and friendship. We promise to not take ourselves too seriously, love fiercely, and never take any moment for granted. We look forward to learning more about you, including your hopes and wishes for your child.
WE WOULD LOVE TO
HEAR FROM YOU!
