Matt and Diane celebrating Diane’s birthday at Medieval Times.
Dear Birthparent,
Placing your child up for adoption is truly an act of love, kindness, and selflessness, and no one believes these words more than us. Our names are Matt and Diane and words cannot fully express how thankful we are that you chose to read our profile and learn more about us in our efforts to continue to grow our family through adoption. Please know that our prayers are with you and your families as you make this decision for you and your baby. We already know that we have something in common – the belief that the life of your baby is precious.
Why We Want to Adopt Again
We decided to start building our family shortly after we were married, but were unsuccessful. We attempted fertility treatments, but those did not work either. The need to be parents was greater than the need to have a biological child of our own. After meeting the staff at St. Mary’s Services, we knew we were meant to start our family through adoption. Less than a year later, we met our daughter’s birth parents, and six weeks after that, we were blessed with Sara. We always wanted more than one child, and hoped for siblings that were close in age. We have more than enough space in our home, our lives, and hearts to love another child unconditionally.
How We Met
We met in the year 2000 while working at a software company in downtown Chicago. We started out as office friends first. Three years later, Diane left the company to pursue other options and kept in contact with Matt via email. A few weeks later, Diane casually invited Matt to a birthday party at a bar near her house. Matt went to the party, but was very nervous when he arrived. You know the scene in the movies when two people see each other from across the room and time suddenly stops? Well that is exactly what happened with us. We knew right at that moment that we were meant to be together. Ten months after our first date, we were engaged. Ten months after our engagement, we were married.
Diane and Sara
About Diane (By Matt)
Without a doubt, Diane is still my best friend in the world. She is the calm in the storm of life, and everyone she encounters is a better person just by knowing her. Diane is an excellent mother, period. Whether it be home-made baby food prepared a week ahead of time, reading endless bedtime stories, or even making sure Sara knows that our dog’s nose is not a toy, she always makes sure that our daughter is well taken care of. She has a degree in English and works part-time as a Technical Writer for an Educational Software company. Diane enjoys yoga, growing fruits and vegetables in our garden, and journaling. She has a younger brother and sister, and is of Polish, French, German, Bohemian, and Native American descent.
Matt and Sara
About Matt (By Diane)
Our home is always filled with laughter because of Matt’s silliness. He is quick with a joke and whenever anyone appears down, he wants to lift their spirits. Matt is a tremendous Daddy, with boundless energy to play all day. He works for a successful financial services firm as an IT System Adminstrator. Matt is a former Aircraft Mechanic with the Illinois Air National Guard and had the opportunity to travel the world. Matt enjoys working on house projects, reading, and playing with his iPad. Matt has three older sisters and is of Irish descent.
Our daughter, Sara
About Sara
From the big smile when she wakes up through the tears at naptime to the hugs at bedtime, we never take a moment with Sara for granted. She is a very happy baby, who smiles and laughs all the time. At a little over a year old, she already loves being around other people and kids and will make a great big sister. She knows that we are Mommy and Daddy, but will also grow up knowing who her birth parents are, as well.
About Matt and Diane (By Sara’s Birthparents, Kim and Albert)
“In the beginning of the adoption process we thought we were only going to see Sara four times a year, as stated on a written agreement. I was wrong. We get together whenever it is convenient for everyone, which has been more than four times. The more time I spend with Matt and Diane, I feel that the relationship between us becomes closer. Open adoption is wonderful and I really feel like we’re one big family.” – Kim
“I remember the first time meeting Matt and Diane and how they were just strangers. Now they are like family to me and Kim. At first I thought we would only talk when we were going to see Sara, but they kept in touch with us regularly. I think Matt and Diane are amazing people and parents. Matt is a super cool guy and father and I doubt anybody would doubt it. Diane is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She is also a really caring mother. I forgot to mention that Matt is a really funny guy, and that I’m glad that we have such a good friendship with them.” – Albert
Our Home
Our home in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago
We live in a quiet, family friendly neighborhood in the southwest suburbs, of Chicago, that was named BusinessWeek Magazine’s “Best Places in America to Raise Kids” in 2010. We have a three bedroom tri-level home with a play set and swimming pool in our large fenced in yard. There are several parks nearby, including a Water Park and Dog Park, as well as a bike trail just steps from our front door. We live by award winning schools, both public and private, and we are parishioners of a great Catholic church nearby our home. We have been blessed with wonderful neighbors on all sides as well.
Our Family
From the day we announced we wanted to adopt the first time, our families have been 110% supportive. They have learned about open adoption, love our daughter unconditionally, and are excited that we have decided to build our family further through adoption again. We spend equal amounts of time with both sides of the family, and spend all the holidays and major events with one another. Our family would not complete without our gentle Labradoodle, Sullie. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and loves Sara as much as us, if not more. There is nothing more rewarding then an unexpected kiss on the face from Sullie Dawg.
Our Life Together as a Family
We truly are each other’s best friend. We look forward to our family time together with Sara, but also enjoy the quiet times, though rare, that we get to ourselves. Although we have two different personalities with individual strengths and weaknesses, we complement each other quite nicely. We keep our marriage strong by sharing household and family responsibilities, never taking each other for granted, and never letting each other forget how wonderful they are.
Our Promise
In our living room, we have a sign that reads “LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE” and it reminds us daily of our promise to provide a home full of life, laughter, and unconditional love. Our promise to you is that your child will know the brave sacrifice you made because of your love and concern for them, and will have an honest understanding of how they became a part of our family. We hope this is the beginning of a special friendship, and welcome the opportunity to get to know you through the years.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our letter and learning a little bit about us.
Matt and Diane
To find out more about this family, please contact:
Christina Buck at 1-888-ST-MARYS or 847-870-8181 (outside Illinois)
or e-mail cbuck@stmaryservices.com
