Hi! We’re Erin and Joseph
We’re hoping to adopt!
Learn more about us by downloading and reading our adoption profile book.
Thank you for spending your time and energy on us. In case no one told you today - you are worthy, you are important, you’ve got this!
We are self-proclaimed nerds and adventurers.
Our everyday activities involve board games, sci-fi shows, and nature walks in our neighborhood. We laugh, we cry, we learn lessons along the way and love each other through it all. Adoption has been in our hearts long before our family planning struggles. We are eager to be parents and promise to raise your child in a home full of affection, support, and curiosity. We have so much love to share with the both of you.
ABOUT US
It began in high school while performing in a murder mystery play based on Clue.
Joseph drove Erin home after each rehearsal, miles out of his way. The rest was history, and we still play Clue at family get-togethers.
We have been fortunate to experience many different states and countries. We travel with a mindset to fully experience the cultures; we’re not there to simply be tourists. In Iceland, we took a cooking class of local cuisine and watched a production of their historical sagas. In Norway, we toured the fjords and wild lands. In South Africa, we spent a portion volunteering with school children and clearing wild brush. While we may not be able to travel as frequently with children, we want to bring that same love of culture and immersion into our newly formed family.
We both come from large extended families, both sides touched by adoption in some way.
OUR FAMILY
Both of us grew up in families of 4 - Joseph with a brother and Erin with a sister - and are still very close with our core families. Nearly all our family, immediate and extended, live just 3 hours from our home, so we see them at least once per month. Our parents are excited to welcome their first grandchild and couldn’t be happier for us to be on this journey.
Erin’s parents live on a farm with a huge playground and lots of room to run and play. We’re sure that visiting the farm will become one of your child’s favorite vacations. Erin gets her love of puzzles from her dad who has created multiple escape rooms in their basement. Christmas is a huge event at their house and our child will definitely experience Christmas Magic.
Joseph’s parents are both retired and loving it. They look forward to using their time to visit their grandbaby and teach him or her their favorite card games. We have taken a number of trips with Joseph’s parents and brother to relax and enjoy some sunshine in the cold winter months.
We both come from large extended families, both sides touched by adoption in some way. We see our extended family at holiday gatherings and Erin’s family hosts a yearly reunion filled with silly games.
OUR HOME
We live on the outskirts of Madison, WI and love it here. The city has events every weekend, eclectic people, and easy access to nature. Just recently, it was voted the most neighborly city in America.
Summer offers up a wide array of farmer’s markets, walking by the lakes, and kayaking. Winter brings its own challenges of shoveling snow, but lots of joy with kids sledding in the neighborhood. Erin is especially looking forward to getting to the zoo and the children’s museum with our child, so she has an excuse to play with everything too!
The small town feel of our neighborhood is really prevalent in the 15 house round-a-bout where we’ve been since 2017. Our home has been perfect for hosting family, and for sharing meals with friends while watching finales to our favorite shows. Many neighbors have moved in to start their family and we’re looking forward to sharing that. Our daily walk leads us to a park with a jungle gym and basketball court that we’ve been imagining our child playing in.
We’ve had our kitty, Holly, for under a year, but she’s brought so much joy and playfulness already. She loves playing with springs, and bats toys under every door just so she can try to fish them back out. We let her get her energy out by chasing wand toys all over the house. Her cuddles are worth all the hair!
A CLOSER LOOK
Meet Joseph
Joseph is funny, caring, and patient. He certainly needs all of that to work in IT. He has been my rock through some very difficult times in my life by coaching and lifting me up. I know that he will do the same for whatever child enters our lives. He’s very personable and makes honest, real connections with everyone he meets. As part of his job, he has mentored many new hires and many remain close friends.
I can imagine him being our child’s little league coach, competing in video games with them, and playing dress-up. It doesn’t matter what it is - he’s able to adapt and be just the right person for the situation.
Joseph is also a wonderful cook and is excited to try making baby food. He enjoys sports, podcasts, and comedy. He’s been practicing his dad jokes just waiting for the day when he can actually be called dad.
A CLOSER LOOK
Meet Erin
Erin amazes me every day. She is the most compassionate and empathetic person and always gives others her entire attention. She is a leader within her middle school teaching team because of her organization and dedication. She passionately tells me how she is able to connect with her students, especially those going through a tough time, and I know that will translate to caring for our child.
She is adventurous and always willing to try new activities, cuisines, and push her (and my) comfort zone. At the same time, I often see her getting cozy with her favorite books and can’t wait to see her at our anticipated nightly story time. She’s also the artistic half of this relationship and whether it’s painting or crafting, she’s most herself when working away. She can really do anything and I know she’ll encourage our child to pursue their interests. I’m so excited to begin this parenting journey with her.
IN CLOSING
Thank you for getting to know us a bit.
We promise to maintain honesty throughout our relationship with you and your child. We know that “open” adoption can mean lots of things, and are willing to go on that journey of uncertainty, to find what feels right for you in regards to openness.
OUR PROMISES TO YOUR CHILD
Lead by example & teach your child to be kind, to have integrity, to be resilient.
Tackle all of life challenges together. Your child will never be alone.
Respect your child as an individual. Acknowledge their self-worth, develop their interests and foster their curiosity.
Honor their birth story, help them form their identity and share how they joined our family.
Most of all, love your child unconditionally.
DESIGNED WITH ❤️ BY OUR CHOSEN CHILD