Hello! We are Johann and Matt
We are excited to expand our family through adoption.
Learn more about us by downloading and reading our adoption profile book.
We have been together for 15 years. Being dads is a dream we both share and we cannot wait to experience parenthood!
Our unique interests and backgrounds have shaped the both of us. We are grateful for the family we were born into and the family we have created. We are excited for the opportunity to get to know you better, and hope to create an open atmosphere where your child knows how they became part of our family, and that you made a special choice to allow us to be parents. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us!
OUR STORY
We met through mutual friends, but played a bit of cat and mouse before the cards aligned.
Johann liked Matt right away, but Matt thought Johann was straight. So after many mutual gatherings, Johann gave up hope and figured he was now “friend zoned.” It was just about that time when Matt realized he had strong feelings for Johann. When Matt finally called to ask him out, Johann was non committal and confused. Later while telling his therapist about it, he was told “call him back right now!” as his therapist knew he’d been pining after him.
Matt knew he was smitten when he finished his whole bowl of mushroom soup on the first date, despite the fact that he hates mushrooms! Later when his sister met Johann, she confirmed his feelings when she said “he’s your person!”
Matt meeting Johann’s family didn’t go quite as smoothly. After his first flight ever out of the country (which was 15 hours long), he met Johann’s parents and bowed, giving them a Thai greeting opposed to Taiwanese! Despite the rough start, it’s been smooth sailing since then!
“We are a loving, multicultural couple from Chicago, and have a diverse group of family and friends. We can’t wait to welcome a new baby into our lives.”
OUR HOME AND COMMUNITY
We live in Chicago in a very family-friendly neighborhood, with access to good schools, parks, bike paths, libraries and pools.
Our neighborhood plays host to a summer rib festival, has a farmer’s market in the town square every Saturday, and hosts summer youth baseball leagues at the park. There are fun outdoor activities to do year round. We are also near downtown, close to an ice skating rink in Millennium Park, a children’s museum at Navy Pier, and tons of fun cultural activities year-round. We enjoy watching baseball and visiting the beach in Lake Michigan in the summer, and going to hockey games at the United Center in the winter. We live near other young families of different cultural backgrounds, so there will be lots of opportunities for play dates and hanging out with school friends from the neighborhood!
Our condo is in a charming walk-up building built in 1912, which was fully remodeled in 2006. We’ve prepared a baby room just steps away from our bedroom, with fun wallpaper and animal themed art. It has become a very warm and creative environment, and we cannot wait to share it with your child.
OUR VILLAGE
We have a blended, multicultural family. There are lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who live nearby and abroad in Taiwan. We are truly a global family!
Matt has many fond memories of going to Washington D.C. to the Smithsonian, attending many Detroit Tiger baseball games, and seeing several popular shows at the theater. A favorite tradition was spending Christmas eve at his grandparents for a Polish dinner followed by church and a gift exchange. Important people in Matt's family include: Grandma Cheri, Grandpa Cliff, Grandma Dottie, Auntie Shelley, Auntie Liz, Uncle Josh, Cousins Stella, Brie, Harry, and Auntie Danielle.
Johann has many treasured memories traveling to Taiwan to see his grandparents and extended family, spending time together and gathering over tasty family meals. Growing up, he attended Chinese school during the weekends to perfect his language and writing skills. A favorite tradition was celebrating the Chinese New Year with an epic meal full of his favorite foods home-cooked by his grandmothers and mother. Important people in Johann’s family include: A-ma (grandma) Jean, A-kong (grandpa) Jay, Cho- ma (great grandma), Uncle Tony, Uncle Dan and Uncle Rob.
Our family and friends surround and support us, and are all eager to become part of your child’s life.
FUN FACTS & FAVORITES
Johann:
Vacation spot - Hawaii or anywhere tropical
Place to take a child - The zoo
Dessert - Ice cream or key lime pie
What does a perfect day look like - Sitting on the porch on a sunny day, reading, relaxing with family
Children’s book - A Bear Called Paddington
Matt:
Vacation spot - Any big city (London, Washington DC)
Place to take a child - Children’s museum
Ice cream flavor - Peppermint
Can’t Live Without - Sushi
Children’s book - The Very Hungry Caterpillar
IN CLOSING
We have had the opportunities to travel, live life and go on adventures.
We both have established careers and a stable home environment. Our mental, physical and spiritual journeys have brought us to this new point in our lives, and we are ready to share our love with a baby. We have come a long way from our first discussions of starting a family to now doing the hard work to prepare ourselves.
We are ready to provide a healthy, safe and loving home. We promise to love your child with all our hearts and strive to be the best parents. Thank you for taking the time to read our book. We look forward to getting to know you!
DESIGNED WITH ❤️ BY OUR CHOSEN CHILD