ParentProfiles.com

James & Jo are hopeful adoptive parents from Utah waiting to adopt a baby.

If you are pregnant and considering placing your child for adoption, please read the following Dear Birthmother Letter.

DEAR BIRTHPARENT We are excited for you to learn about our family! First we would like to say that we really admire you for even considering adoption. We can't imagine how hard this time is for you. We hope that you'll find peace in whatever decision you make.

OUR STORY James and Jo met in September of 2001. They became best friends and after a fun-filled courtship they were married in May of 2002. Previous to their meeting, James' wife had passed away. He had two beautiful children. Joseph, (his biological son), was eight and Ellie, (who was adopted from Jamaica) was four. Jo was honored to be their second Mom. James was and is the most incredible father. He did everything from carpools to volunteering with the PTA to dolling up Ellie for church every Sunday. Jo has heard many stories from neighbors about how cute Ellie’s hair always was with barrettes, bows and braids galore. They couldn’t believe a single Dad would (or could) do that!

James and Jo have always dreamed of having more children together. We deeply believe that adoption is the means whereby this blessing may come to pass. We will eternally be grateful for and to the birth parents that are a part of this miracle!

OUR FAMILY James
James was born in a small East Coast town, the eighth of eleven children. At age ten his family moved to Utah. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for two years in Japan. Teaching these wonderful people was one of the greatest experiences of his life. When he returned home, he completed a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, with a minor in Japanese. He is a software developer and finds it very rewarding to work in a profession that he enjoys so much. James also loves to work in the garden and cook. His dream is to become a chef once he retires. He and Jo love to travel--especially go on cruises.

Jo
Jo grew up in Utah. She has one older brother and one younger sister. Her sister has Down Syndrome and has been the sunshine of her life! Jo has a fun sense of humor which she inherited from her Mom. They are always laughing. After high school Jo became a Medical Assistant and later graduated from college as a Registered Nurse. She has worked as an Elementary School Nurse. She also loves music. She has played the piano since she was five years old. She also loves listening to her ipod.

Joseph
Joseph (age 15) loves creating his own computer games and even sells them to his friends! He also plays the piano. James had been his Scout Leader for several years. Joseph has loved spending time with his Dad on many camp-outs, hikes, and other adventures.

Ellie
Ellie (age 10) is Jamaican through and through! She loves to dance--especially to Reggae music. She performs in dance recitals twice a year and in front of her mirror nightly. One of her favorite activities is "Mommy/Daughter Dates". Previous ones have included watching movies together, shopping, and pedicures.

Buzz
Buzz (age 5-in people years) is a cute, cuddly Shih Tzu dog. He enjoys hanging out under the kitchen table at dinner time (waiting for scraps to fall) and licking all who enter the front door.

OUR HOME & HOBBIES Our family can be described in one word: chocoholics! (One example of it: we have 50 pounds of chocolate in our food storage.)
     
Here are some fun holiday celebrations and family traditions we've had:
--Going out for Chinese food on Christmas Eve (inspired by the movie "The Christmas Story").
--Christmas morning—we hide a green pickle in the tree and whoever finds it first gets to open the first present.
--St. Patrick's Day dinner where everything is dyed green (including the mashed potatoes and rolls).
--Birthday Parties (including for the dog—we put a candle in a hot dog for him but enjoy the cake all to ourselves).
--4th of July BBQs (afterward the girls go to a big concert/fireworks show while the boys are pyrotechs back home in the driveway).
--Easter egg hunts in the park and egg tosses (raw).
--Fancy Thanksgiving Dinners with one real turkey and one Tofurkey (for the vegetarians in the family).

We live in a beautiful town and wonderful neighborhood (with lots of children). Within a couple of minutes there are three schools, three parks, horse pastures, restaurants and the yummiest bakery on earth! Our home has 5 bedrooms, a big green hill to roll down, and a front porch to watch the sunsets from. Jo just finished painting and redecorating the nursery and Ellie said, "So Mom, what other work do you have left in here?" She told her, "Not much, we just have to wait". Ellie replied, "Waiting seems like the hardest work of all!" We are all very excited to have a new little addition to our family!

We want you to know that if you choose adoption and place in our family, we will cherish your baby and raise it in a way that will make you proud. We feel it is very important that an adopted child grows up knowing of their birth parents courage and love for them.

We hope the best for you. We know that God has a plan for each of us and that He loves each one of us! We pray that you'll feel of His love and comfort at this difficult time.
     
Thank you for reading about our family and may God's blessing be upon you,

:-) James, Jo, Joseph and Ellie