ParentProfiles.com

Hello. My name is Rob. I am Joshua's youngest brother. As such I have been first to experience his parenting from a young age. I have early memories dating back to long family trips in the Volvo station wagon with Joshua acting as referee between my middle brother and me. When not playing the role of referee, he acted as the patient teacher; often helping to engage me in my school work well beyond the capacity of my less than impressive teachers.

From when Catherine first entered into the picture back when I was in middle school, it was clear that she and my brother would be together for a long time. She was an especially big hit with my mom, whose radar I still consider flawless. I know my mom was particularly happy with the notion that the two of them would one day (hopefully soon) become parents. She always seemed happy to instill her proven parenting techniques on Catherine. Knowing this has always given me a real confidence about their future parenting abilities.

Our family has always been super close. The frequency of extended family vacations in the Volvo coupled with my dad's unique sense of humor has helped to fuse a particularly strong bond. My closest friends who also have siblings often comment on the closeness of our family. Despite the physical distance, we manage to see each other quite often. And I am sure that the addition of a little one would bring everyone even that much closer. I for one am anxiously awaiting booking my next flight to NC for my first babysitting gig.

So as someone who has experienced Joshua and Catherine's parenting first hand, I can tell you that they are the real deal. They are both super smart, funny, and are amazing cooks. Any child be lucky to have such parents not to mention an ever ready uncle/babysitter.

We met Joshua and Catherine in Morgantown, WV in 2000. At the time, we were fully in the throes of new parenthood. Our son, Stro, was born in 2000 and was, of course, the main focus of our lives. Most of our friends were folks who had young kids or had some on the way; but we really connected with Joshua and Catherine. Joshua and I are both avid readers and music lovers/players, and Salli and Catherine shared both professional and personal interests. Although we have both moved several times since we met, we have visited often and now live just a few hours from each other.

Over the last eight years, we have watched Catherine and Joshua develop their relationships with our kids just as our friendship with them has grown. Our son, Stro, took his first steps at their house in West Virginia, and they were as excited as we were. I am sure you can read all over their profile about the qualities of their love, generosity, patience, and sweet nature. Salli and I want to make sure you know about their natural easiness and eagerness with children. Our children are very social and they are comfortable with most people, but Joshua and Catherine hold a very special place in their hearts. After their last visit, my 7-year old said, “I guess Joshua is pretty much my best friend.” Our 2-year old daughter, Mary-Ella, went to the door every day for a week after and said “Catherine come now?” in hopeful tones.

When we all get together, we are always surprised and delighted by how involved Joshua and Catherine are with our children. They are fully immersed in the fun parts, such as games, walks in the woods, etc., but are equally willing to help with the relentless but vital parts of parenting like changing diapers, feeding, putting to bed, and, most importantly, reinforcing good behavior.

Joshua and Catherine have often talked about their desire for kids, and we have always known they would be exceptional parents. After trying for a few years without success, they decided to pursue adoption, and we have been so impressed by the thoughtfulness and intentional nature of their decision. They made a conscious decision to forgo more invasive and artificial means of reproduction in favor of preparing a loving, secure, and nurturing family for a child in need. This decision alone demonstrates the commitment they have to adoption and welcoming a baby who needs a home.

We wholeheartedly believe that Joshua and Catherine will provide the kind of home every parent wants for their child---loving, safe, secure, structured, and positive. We trust them implicitly with our children and would encourage anyone to do the same.

Best, Rick and Salli

Hello! My name is Robin Tovey and I have known my dear friends
Catherine and Joshua for more than 15 years. We met in 1993 at Reed
College in Portland, Oregon (freshman year for Catherine and I) and
they have remained my close and cherished friends over all of these
years, even when geographical distances have prevented us from
visiting regularly. I was incredibly touched when they asked me to
contribute a few words to this forum, and I can see that many people
before me have elaborated upon the multitude ways in which they will
be wonderful parents, thus I'd like to add my thoughts on two levels
that are specific to my experience.

When we met they were already a match made to last and the envy of
others. At that age, it can be unusual to embrace both individuals
in couple, but from the very beginning I have loved and appreciated
Catherine and Joshua in equal measure. In turn, their families have
really embraced me in a lovely and meaningful way, as it is simply
their nature to be truly caring and inclusive. My friendship with
Catherine and Joshua is one of the greatest memories of my college
years. I've always admired their relationship for its maturity,
dedication, tenderness, mutual consideration, and celebration of life
(which rubs off on everyone they meet). If we'd had such a contest
upon graduating, they surely would've been voted "most likely to
raise extraordinary children"!

You should also know that as a handicapped person, I can say that
Catherine and Joshua are especially well qualified to love and
support a child with special needs, or even a non-handicapped child
who experiences the regular rollercoaster of life. It is an
understatement to say that they are universally accepting and
encouraging of all people; moreover, they find ways to include and
celebrate so many different friends and relatives in their lives.
They never allowed mobility issues to be a barrier to the fun we had
in our co-ed days and they've always been exceptionally sensitive to,
and interested in, my perspective on having a few extra hurdles in
life. Their unwavering optimism, patience, and flexibility will
serve them well when, as parents of any child, they can be sure to
"expect the unexpected."

Given the genuine joy that they take in all aspects of life,
Catherine and Joshua are the most deserving and conscientious couple
that I know to be entrusted with the amazing gift of a child.
They've long looked forward to raising a family and have had
pragmatic conversations about it that were light years ahead of our
peers in terms of being truly committed to this lifestyle and the
self-sacrifice that it entails. I am very proud of them for being so
brave and generous as to undertake this adoption process in hopes of
making a match with their very own child. Thank you for considering
these reflections on my dear friends.

Your baby would be in wonderful tender hands with Joshua and Catherine!
My nephew Joshua is an inspiring and beloved professor of English Literature who likes to take his students (and the president of the college) on summertime Literature enrichment trips to Europe. When I visited him last summer and we were in the college store one of his students came up and enthusiastically introduced him to her mother saying how wonderful and interesting his class was.

Joshua came by it naturally from the excitement for life and learning from his parents. His mother, my late sister, was an elementary school teacher and gave him all kinds of tender care and filled their home with educational toys and books. His father a lawyer and musician taught him love of music and also excitement for books and learning. Travel and classes also enriched their lives.

Catherine comes from a warm and wonderful family of French American culture with enthusiasm for life and learning. She is a dedicated child psychologist trying to develop new ways to help children skillfully navigate through the pain that often accompanies medical crises such as with sickle cell anemia.

Poignant life experiences have given both Joshua and Catherine great compassion for people going through difficult times, such that they would be able to sensitively help their child understand their adoption and grow into a fine happy person. They have a good solid friendship base and compassion for one another. Joshua and Catherine’s enthusiasm, insight, and wisdom would make them a wonderful set parents to have, (and they come with wonderful, welcoming extended families too)!

PS. I had a great time staying with them last summer and they have cute, sweet, dogs and a cuddly cat too!!!!!!!

Hi! My name is Walker. I am Cathrine and Joshua's niece. I'm so excited that they are adopting! When the new baby comes to visit in the winter, we'll enjoy hot chocolate, play in the snow, decorate ginger-bread cookies and decorate the Christmas tree. During the spring week-ends we can paint Easter eggs, cook and pick flowers. As we move on into summer, we can swim, bake, take walks and have a big family feast! When fall comes, we can drink cider, pick pumpkins and dress-up for Halloween! I'm sure that we'll have many fun times! Sincerely, Walker Guinnee :- )

My name is Claire Carrillo. I am Catherine’s aunt. When Catherine mentioned this website to me and said that I could add to it, my first thought was, “Oh this will be fun. I will just talk about what wonderful people Catherine and Joshua are as individuals, what a close-knit family they come from, the strong, loving relationship they have as a couple, how devoted and respectful they are to each other, how bright, creative and fun they are, how much they love kids and what a great rapport they have with them, how eager and well-prepared they are to be parents and what a loving, supportive, stable home they will provide for a very lucky child.” But as I looked through the other journal entries, I realized that all of these things had already been expressed very well. So I decided to share just one seemingly small thing that Catherine and Joshua have done that I found very meaningful. I was adopted by my parents (Catherine’s grandparents) when I was about two years old.

So, I was extremely touched and impressed when Catherine and Joshua contacted me on several occasions to inquire about my experiences as an adopted child. They were curious about when and how I found out I was adopted, how I responded to this information, how other people reacted when they learned I was an adopted child (something that was not very common or at least not talked about as openly back in the early 1950’s). They wanted to know from me what I felt my parents had done well and what could have been handled in a better way in terms of my being an adopted child. I know they have also spoken with my mom (Catherine’s grandmother) to learn about the adoption experience from her perspective. I think this speaks volumes about what very special people Catherine and Joshua are and how seriously committed they are to the responsibility of parenthood and all that it entails.

I feel a great love for and special bond with this baby already just because of the common experience we will share. I know you have an extremely important and difficult decision to make. I also know Catherine and Joshua will provide an excellent home for an adopted child. My heart is with you as you go through this process and I wish the very best for you and your baby.

Dear Birth Mother,

Hi! I am Sylla and I have known Catherine her whole life (I am her sister). I have known Joshua for 17 years, as we were dorm-mates in college. I have two daughters who are looking forward to having some cousins. I am looking forward to being an Aunt! Aunts and their nieces or nephews have such a special relationship. Seeing Catherine and Joshua with my daughters has confirmed something that I already knew: they will make awesome parents. Joshua has such a great sense of humor and an ability to play with kids that is rare. And Catherine can listen to a child's story and interact with them in a way that most adults only wish they were capable of. My daughters always look forward to any time they have with Catherine and Joshua. Each Christmas, Catherine and Joshua have started a tradition of a day of ice skating with my daughters that they love. I cannot wait to start my own tradition with their child.

Sylla

I’ve known Catherine for three years now since we hired her as our child psychologist at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders here in South Carolina. I’ve worked with children for over thirty-five years, and I can honestly say that Catherine is one of, if not, the most competent and compassionate person that I’ve ever met. I think what is so unique about Catherine is that she is so respectful of children. It is a true joy to watch her interact with the children at our clinic. The first thing she always does is bend down to the child’s eye level and give the sweetest smile…her face actually lights up when she is with a child. Catherine just naturally relates and finds a way to reach them all…even the ones who are most anxious about being at the hospital. It’s truly beautiful to watch.

Even with the age range (I’m 57!). I consider Catherine to be one of my dear friends, an extra bonus that I didn’t expect! She is warm, trustworthy…and funny! She’s also a great cook! So, when I met Joshua, I was not surprised to discover that he, too, is a gentle, sweet person. And, he also plays pretty mean ‘blues’ on the guitar! Joshua is our official photographer at all our children’s picnics and has captured some precious pictures of our children. We were able to get one in our newspaper that resulted in getting enough money for our kids to go to summer camp!
Recently, I was at their home----I was upstairs looking at the little baby clothes in the nursery they’re setting up. Catherine and Joshua were in the kitchen tasting the different soups they were cooking on the stove…onion, black bean, gypsy (and actually two more I can’t remember!). I couldn’t hear what was being said but heard the sweetness in their voices as they worked together to prepare the meal. I thought to myself that whomever this little one is that is coming into their lives is going to be one well-loved and well- cared for little person.

--Joby Robinson

Dear Birth Mother,

I am Catherine's younger brother. Obviously, I have known her my whole life, and I have been very lucky to have her as my sister. We are only three years apart. As the younger brother, I played the role of the annoying tag along, the tattle-tale, trying to annoy her at any chance
possible, mostly just because it is nice to get attention. Unlike most
older sisters, she actually included me as a part of her life, which
as a teenager probably wasn't that easy. We were in the same high
school for a year, she was a senior, I was a freshman. I was facing a
lot of fear as a skinny young kid in a big school, with so many
unknowns. I am pretty sure most sisters would have ignored their
younger brothers. Catherine didn't. She let me feel cool because she would talk to me at school. I know it seems like a really trivial
memory, but it wasn't for me. And as far as giving you insight into
Catherine and Joshua's life and personality, I think it is important
for you too.

I followed Catherine to the same college, and had a very similar
experience. She was my friend, easing any uncomfortable feelings I
had, easing my difficult transitions. And at this point, she had
already been with Joshua for a few years. I remember once Joshua and I went out in his car together (maybe to go to the grocery store), and I
just remember feeling really comfortable around him. We bonded over
music, talking about bands, I was absorbing everything he said. I
remember he didn't treat me like a kid, which I definitely was. He
treated me like an equal. And I got to learn a lot about him, about
his passions in life, which are numerous and Varied. There are few
people who can talk about biking, architecture from the Czech
Republic, post grunge from the Pacific Northwest, or just hang out and
relax. Joshua can do that, and it is always interesting.

Obviously I think Catherine and Joshua are both great people, amazing as my sister and brother-in-law, and a huge influence on who I am
today. But you probably want to know if they will be good parents.
Maybe only time will tell. But I think we can get a glimpse into their
abilities as parents through certain moments in their lives. I have
never seen anyone with more patience and affection with my two nieces
than Catherine and Joshua. As the uncle of two great nieces, I get to
play the role of "fun uncle". Catherine has managed to do better than
that. She is definitely the "fun aunt". But where I take a one
dimensional approach to the position, Catherine takes on so much more,
she is the responsible, admiring aunt. She really listens to our
nieces. She takes so much time out of her life. Actually, she isn't really taking time out of her life for our nieces, she is giving time
to our nieces and herself. I can see that she derives so much pleasure
from time spent with them. And they clearly do too. I think she might
be the preferred sibling. She deserves it. And the kids love "Uncle
Bunny" Joshua. He exhibits the same patience that Catherine does,
interacting with the kids, teaching them about anything that might
spark their interest.

I hope you now know how committed Catherine and Joshua are to their
future child. They really are. But there is more than that. Along with them, comes, me, my family, and Joshua's family. We are a close
family. When we all get together, we have four generations from our
family, cooking together, seeing who is the funniest (I am ). The
whole family is dedicated and behind Catherine and Joshua. We support
them in any decisions they have made. But we are all getting behind
them for this huge decision. I love my sister and brother-in-law
tremendously. And I know that having a child in their lives would make
them so happy, that is all I want for them.

Thank you, Greg McClellan

We are Joshua's maternal grandparents - very proud of our first grandson. His mother was the first of our four children, a very dear and devoted mother to Joshua and his two younger brothers.

Joshua made us very happy ten years ago when he chose Catherine to be his wife. We know and like Catherine's family (whom he knew while still in college - even before meeting Catherine). Our families are good friends - which works well when we need to share at Holiday time.

Watching both Joshua and Catherine as college students, excellent in their very different fields - and seeing them both go on to develop successful careers - has been a source of great pride to us.

Even more important, they have a loving, caring relationship, a strong sense of family; very good to their elders as well as to their little nieces (whom you see in the pictures) We are confident that this fine young couple can provide a loving stable environment for your baby.

Of course we have been eagerly waiting for our first great grandchild! A first child always holds a special place in the hearts of his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles - and so it will be with your little one if he or she should join our family.

We wish you wisdom in making what is for you (and your baby) a most important choice. Carl and Doris Landman

Nicholas' Post:
I think Dr. Catherine and Joshua would be great parents because they help other people in need. For example, Dr. Catherine helped me when I was having problems with bullies in the 3rd grade. She showed me how to handle the problem. She is very nice and always want to hear about my feelings. Dr. Catherine also taught me how to do deep breathing exercises so I wouldn't hurt so bad if I was having a Sickle Cell Crisis and she plays games with me when I am in the hospital. I like Joshua a lot too. He takes a lot of pictures and lets me be in them when we're together. He is cool because he's an adult but he knows how to have fun.

I think any kid would be lucky to have them for parents. I can't wait for them to get a kid so I can show them all the BMX tricks I know and help out Joshua and Dr. Catherine whenever I can.
Nick Hampton

Nikki's Post:
What can you say for two people who have the world to offer a child. As a parent I understand that children don't count how much you love them by the amount of material things you give them, but the currency of love for a child is spelled TIME. Catherine and Joshua are the most loving and compassionate couple. I have no doubt that they will devote every possible moment in creating a healthy, balanced, nurturing and loving environment for any child. I've witnessed on a first hand basis how they listen to children and involve themselves in conversations with them to engage the children. Any birth parent can be assured that Catherine and Joshua will raise a well rounded child full of a love for life and adventure.
Nikki Johnson

Hello. My name is Karen Tien, and my husband, Matt and I were fortunate to get to know Catherine and Joshua when Catherine and I were in graduate school in child clinical psychology together in Morgantown, WV. It is truly a pleasure for us to say a few words about Catherine and Joshua who are two of the warmest, most kind, and most interesting people who we ever have met. Not only are each of them amazing individuals in and of themselves; they also are amazing as a couple. They have been together and supported one another admirably for over a decade, and their love for one another is readily apparent. We have every confidence that they will make wonderful parents. They surely will be loving, dedicated, wise, adventurous, creative, and fun.

Some of our best memories with Catherine and Joshua include having homemade dinners (which always were scrumptious!) with them in their cozy and welcoming home; listening to interesting music with them, which widened our musical horizons; and watching interesting, independent films with them. We also enjoyed passing the hours telling stories (often about our families who are dear to us), exchanging good books, and talking about our values and views of the world.

Catherine and Joshua both are very creative and crafty and have given us so much over the years from delicious, healthy dinners to musical mixes to handmade gifts and gardening/composting tips, not to mention their friendship, which has endured across time and place. Mostly, what we love about them is their open-heartedness, compassion, and generosity. They have all the finer qualities that one could hope a parent would have, and they most certainly are ready to be parents now that they have done so much as individuals and a married couple, have made a wonderful home for themselves, and have secured excellent jobs.

We recommend them as parents without reservation and look forward to meeting their future child one day who we surely will treasure as much as we treasure Catherine and Joshua themselves!

Hi,

My name is Eve, and I am a graduate student at the University of South Carolina where Catherine is a psychologist. Over the past three years, I have gotten to know Catherine, primarily while working for her as a research assistant at the university and hospital. However, Catherine has been far more than a supervisor to me – she is a role model, mentor, and good friend.

Working with Catherine and learning from her has been encouraging and inspiring. As I have watched her interact with the children she works with at the hospital, I have been amazed by her patience, kindness, and ability to focus on the positive. I’ve seen her gentle, caring manner put even the most nervous, fearful children at ease. Catherine has an amazing ability to empathize with others and to provide understanding, comfort, and encouraging words.

As I’ve gotten to know Catherine, I’ve also had the pleasure of getting to know Joshua and spending time with them together. When I first met Joshua, he was taking pictures at an event for children with chronic health conditions – he was having a great time playing with all of the kids and taking pictures so that we could all remember the day. Throughout the afternoon, I clearly saw that Catherine and Joshua are best friends, a great team, and a loving couple. I am excited for them as they look forward to becoming parents, and I am happy for the child who will be a part of their loving family.

Best wishes,
Eve Puffer

Hello!

I am Catherine's godmother and have known her since she was born. Catherine has grown up in a warm and loving family which has always included "extended" family in their embrace.Catherine like me some years ago, has waited until she was very much a grown up and ready to be a fully present parent. I know Catherine to be a kind, thoughtful young woman who understands the complexities of life and growing up in an ever changing world. Joshua is her best friend and dear love and together they have created a family that is a place of support and comfort.

As an elementary teacher for many years, these two people are the kind of parents we teachers hope to see for every child; strong and supportive, knowledgeable about child development and how to best nurture a child's innate love of learning, yet tender and understanding when life sometimes isn't perfect. Any child who is welcomed into the family that Catherine and Joshua have created will be blessed.

With every good wish for your child's future,

Sally

Dearest Birth Mother,

Understanding that this time in your life can be an emotional roller coater, I write this letter with careful consideration and respect for both you and your ability to make a challenging decision. I hope that my words can offer some helpful insight into Catherine and Joshua’s home, who they currently are, and who they will potentially become as parents.

I have been blessed to have Catherine in my life for the past 18 months. Although I have not yet gotten to know Joshua as much as I would like, I do however trust Catherine’s sound judgment and affection regarding her husband. She has been a sincere confidant, mentor, and friend to me through trying circumstances. I am over joyed that she and Joshua have made the decision to bring a child into their home.

Catherine is extremely nurturing and has an immense wealth of love available for all children, which I believe she will convey to any child that she adopts. Her thoughtfulness knows no barriers. Although Catherine and Joshua are not currently parents, I can attest to Catherine’s parenting abilities. I have watched in awe of her capability to work with kids of diverse backgrounds. She is dedicated to help improve the quality of life for children that she has yet to meet, and does so through her academic achievements. Her personal and professional every day walk demonstrates a true commitment to family and striving to help everyone achieve excellence for all involved in life.

In addition, Catherine has given me countless pearls of wisdom regarding the rearing of my own young child. She is a great listener and truly gives an extraordinary amount of thought to her responses. Catherine understands the power of words and works very hard to uplift and offer support to others during challenging situations. Her ability to love children is also confirmed routinely in the interactions that I witness between her and children with special needs. The work that she has devoted herself to accomplish is both challenging and demanding and she still freely gives of her time to "go the extra mile" for these children. Furthermore, Catherine has the unique skill of effective time management and already has a plan of action for how to reorganize their lives so that the child they adopt will become the top priority without neglecting each other and their careers.

All that being said, I must legitimately ask myself “If I had a child and was unable to provide the type of care that I felt was best suited for that child, would I allow Catherine and Joshua to adopt my child?” The answer is a clear and resounding “YES.” During the time that I have know Catherine, she has revealed an unsurpassed ability to relate, communicate, problem solve, and cherish others. I am hopeful that the decision that you ultimately make will be the best for you and your child as well this family. I pray that God will bless your heart and mind and give you unwavering peace during this decision making process.

Sincerely,

Melita Stancil

Hello Birth Mother,

We have known Catherine and her family for 30 years when Catherine was three. Catherine's mother and I consider each other best girlfriends! My husband, Chuck, and I have watched with pleasure as Catherine grew into a fine woman. And we first met Joshua when he came to visit Catherine and older sister Sylla (a classmate) as a college student.

Throughout the years Catherine and Joshua have known each other culminating with their marriage ten years ago, we have watched, with awe and respect, their devotion to each other. We have seen them interact with their young nieces and they are fun, humorous and caring with the girls. Joshua has a lot of energy to play with the girls and take them on walks and hikes in the hills. Catherine enjoys reading to them and you can see that both girls love Joshua and Catherine very much. It's as if they have a second set of parents! Catherine's' work is with children on a daily basis and Joshua teaches youngsters at the college level.

So you can see that Catherine and Joshua's personal and professional lives are intertwined with children of all ages.
It may sound trite, but, honestly, we can't think of any couple more prepared and ready to share in your child's life.

Respectfully,

Sallie and Chuck Wood

Dear Birth Mother,

I am Catherine's mother, Joshua's mother-in-law. I don't really feel that I need to tell you what wonderful parents Catherine and Joshua will be - I leave that to others. However, it has occurred to me that if I were looking for a family to adopt my baby, I'd like to know a bit about that family, and what my baby could expect from them.

Needless to say, your baby will be incredibly loved - we are all very
excited and eager to welcome your baby. As grandparents, we look
forward to helping to make his/her life a a wonderfully full one. We
set up a college fund for our two other grandchildren, and will of
course do the same for this new baby. A good education will give him/
her the opportunity to to pursue whatever interests he/she has.

Every new addition to the family - whether by marriage, birth or
adoption, gets a Christmas stocking of their own. Many years ago, my
husband's grandmother made us each elaborate Christmas stockings.
Years later, Catherine's grandmother made one for Catherine when she
was born. I, in turn, made one for Joshua, and later, for my two granddaughters. I have the beads, sequins and fancy felt all set up
in order to make a special Christmas stocking for our future grandchild.

We are a close knit family and work hard to spend time together -
whether it is for holidays, or vacations. My husband (Catherine's father) and I look forward to having our entire extended family join us on vacations in other parts of the world. Giving our grandchildren an awareness of the world around them is a special gift. As our grandchildren get older, we would like to take each one on a memorable trip to a special place, to a country where they've never been, but have an interest in seeing.

Catherine and Joshua will know how to give your baby a truly happy
life. My husband and I look forward to being part of that life, and
to loving (and sometimes spoiling) him/her as much as possible.

Warmly,

Cecilia McClellan

Hello everyone!

We have invited our family and friends to share some thoughts and reflections about us.

We hope that this will help you to learn more about who we are!