Liz and Paul's Open Adoption Website for Birthmothers seeking open adoption


Our Story We met at work in 2000, and soon found we had many things in common. We both work in the field of public health. We had both grown up on the East Coast (Paul's family is from Boston and Liz's family is from New Jersey just outside of New York City) and found ourselves part of a new community in the San Francisco East Bay. We had several wonderful dates, where we discovered that we both enjoyed similar pastimes, hiking, travel, funny movies and playing board games. More importantly, we realized that we had the same values about being connected to our community, giving back to others and working to make the world more peaceful and just. We were married in 2002. Over time, we have built a foundation of trust, love and shared values, which will provide a strong foundation for raising a child. We want to include our child in our favorite activities, like going to local parks, museums and beaches, and playing games together. Where We Live We live in Albany, California, which is twenty minutes from San Francisco and next to Berkeley. Albany is a small town that proudly celebrated its 100th birthday in 2008. We have friendly neighbors, walkable streets, and good public schools. There are lots of great places in Albany to explore with a child's play-grounds for young children, walking trails along the San Francisco Bay, farmers markets, and child-friendly libraries. We think it is a great place to raise our child. Our home has an open floor plan that will provide plenty of space for a child to run and jump around. Children love to watch passing trains from our picture windows. Books are an important part of our home and we look forward to building our collection of childrens' books. We are excited about sharing our home with our child! *About Liz (by Paul)* When I first met Liz, I was drawn to her quick wit, bouncy energy, and big smile. As I got to know her, I also saw her generous spirit and caring nature. I really admire how Liz always thinks about how her actions will impact others. She enjoys visiting with friends and family, taking walks, and watching movies, especially comedies. She has a creative streak, which she expresses through acting and crafts. Liz is always eager to try out a new recipe or experiment with a new project. I know that Liz can't wait to be a mother. She will give our child a lot of love and understanding. She really looks forward to taking a child on picnics and outings with friends and family, reading funny stories and playing together. I have watched Liz practicing her funny faces for several years and know that she has her silliness perfectly mastered to share with an infant. About Paul (by Liz) What strikes me most about Paul is his kindness, intelligence, and sense of humor. Paul is always willing to help his friends, family, and even strangers. When our good friends need a favor, like babysitting or a ride to the airport, they know they can count on him. Paul is very smart but also down to earth. He loves to joke around with his family, friends, and colleagues. Paul delights in California's year-round opportunities to hike and enjoy nature. He also loves to explore the world through reading anything from literature to science-fiction and current events. Music, particularly jazz and classic rock, is an important part of Paul's life. He often dances and sings in our home. He may not be ready for American Idol, but his enthusiasm will captivate a small child. I know that Paul's kindness, sense of humor and generosity will make him a wonderful father. He will share his enjoyment of reading, music, art and the outdoors with a child. Even more importantly, he will give our child a lot of attention and love. Our Family and Friends Our parents still live in the same homes where we grew up in New Jersey (Liz) and Massachusetts (Paul). Liz has a twin sister who lives in Boston, and Paul has a younger brother who lives in Washington, DC. Since our family members live back East, we visit the East Coast one or two times a year, and we often host family in California. Liz's sister, Ellen, is especially thrilled about a new cousin for her 8- and 10-year old boys, Nathaniel and Benjamin. Ben loves babies and younger children, and looks forward to sharing his collection of Disney DVDs. We have many friends locally. We spend holidays together, and often gather at each other's homes, for meals, small parties and games. We are "Aunt Liz" and "Uncle Paul" to the many children of our relatives and our close friends. We can't wait to watch our child play and build lifelong relationships with all of our nieces and nephews. Our Future as Parents We look forward to getting to know our child, and enjoying the wonder of the world as he or she sees it. We will encourage our child's love of learning, reading, art, culture and natural beauty. We will also teach our child to care about his or her health and well-being, other children and the wider world. We both enjoy flexible work schedules and family-friendly benefits. We each plan to spend up to six months at home with our baby, and then work part-time to spend as much time as possible with our child.Thank you for giving us the chance to tell you about our lives and our hopes for our family. We hope we can get to know you too.

Our Story

We met at work in 2000, and soon found we had many things in common. We both work in the field of public health. We had both grown up on the East Coast (Paul's family is from Boston and Liz's family is from New Jersey just outside of New York City) and found ourselves part of a new community in the San Francisco East Bay.

We had several wonderful dates, where we discovered that we both enjoyed similar pastimes, hiking, travel, funny movies and playing board games. More importantly, we realized that we had the same values about being connected to our community, giving back to others and working to make the world more peaceful and just.

We were married in 2002. Over time, we have built a foundation of trust, love and shared values, which will provide a strong foundation for raising a child. We want to include our child in our favorite activities, like going to local parks, museums and beaches, and playing games together.

Where We Live

We live in Albany, California, which is twenty minutes from San Francisco and next to Berkeley. Albany is a small town that proudly celebrated its 100th birthday in 2008. We have friendly neighbors, walkable streets, and good public schools. There are lots of great places in Albany to explore with a child's play-grounds for young children, walking trails along the San Francisco Bay, farmers markets, and child-friendly libraries. We think it is a great place to raise our child.

Our home has an open floor plan that will provide plenty of space for a child to run and jump around. Children love to watch passing trains from our picture windows. Books are an important part of our home and we look forward to building our collection of childrens' books. We are excited about sharing our home with our child!

About Liz (by Paul)

When I first met Liz, I was drawn to her quick wit, bouncy energy, and big smile. As I got to know her, I also saw her generous spirit and caring nature. I really admire how Liz always thinks about how her actions will impact others.

She enjoys visiting with friends and family, taking walks, and watching movies, especially comedies. She has a creative streak, which she expresses through acting and crafts. Liz is always eager to try out a new recipe or experiment with a new project.

I know that Liz can't wait to be a mother. She will give our child a lot of love and understanding. She really looks forward to taking a child on picnics and outings with friends and family, reading funny stories and playing together.

I have watched Liz practicing her funny faces for several years and know that she has her silliness perfectly mastered to share with an infant.

About Paul (by Liz)

What strikes me most about Paul is his kindness, intelligence, and sense of humor. Paul is always willing to help his friends, family, and even strangers. When our good friends need a favor, like babysitting or a ride to the airport, they know they can count on him. Paul is very smart but also down to earth. He loves to joke around with his family, friends, and colleagues.

Paul delights in California's year-round opportunities to hike and enjoy nature. He also loves to explore the world through reading anything from literature to science-fiction and current events. Music, particularly jazz and classic rock, is an important part of Paul's life. He often dances and sings in our home. He may not be ready for American Idol, but his enthusiasm will captivate a small child.

I know that Paul's kindness, sense of humor and generosity will make him a wonderful father. He will share his enjoyment of reading, music, art and the outdoors with a child. Even more importantly, he will give our child a lot of attention and love.
Our Family and Friends

Our parents still live in the same homes where we grew up in New Jersey (Liz) and Massachusetts (Paul). Liz has a twin sister who lives in Boston, and Paul has a younger brother who lives in Washington, DC. Since our family members live back East, we visit the East Coast one or two times a year, and we often host family in California.

Liz's sister, Ellen, is especially thrilled about a new cousin for her 8- and 10-year old boys, Nathaniel and Benjamin. Ben loves babies and younger children, and looks forward to sharing his collection of Disney DVDs.

We have many friends locally. We spend holidays together, and often gather at each other's homes, for meals, small parties and games. We are "Aunt Liz" and "Uncle Paul" to the many children of our relatives and our close friends. We can't wait to watch our child play and build lifelong relationships with all of our nieces and nephews.

Our Future as Parents

We look forward to getting to know our child, and enjoying the wonder of the world as he or she sees it. We will encourage our child's love of learning, reading, art, culture and natural beauty. We will also teach our child to care about his or her health and well-being, other children and the wider world.

We both enjoy flexible work schedules and family-friendly benefits. We each plan to spend up to six months at home with our baby, and then work part-time to spend as much time as possible with our child.Thank you for giving us the chance to tell you about our lives and our hopes for our family. We hope we can get to know you too.