How we got here
We are both a little philosophical and believe that life is a journey. We have learned from our own lives that all of our experiences make us who we are and difficult times only make us stronger in the long run. We always knew we wanted to have a family and are so looking forward to the joys of raising children. Our struggles with infertility have strengthened our relationship and we are now closer than ever and more determined to become parents.
There is no way we can possibly understand what you are going through, but hope that we can provide you with some reassurance as you travel your path. We want you to know that we will support you in any way that we can. 
A bit about us
In true 21st century fashion, we met online. Yet from the beginning, we felt like our being together was meant to be. Our paths had crossed so many times without realizing it, that when we finally found each other, we were amazed at how much we had in common. We lived 10 minutes from each other, attended the same psychology graduate program, worked in the same places but at different times ,and we even knew some of the same people. We discovered that we both love to cook, garden and explore nature. Even more surprising was that we share the same (summer) birthday! We've been together since 2002; we got married in the summer of 2004. (Summer is our favorite season!) We have built our relationship on trust, honesty, communication and a profound respect for one another.
About Jeff (by Michele)
My marriage to Jeff is truly a gift. Jeff is the most compassionate, loving, patient and down to earth person that I know and have ever met. He loves to make people laugh and goes out of his way to make sure you're happy. 
When Jeff was in college, he worked on the volunteer ambulance corps. He is level headed and sensible and I always feel very safe with him.
Jeff is a kid magnet. Whenever we visit our nieces, Eleni and Alexandra, the girls compete over who is going to get the most play time alone with Uncle Jeff. Always fair, he spends time with them separately, but encourages them to "find something we can all do together".
Aside from his real job as a school psychologist, Jeff is a baker, (yum!) a photographer, a gardener and a computer expert. We're always doing something fun together and I love to be around him. He is going to make an awesome dad!
Uncle Jeff practicing gymnastics with our nieces
About Michele (by Jeff)
When I first met Michele, she struck me as the sweetest, kindest person I ever met. She is the type of person that makes everyone feel comfortable and cared for. Michele goes out of her way to befriend some of the elderly women who live in our building. She is generous and kind and incredibly protective of the people she cares about.
Michele is loyal and sincere. She has many friends that she's known for years, and they've become part of the family. She is nurturing and very loving, and is always taking care of other people's kids. I admire how much passion she has in her work as a psychologist.
She has a fantastic sense of humor and she is very playful! Alexandra and Eleni adore her...as a matter of fact, Alexandra once said "Aunt Michele plays more like a kid than a grownup!". More than anything else, Michele just wants to be a mom.
Aunt Michele giggling with Alexandra and Eleni
Our Work
Michele-
I have been a school psychologist for many years. My love of learning and children has really defined my work. While I was working on my Master's Degree, I found a great job working with special education preschoolers. I loved watching them grow and change. Now, I work in our local school system, again, with special education students of all ages. My job involves helping children with learning problems to be sucessful in school.
I love what I do, however I am really looking forward to being a stay at home mom. I am so grateful that Jeff can provide the financial security and stability to make this possible. I look forward to the job of full time mother with great anticipation.
Jeff-
My work is similar to Michele's. After finishing my Master's Degree, I began working with special education preschoolers, a job that I really loved. I then found a job in the city high schools, which gave me a chance to learn alot about teenagers! After many years in that job, and some more schooling, I was promoted to supervisor of school psychologists. In this new job, I do alot of teaching, which is something that I really enjoy.
In the afternoons, I have a private practice where I do counseling wiht children and families. Being on a school schedule, with summer vacation and holidays off, will allow me to spend more time wiht our family. This has always been very important to me. I am glad that I can financially support our family so that Michele can stay home full time when we are blessed with adopting a baby.