Jason & Jared

Dear Expected Birth Parents,As we start on our adoption journey, we are mindful of the fact that this is a journey for you as well, and no matter what family you decide is the best fi t for your child, we want to wish you the very best every step of the way. This is a decision that we know has not been taken lightly, one that requires strength and trust, and we are grateful that you would take the time to consider us and what we might be able to offer as adoptive parents.

What we think is most important for you to know about us is how stable and loving our home is. We met in 2008 and have been each other’s best friends and sources of support ever since. Since our marriage in 2016, we’ve worked very hard to make sure that our home is ready to welcome a little one, that we’re physically, emotionally, and fi nancially prepared to do everything it takes to be the best parents possible. We spend so much quality time with our nephews and the children of our friends, and when we watch each other’s eyes light up as we laugh, play, and teach, it only further solidifi es how committed and ready we are to be called “dad.”

We believe that this family profi le is an opportunity to show you with complete honesty what life your child would have with us, and if anything you see or read touches your heart and makes you want to know more, we are ready and willing to discuss whatever would help you to make the best decision possible for your child. We send our very best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and birth for both you and your child. Thank you again not only for taking the time to consider us, but more importantly for making a decision that is so fi lled with selfl essness and love: the decision to give life.

Jason & Jared

Great Place to LivePittsburgh has been voted the most livable city in the continental United States as recently as 2018.

More than Just a Steel TownThe city is home to renowned colleges and universities and nationally-recognized and awarded hospital systems (including UPMC’s Children’s Hospital).

Art, Culture & Sports are Home HereThere is a vibrant downtown cultural district, stadiums for three major championship sports teams, and the Carnegie Museums

Family-Centric AreaFamilies are offered a wide-range of activities, including a major zoo, aquarium, national aviary, amusement parks, ice skating rinks, and children’s museum & science center.

Culturally Diverse AreaWe are a very culturally diverse city with neighborhoods such as Little Italy, Polish Hill, and Deutchtown for families to explore.

What’s the Buzz About Our City?We call Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania our home, and there are so many incredible things that make this the perfect place to raise a child.

Downtown Pittsburgh Where Our 3 Rivers Converge

Immaculate Heart of Mary at Polish Hill

Thunderbolt Kennywood Park

Sydney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins

Monday Night Game Pittsburgh Steelers

Riverwalk Trails & Park Overlooking Downtown Pittsburgh

Market Square Historic Entertainment District

Beautiful ParksWe are within a mile of a 3,000 acre park with sports facilities, children’s play areas, fi shing, biking and hiking trails, an ice skating rink, swimming pools, and a family amusement center.

What’s the Buzz About Our Neighborhood?Located in a suburb that is just a 15 minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh, we love our community so much because it offers the privacy and close-knit feel of a smaller town while still being so close to the major conveniences of city life.

3,000 Acre County Park Great for Walking, Biking, Fishing, Kayaking, Skating, Golf & Batting Cages

Neighborhood Tot Lot On Our Dog Walk Route

Family Fun Center with Go-Karts, Mini-Golf & Arcade

Family-Centered NeighborhoodOur community is family-oriented and increasingly diverse, and there are numerous other young families on our street. It is full of playgrounds, parks, pools and recreation centers for a young family.

Dave & Busters In Our New Mall

Cinemark Theaters In Our Neighborhood Shops

Everything at Our DoorstepWe live in a booming area with new development opening all the time. We are at the epicenter of the developement and have malls, restaurants, movie theaters, libraries, and farmers’ markets within a mile of our home.

Bike Shop in Nearby Park

Nationally Recognized HospitalsThere are branches of both of our city’s major hospital networks right in our neighborhood. They are both recently renovated and afford nationally recognized care.

Renovated Hospitals For Close Care

OUR SCHOOL’S REPORT CARD

9 out of 10 Grade School 8 out of 10 Middle School 9 out of 10 High School

*According to GreatSchools.com

Top-Notch SchoolsOur home is located in a school district that is recognized as one of the best in the state, year after year.

Our Home Sweet HomeWe bought our home in 2009 and completely renovated it from fl oor to ceiling. Even then, we were already planning for what rooms would be the playroom and nursery for a future addition to our family.

Outdoor Space to PlayOur house is on a large, level ½ acre lot with tons of room to run and play. The house itself is located in the middle of the lot, far from the road on our dead-end street, and a large portion of the yard is fenced in for safety.

Our 2,800 Sq. Ft. Renovated Contemporary Log Cabin

Our Casual Dining Area that Where we Have Casual Dinner

Our Renovated Kitchen is the Heart of Our Home

Most Evenings We Enjoy Cooking a Meal at Home

We Have a Large Half Acre Backyard for a Child to Play

We Enjoy Spending Time on Our Landscaped Back Patio

Our Formal Dining Room for Larger Family Gatherings

Our Open-Concept Two-Story Great Room Area

Waiting on Baby to Play With in Our Family Room

Meal Time TogetherWe have two dining areas, one for larger family gatherings and a smaller table where we have dinner together every night. We believe that daily meals together are an important bonding opportunity, and we look forward to sharing that (and the pups probably look forward to dropped cereal and teething biscuits!).

Open Concept LivingWe have an open-concept home with a large connected kitchen, dining room, and family room. There has always been plenty of space for our young nephews to play and enjoy themselves whenever they visit.

My Background & EducationI grew up just fi fteen minutes from where I live now as an adult, and my family is incredibly important to me. They’ve honestly shaped so much about who I am, from my values to my faith to my confi dence to be myself. Because of their support, I have always had the desire to work hard and make the most of every opportunity that I’ve been given in life.

I went to Catholic school and then to a local Catholic university, where I received a B.S. and a Master’s in Business Administration and took part in additional juris doctorate studies at the school of law. I’ve always had a proud work-ethic and worked in real estate since I was 18-years-old, fi rst to help pay for college, but later as a passion. I’ve always found satisfaction in helping families fi nd the perfect home for them.

Later, I went on to work in marketing for a major Pittsburgh newspaper doing real estate advertising, and now I manage online marketing and sales for several Florida divisions of a major national home builder, including Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville and Melbourne. I have acted as an adjunct professor of real estate for the MBA program at a major university.

all about Jason

The Gang Out to Dinner

Jason at the Hollywood Hills

Jason Renovating the Sunroom

Just «Goofi ng» Around

Creating MemoriesOne of my most important memories growing up was working with my grandfather and learning how to use tools and fi x things. It’s because of that infl uence that I fi nd such enjoyment working on my own home today. I can usually be found renovating things around the house or landscaping outside. I sm looking forward to sharing with my child “hands on” activities and pride in a job well-done.

When my nephews needed help with their Boy Scout Pinewood derby cars, I got to teach them how to shape, sand and weight the wood so that it could be a champion car. When my oldest nephew called to say thank you because he won his race and I could hear the pride in his voice, it made me so excited to do this kind of thing with my own child.

Getting InvolvedI have a “type-A” personality and as a child growing up, I participated in numerous clubs, sports and activities. My parents always supported my numerous activities and I hope to foster interest in extracurricular activities with my child. I also think it’s very important to be active in my community, so I served as a school board president for multiple terms and an elected member of a town council planning commission.

Just Conquered Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

Jason and His Best Friend at the Winter Classic Game

Cousin on the Way Jason and His Expecting Sister

Ready for FatherhoodI’m looking forward to being a father because I believe that to teach, to encourage a sense of adventure, and to always provide everything possible for my child is one of the best ways that I can pass on all of the blessings that I’ve been so fortunate to have in my own life.

Mother›s Day at Frank Llyod Wright›s Falling Water

Jason›s New Godson only 2 Months Old

Fan of the Home & Away TeamI love our Pittsburgh sports teams, but I’ve lately started to cheer on the Tampa teams as well. Oh, and “How ‘bout dem Dallas Cowboys?” (One of the few things about me Jared disapproves of ).

A Quirky Thrill SeekerWhen it comes to my other interests, I would say that they’re pretty diverse (Jared would lovingly call it “eclectic”). I enjoy plays and musicals, I’m fascinated by history and love to watch all sorts of documentaries, I seek out every rollercoaster I possibly can, and I am one of the most committed Disney Parks fans you’ll ever meet. I proudly joke that I could give tours of the Magic Kingdom in my spare time.

Hobbies & Interests

My Background & Education

Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I attended Catholic school and then went on to the University of Pittsburgh to get a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Education. For going on fourteen years, I’ve devoted my life to teaching.

I teach English and History to high school students, and the feeling of fulfi llment that I get every time I see that little lightbulb go off in a child’s mind and I know that they fi nally “get it” is absolutely thrilling. I’ve worked with students of all races, cultural backgrounds, ability levels, and family dynamics (including adoptive families).

The most important thing that I aim to do with my job every day is to encourage children to be confi dent in who they are, to spark their imagination and creativity, and to support them as they pursue whatever goals or interests make them truly happy. I can honestly say that I would take the same approach to being a parent.

all about Jared

Jared Grilling Dinner on the Patio

Babysitting Our Nephews

Xena and Jared on Our Nightly Walk

Out with Friends on New Years Eve

Creating MemoriesGrowing up in a small town encouraged me to value creativity and imagination. Play is an important part of childhood, and it’s important that children have a safe space to explore and invent and create; we are so lucky to have a neighborhood that still offers those values.

My parents encouraged me to fi nd interests that made me happy. I was in the Boy Scouts, performed in school plays and musicals, and even had the opportunity to travel to Australia and New Zealand to learn about different cultures. That’s probably why I’m so fascinated by other cultures and traditions. Whatever my child’s background, I’m excited to learn about it with him.

The “Fundamentals”Reading is an important part of my life. Being surrounded by books when I was younger is what made me value learning on my own, so I feel our stocked bookshelves are an important part of the home environment that we offer.

Bundled Up for Steelers Sunday Night Football

Ready for FatherhoodI’m a person guided by love and faith. I will always do everything I can to make sure the people in my life are happy, healthy, and know that they are loved.

Dinner Celebration with Friends

Sports & RecreationI’m a passionate Pittsburgh hockey, baseball, and football fan. I also enjoy theater and art. Beyond all of that, though, Museums, walking tours, or even the occasional competitive round of miniature golf or bowling are all right up my alley!

Food for the SoulI love to cook. We eat a home-cooked meal almost every night and, as much as eating together is important, cooking together is as well. Being able to have my nephews in the kitchen with me to bake has always been such a rewarding (and adventurous!) experience. I’m so excited to share those moments with our child. When we go out to eat, we think it’s important to try new things and experience new cuisines, and that’s something we’d defi nitely like to pass on to our future child as well.

Hobbies & InterestsHappily Ever After Our Wedding at the Polynesian

Uncle Jared and Our Nephew

Decorating the «Mickey Cake» at Amorette›s Bakery

Dinner at our Favorite Thai Restaurant

First Spin on DumboWith Nephew at Magic Kingdom

Polynesian LuauFamily Disney Vacation

I grew up in a rural town in northcentral Pennsylvania and moved to Pittsburgh when I was 16 years old.

My mom is one of the most important infl uences in my life. She is so warm, giving and loving. She taught me to never let life get so busy that you don’t have time for the ones you love. She is retired but worked in children’s daycare. She is looking forward to spending a lot of time helping to take care of her new grandchild.

My sister lives in Virginia where her husband is stationed in the navy. My brother-in-law was deployed right after my fi rst nephew was born, so my sister and the baby stayed with me quite a bit that fi rst year. For me, this was an early look at all of the ups and downs of parenting.

Our Family on Jared’s SideThe best way that I can sum up my family is that we’re small and close-knit, but we’re a group that loves to laugh and have fun. There’s so much joy, but also so much silliness, in a lot of what we do together.

My family is small but very close-knit, and we all live within 15 minutes of one another. In fact, my parents still live in the home that I grew up in. Growing up, I got to know both my grandparents and my great-grandparents, and they would teach me all about our family values and traditions. Early on I became an uncle fi gure for my two young cousins. The oldest just started college, but it’s nice to know he still values my guidance and advice.

My mom is a retired preschool teacher and cannot wait to take on the role of “Nana.” From her sunny disposition, friendly-nature and take-charge attitude, I take after my momt. My mom is anxiously waiting to bring her old preschool projects out to share them with her grandchildren. She taught me about the importance of religion in my life and will be an inspiration to my child too.

Our Family on Jason’s Side

Family Segway Adventure During Vacation at Epcot

I have always been very close to my sister. My sister is expecting her fi rst baby soon, and both I and my brother-in-law work a great deal from home, so there’s a lot of opportunity for quality childcare right within our very own family.

Family Segway Adventure During Vacation at Epcot

Jason and His Side of the Family at His Cousin›s Graduation

Polynesian Luau on Family Disney Vacation

First Flight on Dumbo at Magic Kingdom

Our “Best” FriendsBoth of our pups were rescue dogs, and they are the two most loving, dependable friends you could ever ask for.

Whether we’re having a bad day or feeling under-the-weather, they are always there cuddled up at our side.

We’ve had both Fletcher (our dachshund) and Xena (our miniature pinscher) since our nephews were infants, and they have always been fantastic (and so patient!) with children. When our friends bring their kids over to visit, Fletcher and Xena are always there to meet them at the door!

Support For EachotherOur network of friends is always supportive and dependable, and they could not be happier for us as we look to grow our family.

Lives TogetherMany of our friends are married and have either just had little ones of their own or are in the process of trying to start their family as well. We are so excited to think that we could have a child who will continue the bonds of friendship with our friends’ children that we’ve held with their parents for so long.

Memories SharedDuring the holidays, our friends love to bring their children over to our house for activities and pictures.

Family ForeverWe are so close, we think of our friends as “family.” Jason was just recently asked to be the godfather of his best friend’s newborn baby boy, and he is absolutely honored to play this important role in his life.

Our FriendsOur friends come from all different cultures and backgrounds, and many of them have been friends with at least one of us since high school.

Sending our Letters to Santa from Our Home

Our Church Known for 100+ Trees at Midnight Mass

Our TraditionsWe host annual Halloween and Christmas parties for family and friends, and we really enjoying decorating and making it a fun experience for everyone.

Christmas is a very special time in our family. We have ornament exchanges and cookie decorating for the kids, and the family always attends midnight mass together. We carry the Christmas spririt into our own home with our extravagant Christmas display.

All major holidays, including Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, involve family dinners and taking the opportunity to spend time together and catch up on each other’s lives.

We vacation and travel together every summer. From major cities like New York and Chicago, to road trips south to Williamsburg, Charlotte, and Savannah, to a week spent at Disney, so many memories are made in the summer months.

Getting Ready to Dream of Sugar Plums (and Dogie Treats)

Our Connection to the Sunshine StateJason manages the online sales and marketing for the Tampa, Orlanda, Jacksonville, and Melbourne divisions of a major home builder. He travels to Florida for work several times a year (he even cheers on Tampa sports teams, though we keep that somewhat quiet here in the City of Champions!).

We have taken vacations to Disney with both sides of our family, and we also end up going as a couple at least once a year. We loved spending time in Florida so much that we were actually married on the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Jared›s «Twelve Cookies» of Christmas Spread

Snapshot of a Week in Our Lives

We thought it was important for you to know what your child’s life will be like on any given week in our home. We hope it shows that your child will have a normal, stable, happy upbringing. We believe that at the end of the day, it’s not just what we do, but that we do it together.

During the week, Jared is up early taking care of the pups and getting ready for work. Shortly after he’s off to teach, Jason is up and settling into his home offi ce and handling work calls and emails coming in from Florida.

When Jared gets home from work, we take the dogs for a relaxing walk together as a family down a gorgeous walking trail and right by a fun neighborhood “tot lot” playground.

If we’re staying in for the night, Jared’s usually in the kitchen cooking dinner while Jason fi nishes up some last minute work. We gather around the dinner table to eat and talk about our day.

On any given night, there might be a movie or a trip to the park or a visit with friends. Then it’s time to pack lunch and get ready to settle into bed for the night.

On the weekend, church is an important part of our routine. This is also when we might take in a Pirates game downtown (Sundays are kids days!), spend the afternoon at one of the museums, or go miniature golfi ng or go-carting in the park.

Our Thoughts On What it Means to Raise a ChildParenting is about patience and understanding. Children need room to experiment and to learn and to grow. They will make mistakes, but as parents we will be by their side.

Parenting is being nurturing, warm, and emotionally available.

Parenting is about being good role models who help a child develop a strong set of moral values.

Parenting is about being actively involved in a child’s life and interests, and always being excited about fi nding opportunities to teach them new life skills.

Parenting is about encouraging a child’s passions and creativity, and about making sure they feel confi dent being who they want to be, not who they think we want them to be.

Parenting is about providing any experiences we can within our means for culture, travel, and education.

Parenting is about building self-confi dence, loving unconditionally, teaching them to be proud of who they are and accepting of others at the same time.

Our Promise to the Expected ParentsNow that you’ve gotten to know us a little better, we want to offer our commitment to you should you decide that we would be a good home for your child.

We will make sure that every day our child knows that he is unconditionally loved, and that he will always be accepted exactly the way he is.

We will foster a sense of wonder and adventure so that he can explore the things that interest him and that make him happy.

We will be actively involved in advocating for him and for making sure that he has the best education possible to prepare him for all of his future goals.

We will make sure that he knows that we are always there for him and that he has our 100% support, that he can trust us to be open and honest, and that he will know in his heart that he can be the same with us.

We will provide for all of his needs, not just fi nancially but emotionally and spiritually as well.

We will respect and honor whatever decision you make when it comes to the openness of this adoption. No matter how much or how little detail you’d like us to share, we will promise you that he will always know that his adoption was an act of love.

Sincerely,Jason & Jared