We would like to adopt a single child or sibling group of up to 3, newborn - 8 years old, of any ethnic heritage and/or either gender., and from virtually any background situation. We are open to children with mild physical disabilities (we do have stairs in our home) and up to moderate behavioral and emotional issues. Children with intellectual abilities from delayed to above average and minor medical issues are also ones we feel confident we can accommodate.
The type of children that would fit best into our home are ones that like to give and receive hugs, enjoy activity, and new adventures. Children who like being outdoors but do not need to get out everyday would be a good fit. Those that would also thrive in an environment with structure and routine would fit very well into our home. We enjoy family activities and spend a lot of time together and hope our children will enjoy this, as well.
We are open to discussing contact with the child's biological family (email, phone, or mail) if it is in the best interest of the child. We also do not mind having continued contact with the child's former foster parents as respecting those connections will help with the transition and honor each child's past. We will do whatever we can to support the unique needs our children as they grow into adulthood and beyond.
Our names are Nate and Tiffy. I (Tiffy) am 41 years young and Nate is 42. We have been together since 2009. We have a very fun, healthy, loving, and deeply committed relationship. We are best friends and playmates. We do not currently have any human children but are the proud parents of a cat, dog, lizard, and fish.
Nate works full-time as an engineer/technician for a large tech company in the area and has worked in this field for 16 years. Nate's schedule is somewhat flexible with long weekends and he can easily take time off, when needed. Tiffy works full-time as a teacher, currently teaching Kindergarten, and has worked with children in education for over 10 years. Tiffy has also been a coach for over 4 years with Special Olympics and does this seasonally. While her schedule is more structured, it is very family-friendly. Both of our employers know of our desire to adopt and are fully supportive. There would be no problem in adjusting our schedules to meet the needs of our future children.
As a couple we are fairly active and enjoy a lot of diverse activities. Some of our favorite things are road trips, camping, biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, going to the beach,watching movies, board games, playing with our pets, arts & crafts, and attending community events. We also enjoy a wide range of winter sports and activities, when the snow cooperates. We also enjoy traveling to visit family and/or having family visit us. At home, most of our time is spent together in conversation, activity, or just enjoying each other's presence while doing small projects or reading. We truly enjoy our time together and cannot wait to include children into the mix.
For many years we have wanted to have children. Our plan had always been to have one biologically and adopt another. We have always liked the idea of a beautiful, blended family. Nature, however, seems to feel as though adopted children is the only way to go and we couldn't agree more. We feel that we are mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially prepared to become parents and welcome children into our lives forever.
We live on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon. We are close enough to the city to enjoy concerts, shows, and community events, yet close enough to the wilderness to enjoy nature walks, fishing, and tide pooling.
We have a 4 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home with a sizable backyard, and within walking distance to a large city park and elementary school. The park has basketball courts, play structures, and a huge open field for soccer, volleyball, frisbee, and other activities. There are also community events and free movies shown on a big screen during the summer months. This park was also recently approved for a $6 million makeover that will include an aquatic center and running path. We can't wait for the construction to start!
Neither Nate nor I have been parents before. For many years we have wanted and tried to have children. Our plan had always been to have one biologically and adopt another. We have always liked the idea of a beautiful, blended family. Nature, however, seems to feel as though adopted children is the only way to go and we couldn't agree more. We feel that we are mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially prepared to become parents and welcome children into our lives forever.
Nate and I attended the Foundations Trainings, joined parenting groups, and have read many books and articles to supplement the trainings. Being a teacher and coach, Tiffy has undergone a lot of additional training regarding child development, special needs, parent involvement, and other topics that will be extremely helpful in parenting.
We both have a lot of experience in aunt and uncle capacities and enjoy every minute of it!
We have a very diverse and extended network of family and friends who cannot wait to welcome our children. While our biological parents live in other states, we know they will be traveling a lot (perhaps even moving) to spend quality time with their new (and only) grandchildren.
In the Portland area, we have lots of framily (friends who are family) who will be very involved in the lives of our children. Most have children of their own, many of which are adopted, as well. So our family will have many people to spend time with and seek advice from.
We also are part of and/or know of many adoption groups and resources within our immediate area that will be of extreme value and significance to all of us throughout this process.
We know of many other community services that are available to us depending on the specific needs of our children and our family. We are always open and willing to expand our network of support.