We are so happy that you would take the time to read this
letter. We know you have important decisions ahead of you and that you must
follow your heart to do what you feel is right, whatever that might be. As with
all important things, the more information you have now, the better. We hope
this book will help you get to know us: Camille, Michael, and Shayla. The main
thing to know about us is that we love our family. In fact, “family” is a word
with many meanings for us:
A Family of Two.
In March 2005, we were married and started our
adventurous family of two. We snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, hiked
through Arches and to the top of Mt. Timpanogos, watched 4th of July fireworks
in Washington DC, and went to concerts and football games together. We learned
how to lean on one another when life gets complicated. We learned how to love
and support one another and how much joy comes from that, and we wanted to add
to our family.
Our Extended Family.
The two of us grew up in fantastic families. We both come
from families with four siblings. Our brothers and sisters are counted among
our best friends. We have 5 adorable nephews and 5 darling nieces—including
twin toddlers on Michael’s side. We have learned so much from our own parents,
who are now loving grandparents. For example, Michael’s mom used to say to put
a stop to fights among the kids: “Our home is a safe place.” That meant that
whatever was happening outside the walls of our home, we all deserved to feel safe
and loved at home. That stuck with us, and it’s what we want in our own home
now.
An Adoption Family.
In October 2010 and in May 2015, we were chosen by our beautiful little
girls' birthparents to be their mom and dad. Words cannot describe what an honor
that was and is. Shayla and Ivy are a great kids, and we love being their parents. Shay has
a big heart, and she’s ready with a hug and kiss whenever they’re needed. She
is an amazing big sister. Ivy is just tiny, but we can already see her sweet personality coming through. Camille is a stay-at-home mom, and she and Shay
stay busy with crafts and games and endless trips to Shay’s favorite place: the
park. Michael looks forward to coming home to the three loves of his life. That
is when daddy becomes a monster for chasing, a horse for riding, a lap for
sitting and telling stories, and an attentive admirer of art projects.
Through our kids' adoptions, we have come to understand
family in a bigger, better sense. You don’t have to share blood or genes to be
family. In fact, through Shay and Ivy we have welcomed their inspiring birth mothers into
our family, with whom we love to exchange emails and calls and get together for
visits. We enjoy spending time with them and know that they are and will be an
important people in our and our daughters' lives.
Our Future Family.
Being blessed with Shayla and Ivy have been two of the greatest
joys we have ever experienced. But we’ve realized that there is enough love in
our little family for more. We are ready to welcome a child into our home, and
to welcome that child’s birthparents into our lives as well. A child that comes
to us would be well cared for and loved because we love being a family, and
there is nothing that is more important or special to us. We wish you the very
best in your journey and hope that you will find comfort in these difficult
decisions.
We hope to hear from you.
Michael & Camille
