Dear Birth Mother,

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter. We are grateful of your choice to consider adoption and admire your love and courage. You are making a selfless decision, one we hold in high regard, whether or not you choose adoption or us, for that matter. Although we cannot understand how difficult this decision must be for you, we know you love your baby dearly.

We are Jeff and Amy. We have been married for over 8 years. We have come to the decision of adoption to start our family after nearly 6 years of trying to give birth to a baby. We have met many doctors and have undergone many procedures along this journey to parenthood, including taking part in many tests, monitoring, and daily injections. We went through two inseminations and four IVF cycles. In addition, we also sought fertility help from a holistic doctor and an acupuncturist. Amy was pregnant in May 2006 and had a miscarriage at six weeks. We were devastated, but not defeated. We concluded that our goal was not to be pregnant, but to become parents. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to adopt a baby. This is not a "plan B" or second choice, for us. All we have ever wanted was to be parents. Adoption gives us that chance.

Everyone has a story. We think the best place to start our story is at our beginning. We met in an English class in college. It was a hectic day of a new semester, and Amy was trying to get settled in a seat in the middle of the classroom, trying to get prepared and anticipating the beginning of class. Jeff walked in seconds before the class began and took the only available seat which was next to Amy. We don't know if it was love at first sight. The only empty seat in the classroom was next to Amy, so Jeff didn't have much of a choice! As the English class progressed, and the semester continued, Jeff was shy. Amy tried to engage in conversation with him during the many times she strategically sat next to him each day the class met. Jeff was very dedicated to his college classes and knew his priorities. Amy was not one of them right away. Jeff always said he wanted to do the best he could in college so he could have a wonderful future with many opportunities. Amy was equally determined to be successful in school, and was always up for a challenge. She found Jeff to be interesting, shy, and a challenge. After a few months of friendly conversations, Amy's persistence paid off, and Jeff looked forward to seeing Amy at class. We began dating in March of 1993. Our first date was in the library at school . . . not exactly romantic, but a perfect place for two nervous students to meet. We each thought we were going to work on homework, but instead spent the next couple of hours talking. We enjoyed our time together as we still do. We both worked during college, balanced classes, and still made time to see each other, as well as spend time with our families and friends. We dated all through college. We waited four years after graduation to become engaged. The night of our engagement Jeff had arranged for both of our families to meet at Amy's parents' house to surprise and congratulate us. Our engagement night was very romantic and far from our nervousness of our first date in the library. We waited to get engaged and married because we each wanted to begin our careers and prepare financially for our future together.

ABOUT AMY

My family was my universe growing up, and I feel blessed that it continues to be for me. I am the oldest of four children, so I guess I was the leader. It was so important to me to be a good example and role model to my younger brothers and sister. I have fond school day memories of helping my younger sister pick her clothes, braiding her long brown hair, and helping her with school work. My two brothers are amazing siblings. While growing up, I loved playing catch with them and attending their baseball games. My parents have been married for 39 years. Their commitment to each other and our family is a trait I intend to pass onto to our child. I have fond memories of spending summers with my Grandparents who lived out of state, as well as the interesting car rides getting there! Both of my Grandparents were born in Europe, and I remember the stories of their lives there before coming to America. The story of their travels here was my favorite. I could picture the boat my Grandparents arrived on as it docked at Ellis Island. They both had left so much behind for a better life here in America. I knew each time we visited, I would get to hear more stories. My Grandparents were always so excited to see us. I can't wait to see the same excitement in my parents when we bring the baby to their house. I am thankful that we live close and that our visits will be often. I was raised in a loving household with a lot of excitement. I can picture my mom always standing in the kitchen and cooking dinner, while the phone would be ringing, and helping one of us with a class project all at the same time. We were always busy with activities, school, and friends. My mom stayed at home while my dad worked. My mom was always there when we came home from school. This meant a lot to us growing up. My parents always taught us to be honest and hard working, something we will instill in our child. We have a very close family and often spend time together. We have also gone on family vacations together with my siblings and their spouses. I am very close to my sister and brothers. We all live within 45 minutes of one another. My entire family cannot wait for us to become parents. This will be my parents' first grandchild . . . talk about a child being the center of attention!

ABOUT JEFF

I am the typical middle child in my family. I learned to become very patient as the middle child, as well as analytical. I always listened to my brother and sister's sides to the story and then was asked to be the "tie" breaker. This technique was used when making restaurant choices and movies on TV. I am very close to my parents and enjoy spending time with them. My mom and dad both worked growing up, but my mom always managed to have time to pick all of us up from school, make dinner, and still have time left over to help us with homework. I have wonderful memories of spending time with my Uncles and Grandmother who all lived within a few blocks from me growing up. I can still smell fresh baked cookies coming from my Grandmas house when I would walk up the front steps. I enjoyed listening to stories my Grandma would tell about her life growing up. I always felt like those stories about my Grandma and her life experiences connected me to my relatives that passed away before I was born.

I enjoy home improvement projects and have gotten pretty good at fixing things. However, if I ever need some help, I know that my dad, older brother, will come over to assist me. We have worked on many upgrades together. Now, when I call them for help, they both show up with a hammer and drill! My sister was the baby in the family, and I enjoyed spending time with her playing. I guess this was a benefit of being the middle child. I was able to play with my brother and his friends when they were over, and I was still able to entertain my younger sister, as well as play the big protective brother. I recall many family car trips, all three of us in the back keeping each other entertained as my mom made sure my dad was driving in the right direction! I feel extremely blessed that my Grandmother has been such an important part of my life. I am lucky to say that I have attended both my Great Grandmother's, and, this past January, my Grandmother's, 100th birthday parties. We celebrated my Grandma's 100th Birthday occasion with Amy's family, too. It was a wonderful day to share with both of our families.

AMY TALKING ABOUT JEFF

Jeff is an amazing person. He is very determined and motivating. He has worked hard in his career and has made numerous accomplishments. He is well liked and respected by his peers. He loves to spend time with his brothers' young children. Jeff is the proud Godfather of our six year old niece. I love the excitement in his eyes when we play with his young niece and nephews. He will get right down on the floor to play. He has helped them put toys together and even lets them take a turn too! He became very popular in their neighborhood recently when we babysat for his niece and nephews. Jeff decided to take their wagon out. He ended up pulling every kid in the neighborhood! Jeff is also very patient. When he sets his mind to a home improvement, or gardening idea, he stays with it until it is completed to his satisfaction. Jeff is very warm and outgoing, and is often at the center of a group with a good joke or quirky comment. Our friends' children always gravitate towards Jeff. Jeff will be a great dad.

JEFF TALKING ABOUT AMY

Amy is very loving. She is a very dedicated woman to me and our families. Amy never forgets a birthday, anniversary, or any other life cycle event. When Amy thinks I may be having a tough day, she leaves me little notes in my lunch bag. She is genuine and patient. She loves having our friends and family over to entertain. She loves spending time with our friends who have children. She always has crayons, bubbles, and coloring books ready when a friend stops by with their kids. Amy will be an incredible mom.

We both enjoy our careers. Amy recently was honored by her peers for leadership. Amy's mom, brother, and I came to the awards ceremony unbeknownst to her. She was so surprised to see all of us there. We were able to capture the look of surprise on her face when the President of the company announced Amy as the winner. As much as Amy enjoys her career, she has always thought of it as a way of biding her time until she can devote herself to being full time, stay-athome mom. You should see the look on her face went she talks about it. She cannot wait.

OUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

We both enjoy spending time with our dog, Maddie. She is a Schnoodle, a Schnauzer and Poodle mix. Maddie is adorable and so good around kids. We recently had our friends over with their 18month old twins. Maddie played with them in our backyard. She would bring them her ball and sit their patiently as they walked over to pick it up. They would take turns throwing her the ball. She would run after it and bring it back and sit patiently, again. It was adorable. We also enjoy spending of time gardening, taking walks in our neighborhood, and bird watching. We have actually gotten quite good and can recognize different birds that come to our feeders.

We live in a lovely home on a cul de sac. We recently put in a beautiful three season room and deck that overlooks our fenced backyard and wooden play jungle gym. We spend a lot of time planting our vegetable garden, flowers, and relaxing in our new room. We also have many parks, libraries, museums, and great schools nearby. We are blessed to be surrounded by wonderful, caring, and supportive families and friends. Your child will be so loved and will bring much joy to our lives. We want your child to know how much you love them. We can only imagine how difficult things may seem to you right now.

Everyone has a story. We promise that every time we tell your baby his or her story, you will be a loving part of it. Likewise, we would be happy to send you letters and photographs letting you know how your child is getting along, if you wish.

We hope you will consider us in your adoption plans. If you would like to know more about us, would like to speak with us by telephone, or meet us in person, please let our attorneys, Steve and Joel Kirsh, know. You can reach them at any time at 800-333-5736.

Very truly yours,