Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to introduce ourselves to you. We are Gregor (pronounced like "Gregory" without the "y") and Gyna (pronounced "Gina"), and we hope that our story can bring us together. We are truly grateful that you love your unborn child so much that you are considering an adoption plan for him or her. We very much want to parent a child. We have so much to offer in the way of love, security and support. And yet here we are - unable to create new life, but eager and willing to embrace your child as our own. Adoption feels quite genuine and good to us, and we are looking forward to adopting a baby.

We met 13 years ago and have been happily married for the past five. The fact that we ever met at all is a minor miracle. Gregor was born and raised in Scotland; Gyna, in Ecuador. Yet somehow our paths eventually crossed through music and dance, and we met each other in Massachusetts. This is where we have made our home and will stay.

We live in a beautiful New England town accented with many white steeple churches, impressive mature maple trees and a downtown "common". Gyna's sister, Karym, and her young family also live in the same town. Her mom and dad live a twenty-minute drive away in Boston. Most of Gregor's family lives 3,000 miles away. His mum lives in Scotland, and his dad lives in California. Needless to say, we have earned lots of frequent flier miles over the years. We vacation with our families. We spend holidays and important life events with them. Family is extremely important to us, and a large, diverse family will embrace our child. This is a truly multi-cultural and cross-continental family. You need a passport to get to grandma's house!

Our concept of what a parent should be is one of the cornerstones of our relationship. We both believe that it is our primary goal to raise a child in a secure and rewarding environment in order to encourage free and healthy development. Love, praise and guidance allow a child to learn, grow and mature into the person they are meant to be. Our parents have provided us with the best examples of how children are brought up in a healthy and loving environment.

***

Gyna: They say that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. Following this well-worn adage, I guess I'm a mixture of both my parents, immigrants, with a solid work ethic and true belief that things that seem unattainable are often within one's reach. There is also no shame in failure, just be proud that you tried. Our parents were extremely proud that Karym and I both graduated college. And although we are proud of ourselves in that we paid back loans to parents and banks, we didn't do it without their assistance. They provided us with a loving home and consistent support while we were in school. In my case, it was Dad who picked me up - a lot - from school at 2 o'clock in the morning when I needed to stay late at the computer lab. They floated me financially during my semesters. And it was my parents who believed that I could. All this has left me with a solid sense of accomplishment and a "can do" attitude.

My parents were always there. Mom showed her love by feeding you until you burst, and her Shrimp Seviche, Escabeche, Roasted Pork Shoulder with Salsa, and Eggplant Parmesan are to die for! No matter how late you came home, there was always a meal waiting for you. Dad, well he's the quiet type, but I was his baseball buddy and electrical/plumbing/carpentry sidekick. Doctor extending hand and asking for scalpel, you get the image. Talked my husband through hanging a light fixture when we moved into our house. And Gregor did a pretty good job. Dad and mom showed us they loved us through their actions, taking us to the beach, picnics at Hopkinton State Park and the library for reading books. Books, a tradition I continue with my nephews and nieces. Their way was to always be there caring for us. Dad believed that children needed to be able to do their own thing. His role was to assist us in finding our passion. One must not set achievement boundaries. Our parents enabled my sister and me to take advantage of every good opportunity that came our way. I think this is a great example to follow with one exception. To me, being demonstrative is important. I freely use endearments and give lots of hugs and kisses to those I love.

***

Gregor: I did most of my growing up in Scotland. I was born and educated there, at least through high school. My parents divorced when I was five, but I still have memories of a warm, loving home. Although my parents decided that they would live apart, they did not split in their roles as parents. I have a twin sister, Shona, and a younger sister, Caren, and I can honestly say that our sense of family was strong and constant when we were young. We had a lot of fun growing up and we never felt that we were missing anything. We were provided ample encouragement in all of our endeavors.

My passion as a young child was music. I learned to play viola when I was seven or eight years old, and my mum would always make sure that I made time in the week for practice and lessons. I was constantly involved in music recitals, school orchestras, chamber groups, ensembles and quartets all throughout my scholastic career. Right up until I was 18 and ready to leave home for university. Throughout that entire period my mum, as well as the others in my family, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc., came to listen to our performances. My dad bought me a guitar one year when we went on a family holiday to Mexico. When we returned to Edinburgh, with my new treasure in hand, I was enrolled in guitar lessons. My mum had signed me up for group lessons with other children my same age, and I remember taking the bus to guitar class after school. I couldn't have been older than nine or ten at the time. I remember feeling quite independent and adventurous - taking the bus on my own. But living in Edinburgh in the 1970s was a far different world than the one I live in now. However, it was an important lesson for me at the time, and the act of trust my mum showed me was never forgotten. Alas, I did not develop into a professional musician, but I will always be thankful to both my parents for their encouragement and praise at the time.

***

Gregor relaxing with mum Celia after a day's skiing in the French Alps.

Today, we try to spend time with family as often as we can. Gyna's sister and her growing family; Nicholas (14), Alexander (5) and Alexa (3) are a big part of our lives. We take our Golden Retriever, Chardonnay, to some of Nick's baseball games at the local park after work in the summer. Fortunately, we live in the same town so we can often walk to the game if it is being held close enough to our house. Gyna's mom and dad host backyard cookouts in the summer months. Her mom and dad love to have the family over to eat and play. Cooking outdoors is a passion we all share. We all try to spend as much time as we can outdoors.

Gregor couldn't believe the white tigers at the circus!

Visiting Gregor's family, on the other hand, takes a little more planning and often coincides with holidays or family events. Fortunately, our house will accommodate several guests, so we are more than happy when family and friends come to stay. Gregor's mum, now that she has retired from work, likes to visit and spend time working in our garden. Her garden in Scotland is so extensive, it is broken up into sections; the vegetable garden, the fruit garden, the orchard and the Christmas tree farm, not to mention the miles of flower beds, a natural spring pond and the summerhouse with patio and bar-b-que.

***

Gyna: So what would you like to know about tall, dark and handsome? I can tell you that Gregor is a smart and educated man with high energy. He has a good job and would be a solid provider. He is also a creative soul. But I guess that wouldn't tell you who he is or what kind of father he would make.

Gregor is my best friend and to put it simply, he charms me. Unfailing acceptance, as well as unequivocal love (he thinks I'm beautiful) and humor are his trademarks. What you see is what you get. His outlook on life is that one shouldn't sweat the small stuff. He makes me laugh. At the least expected times, he'll break out in laughter because he is able to look at an everyday situation and find the humor in it. Gregor inherited the Scottish humor gene from his family. They are all funny! And there is no hiding it, the mischief in his blue eyes and laugh lines on his face completely give him away. I never know when he's going to pull one over on me, which is an activity that provides him no end of entertainment.

Those that have his love can count on his support, and can also count him as their biggest fan. Gregor gives freely of his time and not only to me, but also to my family. The latter actually matters more to me. He's the one who was there and kept us all company at the hospital. Dad had a car accident while going out to get me a birthday cake. Gregor kept watch when I needed surgery as part of my infertility treatment. Assured me that he'd be right outside, waiting. He then took me home, driving carefully so as not to jolt me, and then made me chicken soup. "Light broth with no salt", he told me. Although he just couldn't bring himself to give me the countless shots to help me ovulate, he would prepare the shots and line them up for me. And he was the one that held me through the heart-wrenching disappointments when things didn't work out for us in trying to get pregnant. Although not unexpected, still the saddest time in my life when I finally accepted I could not give my husband a child.

***

Gregor: Gyna is a true wonder in my life. I can't imagine what life would be like without her. She makes me feel loved every day. And in life, we are true partners. Equals in everything we do and in everything we own. We dance and play together. We entertain together. We cook and clean together. And together we wash the dog! Our marriage is one of trust and equality. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

And there is plenty of room in her heart. Gyna is also steadfast and true in her affections for others. Family and friends who have ever called upon her for help or guidance, as often happens, have never been let down. Be it a cry for help: Karym, who recently had a bathroom renovated, wanted Gyna's input on the innumerable choices of marble tiles, countertops and fixtures, to the very important decisions with regards to choosing the appropriate medical care for her dad. Her opinions are highly valued by those who seek her council.

My partner in life has also made a lasting impression on me with her unwavering moral compass and ability to always do the right thing. She is compassionate for others. She does not compromise her beliefs and will forever strive to attain the ideal. There is no doubt in my mind that she will make a wonderful mother.

Gyna can also display a wonderful sense of playfulness that I find very charming. Here she is on our wedding day, after being in cahoots with the official photographer, determined to catch me off my guard. She didn't want our album to be filled with those traditional, posed shots. Definitely malice aforethought. Keeps me on my toes!

***

This June, we celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. The odds of an Ecuadorian (Gyna) and a Scotsman (Gregor) meeting Scottish Country Dancing in the USA are just astronomical. We'd like to think that God had a lot to do with it because we're perfect for each other and make a great team. Our different cultures and upbringings, we believe, give us the ability to think openly and see things through extended perspectives.

Most summer weekends you can find us working in the garden, Gregor working to keep his beautiful grass green, and Gyna, covered in dirt adding plants or weeding flowerbeds. You can also find us walking Chardy, named as such because she was the color of a golden chardonnay as a puppy. Although she's still very sweet, she had seriously high cute appeal as a puppy just over a year ago.

Chardy enjoys a small near-by lake and refuses to get out of the water once she is wet. In addition to loving to chew kitchen table legs, Goldens LOVE to swim. In the winter, it's over to the beach where they allow dogs and horses to run, or off to the town forest where she tries to splash through every puddle when the snow starts to melt.

To say that our families are happy we are adopting would be an understatement. Grandma Celia can't wait for grandchild number three. Abuelita Maria prays for a baby to come to us as soon as possible. Poppa David and Grandma Susan sent us a generous gift at Christmas, a contribution to the baby fund, and Auntie Caren offered to sell her stock in case we needed money. Friends and family have all been and continue to be extremely supportive, down to the children. "Cool, I'll have a new baby cousin," was Nick's comment when we told him of our adoption plans. It is a close-knit family given that phone, email and frequent visits eat up the many miles between us. Although traveling and visiting with family happens yearly, the last time the entire group got together was for our wedding. Everyone is rooting for us, hoping to again get together, and this time for our baby's Christening.

Although it is impossible to convey two lifetimes through a simple letter, we hope that we have, nonetheless, been able to express who we are as people and future parents. Ultimately, our goal is to provide enough information for you to become confident that we are the right family to love and raise your child - to us, the greatest gift imaginable.

If you would like to talk to us or meet us in person, please contact our attorneys, Steve and Joel Kirsh, at 317-575-5555 or 800-333-5736.

Warmest wishes,

Gregor and Gyna