Nico & Jamie

Lucy Goose is our lovable, goofy, sweet Bernedoodle -- and a big part of our lives. She’s excellent with children -- with an oversized personality and a loving heart to match. ​ There‘s not a single day that she doesn‘t make us laugh and she is -- by far -- the most affectionate dog you’d ever meet. ​ She‘s our lovable weirdo that takes naps on her back (with all four legs straight in the air), who loves looking for squirrels in the local park, and playing in the snow. ​ Lucy is super smart -- she loves to show off all her tricks (from giving you her paw to dancing). Not only does she understand commands, she‘s excellent with kids, and will be a playful and gentle furry playmate.

We own a beautiful, historic four-story five-bedroom brownstone in one of the most lovely, safe, and diverse neighborhoods in New York City. Although we’re steps away from all NYC has to offer, we live on a peaceful, leafy, tree-lined street so quiet we can keep the windows open and hear crickets on summer nights. We’ve lived here for more than six years and it’s truly our forever home. We recently renovated completely with a child in mind. Our bedroom takes up the entire second floor (with plenty of room for a crib!). Grandma will be only steps away on the floor above. She will stay with us the first six months --and many visits thereafter. ​ We have a big, light-filled kitchen where Nico loves to cook -- and that will be the center of family celebrations. We own a beautiful, historic four-story five-bedroom brownstone in one of the most lovely, safe, and diverse neighborhoods in New York City. Although we’re steps away from all NYC has to offer, we live on a peaceful, leafy, tree-lined street so quiet we can keep the windows open and hear crickets on summer nights. We’ve lived here for more than six years and it’s truly our forever home. We recently renovated completely with a child in mind. Our bedroom takes up the entire second floor (with plenty of room for a crib!). Grandma will be only steps away on the floor above. She will stay with us the first six months --and many visits thereafter. ​ We have a big, light-filled kitchen where Nico loves to cook -- and that will be the center of family celebrations.

We also can’t wait to treat your child to all the arts, culture, and educational opportunities New York City has to offer -- just a subway ride away – checking out the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History, feeding the giraffes at the Bronx Zoo, or taking a children’s painting workshop at the Museum of Modern Art. In the summer, we’ll dip our toes in the ocean at one of the many local beaches -- or venture out to the Hamptons for the weekend. In the fall, we’ll spend Saturday mornings walking with our dog Lucy to the farmer’s market in the park down the street, enjoying apple cider doughnuts or ice cream. During the winter, we usually go to Vermont -- where we once lived -- to ski, sleigh ride, and have hot chocolate and s’mores.

We both cherish the time we spend with the children in our families and those of our friends. Nico’s background in pediatrics makes us a trusted resource whenever a child feels under the weather, and we often find ourselves the first call for babysitting or urgent childcare needs. Our weekends are lively, filled with children’s activities such as birthday parties, christenings, or recitals. Our home has a spacious backyard that transforms into a summer haven for us and our friends Maggie and Susana and their daughter Grace and Matt and Sarah and their daughters Chloe and Annie. Here, Jamie might orchestrate a scavenger hunt for the kids, while Nico takes charge of the grill. Post-barbecue, a trip for ice cream with the kids is a must. We also enjoy trips to Coney Island, where Jamie and our friends’ kids tackle the Cyclone roller coaster. We see our close friends Maggie and Susana’s daughter Grace every week. We are her #1 babysitters! She just turned nine. She sleeps over when her moms need a night on their own-- we watch cartoons, bake cookies, go shopping, and play with Lucy. Summers also take us to Europe to spend time with Nico’s family. These visits are filled with warmth and long-held traditions. We have a special bond with our nephew, Jonas. Together with Nico’s sister, Susan, and mother, Talia, we enjoy an annual beach trip. Our first year was spent building sandcastles and teaching Jonas to swim. As Jonas has grown, our activities have shifted to hiking and discussing his future educational plans. He’s excited about the prospect of having a cousin. These summers not only deepen our family bonds but also enrich our lives with lasting memories and shared experiences. ​ We also speak with our nephew Jonas over the phone. He loves cars so we spent a lot of time talking about cars or looking at cars. Now he is into video games but we can’t keep up with him. When he was little, he would come visit us every year. We took him to DC and went to the museums and National Zoo - he loved it! He had a period that he was obsessed with dinosaurs - we spent an entire day at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Family is so important to us. Both sides of our families are very supportive of our marriage and adoption plans. They are all excited to welcome the newest addition to our loving family! Jamie grew up in a warm, bustling Southern family-- with five older sisters! His dad, known affectionately as “Junebug” was one of 16 brothers, and his mom, Patty, came from the same tight-knit rural community. Jamie’s childhood was filled with simple joys—helping his grandmothers in their gardens, chasing lightning bugs, and playing in the creek with his cousins. Being the youngest of six, family has always been a cornerstone of his life, and those bonds remain strong to this day. Given the 18-year age gap between Jamie and his sisters, his nieces Tara, Shea, and Caylyn, along with his nephews Tyler and Andrew, felt more like younger siblings due to their closeness in age. They have all remained close, and now that they have children of their own—Cameron, Magnolia, Jaxson, Jayce, Lily, and Chloe—their bond continues to thrive. ​ Jamie’s mother was strong and supportive – she wasn’t afraid of anything. She showered Jamie with love and taught him to do the same – he can’t wait to do the same to a child. Very sadly, Jamie’s mom passed away and his dad has Alzheimer’s so they won’t be able to experience the joy of Jamie and Nico becoming fathers together. Jamie’s parents were born two years and two miles apart in the sleepy southern Virginia town where their families had lived since anyone could remember. They met each other in the first grade -- in a little one-room schoolhouse, the town’s only school. ​ They stayed together their entire lives -- they would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this December. ​ Nico was raised in a nurturing and open-hearted Turkish family. They live in Turkey yet remain close, despite the distance. His mother, Talia, and father, Matthew, are so excited to welcome a grandchild! Talia stays with us a few months every year, and we travel there for two weeks every year. Our visits with them are filled with the rich flavors of Turkish meals. Talia is eager to share her beloved recipes with a new grandchild and has plans to stay with us for a few months after the baby arrives, to help us transition into our new roles as parents. Nico’s father is very excited to take his new grandchild to sailing in the Mediterranean. ​ Both sides of our families are thrilled about our decision to adopt. They are fully supportive and can’t wait to welcome another member into our fold. Their enthusiasm, coupled with the traditions and love they bring, will provide a supportive and loving environment where a child can grow, feel valued, and always know they belong.

Our New York City home becomes a lively hub during the holidays, surrounded by friends and the festive spirit of the city. Jamie’s favorite holiday is Christmas, while Nico cherishes Thanksgiving. But whatever the holiday, they just enjoy being with each other, their friends, and their families. Thanksgiving has evolved into a beloved “Friendsgiving.” It’s a day when we gather with our family and close friends and their families for a feast prepared by Nico, who starts by brining the turkey with aromatic spices a few days in advance. ​ Nico’s mom makes the side dishes and appetizers (seasonal salad, Brussel sprouts, green beans, brown butter roasted pumpkin, stuffed grape leaves, potato gratin). Nico’s focus is making sure the turkey is perfectly roasted and Jamie contributes with his homemade lemon chess pie, a cherished Southern recipe handed down through generations. After an early dinner, we settle in for a cozy evening, watching Christmas movies and enjoying leftovers.

Christmas in New York feels magical. The city glows with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Our holiday spirit kicks off with a visit to see Handel’s Messiah, a tradition inspired by Jamie’s memories of his mother’s solo performances in their church choir. On Christmas Eve, we embrace the thrill of last-minute shopping at the Union Square Christmas market, warming up with hot chocolate. Later, we join in the joy of ice skating beneath the enormous tree at Rockefeller Center, a highlight for the kids. The festivities continue at home with a mix of Jamie’s Southern dishes like pimento cheese dip and Nico’s mom Talia’s Turkish delights including her famous stuffed grape leaves. Gift exchanges fill the evening (Jamie’s family tradition), followed by eager anticipation of Santa’s visit as we get the kids to bed. Christmas Day is spent unwrapping presents, savoring a hearty dinner, playing with toys alongside our nieces and nephews, and, most importantly, enjoying the time together. All that’s missing from these cherished moments is a little one to share in our traditions and joy.