We had a lovely time with Mandy's family in Michigan for a couple of days. They live in Indiana, and although we see them frequently throughout the year, it was nice to get away for a bit. The original intent of the trip was to spend the weekend on the lake. However, 50 degrees with wind and cold do not exactly make for ideal boating weather. So, we instead we had slow mornings and explored the beautiful surrounding lakes.
Quick Facts
Mandy
- Age: 34
- Race/Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christian
Dave
- Age: 36
- Race/Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christian
Preferences for a child
- Newborn to 1 year of age
- Either
- Twins, Triplets or more
- All, African American (Full), African American (Half), Caucasian (Full), Caucasian (Half), Hispanic (Full), Hispanic (Half), Asian (Full), Asian (Half), American Indian (Full), American Indian (Half), Pacific Islander (Full), Pacific Islander (Half), Other
- Open to discussion
Post Adoption Contact / Level of Openness
- (open to all contact, phone calls, an in person visit before adoption placement, sharing photos and letters after placement, visits at a neutral location after adoption placement etc)
- If you want a more closed adoption, we would honor that request as well.
- * A Caseworker to work with you throughout your pregnancy
- * Counseling
- * Medical Care
- * Maternity-related financial support
- * Legal services
- * Lifelong support through a Post Adoption team.
Favorites
Forest Gump is Dave's favorite movie. We are constantly quoting, "Lt. Dan, they got ice cream." quite literally every time we eat ice cream.
Dave loves old country music. George Jones is one of his top picks, among many others.
Mandy's favorite movie is "Pride and Prejudice". If it is a gloomy day, this movie and a cup of tea fills me with joy.
If there was 1 album Mandy had to listen to on repeat for the rest of her life, it would be Clarify by Jimmy Eat World.
When I asked Dave, "What should I add to our list of favorites?" His first response, "My Bronco of course." Of course :).
Dave's favorite meal includes anything with beef and potatoes: pot roast and mashed potatoes, steak, or steak and ale pie.
Mandy & Dave
Posted:
Jan 13, 2021 We hope you enjoy getting to know us and our adoption story better!
Recommendations
Amayah Van Ruler (& Stephanie), Friends
" Hello! My name is Amayah and this is my mom Stephanie. I am 9 years old and have known Dave and Mandy my whole life! Dave is my daddy's best friend. They grew up next door to one another and 36 years later are still friends! (My mom even says that my daddy cried at Dave and Mandy's wedding a few months before I was born.) My mom and dad met Mandy in college and got to know her when her and Dave began dating. Now my mom and Mandy spend lots of time together! They love to run and lift weights and let me and my brother and sister join in. (Don't tell, but I think I am stronger than all of them) Mandy is going to be such an awesome mom. She took such amazing care of me at daycare when I was little. When I got older she started taking me along to play volleyball with her and the high school girls she coaches. We practice a lot together in the summer and Mandy says I am getting better! We talk about life, school, friends and we even get Starbucks together after practices! I am so excited for Dave and Mandy to be parents, they are some of my favorite adults! I also love love love babies and can't wait to help and hopefully even babysit someday! Love, Amayah "