Maureen & Michael

Michael and I both like to travel and discover new places. When we travel, we prefer to stay near the locals so we can explore the authenticity and the culture of the country. I do most of the planning such as looking for hotels, flights, etc. Michael is usually on board with whatever I plan, and we enjoy exploring and being active together. We are outdoorsy people; we like to hike, climb, and camp. One of our more recent adventures was a hiking/camping trip in Glacier National Park in Montana. Most of our hiking and camping is closer to home where we venture out to the state parks of New Hampshire and Vermont. During the Spring and Summer, we might travel further north to Acadia National Park in Maine. Michael and I both strongly believe the outdoors is good for a child’s development. Like many in New Jersey, we frequent the local beaches on especially hot summer days. During autumn we will hike or climb in upstate New York. For Thanksgiving, we usually travel to Nevada to see Michaels’s sister and her husband and two children. In the winter, we continue to be active by skiing. I grew up skiing and taught Michael how to ski when he was an adult. We make it a point to ski a few times a year. With part of my family living in the South of France, we’ve had the occasion to attend ski trips in the Alps.

We have many traditions in our home, blending both our family customs and cultural backgrounds. We both believe traditions are important as they provide context, direction, and meaning for a family. Like many Americans, we celebrate traditional holidays like the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgivings are typically spent with Michael’s sister and her family in Nevada. We also celebrate Easter and Christmas in the Catholic tradition, attending Mass and reflecting on the significance of the events. Christmas is usually spent at either Michael’s sister’s house or my family’s house in France. At Christmas, we are surrounded by our nieces, nephews, siblings, and parents. Whether in France or the US, we always gather around the tree to exchange presents. Since moving to New Jersey, we attend Michael’s aunt’s Christmas party which is held the weekend before Christmas. Her house is decorated with a different theme each year, and everyone spends the day eating, playing games, and catching up. In addition to the major holidays, we celebrate French traditions. In winter, we observe La Chandeleur, where we eat crêpes to mark the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. We also celebrate the Epiphany with a Galette des Rois (King’s cake) in January. Michael’s family has unique birthday traditions that we have continued as a couple, with the most special being breakfast in bed. We make birthdays memorable with dinner, cake, balloons, and presents.

My family life growing up was similar to Maureen’s experience despite living in two different countries. I grew up in the state of Texas around the Houston area with my sister. My parents were loving and fair, expecting their children to do well in school, attend Mass and follow through on commitments. I would characterize my parents as hard-working individuals who put their family first. My mother was a nurse, and my father is a psychologist. Both spent much of their adult lives helping others. They created a home environment which was loving and predictable. When the time came for me to attend university, they were supportive in all aspects to include the finances of an education. One of the most important principles I learned from my parents was, “If I start something then I should finish it.” They were adamant about this. This principle has served me well into adulthood, reminding me not to give up just because things are difficult. My mother passed due to cancer; my father still lives in Houston. He eagerly awaits our adoptive child and travels regularly between Nevada and New Jersey. I owe much of who I am and what I have to my parents.

Maureen grew up near Paris, France. She was raised in a loving home where her parents worked hard to provide a stable, disciplined, and caring environment for their two daughters. Gilles, my father-in-law, is a man I deeply respect. He has always been kind to me, even when I first started dating Maureen. He worked his entire career at a French car manufacturer, starting with an entry-level job and working his way up to middle management, ensuring his family lived comfortably. Christine, my mother-in-law, is a woman of her generation. She trained in accounting and worked, but still made time to cook meals and handle house chores on weekends. She created a warm, welcoming home for her family. Gilles and Christine are always supportive of Maureen, attending her gymnastics competitions, sending her on school ski trips, and helping with her education. They were proud when Maureen graduated with a master's degree in chemistry. They made many financial sacrifices to send their daughters to private Catholic school and provided everything they needed to succeed in adulthood. Both Gilles and Christine have been wonderful parents-in-law, supporting Maureen and me during our adoption journey. They are excited to become grandparents again, especially Christine, who loves buying clothes and presents for her grandchildren.

Our house is a simple two-story home with a basement; it is a post-World War 2 colonial. It is comfortable and family-friendly, with three bedrooms, and a large living room with enough space for a child to play. The kitchen opens into the dining room where we host family and friends. We have recently renovated our garage into a gym and repaved our driveway. Our backyard is accommodating; in the summer we usually take dinner on the deck or play cornhole. During Autumn we alternate between raking leaves and spending weekend evenings by the firepit. Our house is located in a middle-class neighborhood, close to reputable schools, especially the elementary school, and walking distance from our parish. Several young families are dotted up and down our quiet street. We are a short distance from several large parks and playgrounds which are perfect for children to run around and explore.

- Wants to play every Zelda game made - Has played and coached Rugby - Is a John Steinbeck fan

Michael values relationships. Since I have known my husband, I have always found him to be someone that looks for meaning in relationships. He searches for true friendships and is interested in developing a strong connection with people whom he befriends. He is this way with everyone close to him. I believe children should be taught the value of developing meaningful relationships. Michael is curious. If someone needs to find my husband, it is likely he will be found at a desk studying something. Michael went to school for chemistry and has carried on his passion for learning ever since. He is constantly reading, learning something new or taking courses to improve himself professionally or personally. His natural curiosity is something he tries to draw out in others, often asking people, “Why do you think that happens?” Michael is loving with kids. When he plays with his niece or nephew, he gets their full attention. He listens to them and is very involved in the activities they are doing. He wants to connect with them and get to know them on a deep level. I think that’s why they love him so much. They can go to him anytime and he’ll give them his full attention. Because of his breadth of knowledge, kids are really intrigued by Michael; they want to spend time with him as they learn many new things and understand how the world works when speaking with him. I think the children in our life, our Godchildren and nieces and nephews know that my husband cares for them and wants to help them grow. I have no doubt Michael will make a good father, and his child will feel safe, loved, and supported all their life with a father like him.

- Two of her closest friends she has known since she was a teenager - Did Gymnastics for 13 years - Has created over 100 cosmetic products - Has hiked the tallest Mountain in the continental United States

Maureen is a loving, hard-working, and principled woman who values family, faith, and commitment. We met during her internship when she was working on a challenging chemistry problem. I was impressed by her work ethic and perseverance, qualities I wanted in a spouse. She continues to show this determination in everything she does. Maureen is also deeply loving and loyal. Her close relationship with her family has always been important to her. She stays in regular contact with her childhood friends and university group. A personal example of her love came during my mother’s battle with cancer. While many might have ended a new relationship due to the stress, Maureen remained steadfast and never complained. She also loves being around kids, especially her nieces and nephews. She enjoys introducing them to activities like skiing, camping, and climbing and has taught both French to expat children and English to our teenage niece. Maureen’s faith is an important part of her life. She believes in God, and regularly attends Mass, often bringing her niece and nephew. She is also active in our parish, volunteering for OCIA, a program that prepares adults to enter the Catholic faith. Her dedication to her faith reflects her strong commitment to everything she does. I believe these qualities will make her an amazing mother, one who will provide love, security, and nurture to a child. Maureen is also adventurous, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and indoor climbing. Recently, she’s taken up outdoor rock climbing and distance running. She loves to travel, and unlike most, she would rather sleep near an active volcano than in a luxury hotel. Her boldness and adventurous spirit make every experience more exciting.

Maureen is a loving, hard-working, and principled woman who values family, faith, and commitment. We met during her internship when she was working on a challenging chemistry problem. I was impressed by her work ethic and perseverance, qualities I wanted in a spouse. She continues to show this determination in everything she does. Maureen is also deeply loving and loyal. Her close relationship with her family has always been important to her. She stays in regular contact with her childhood friends and university group. A personal example of her love came during my mother’s battle with cancer. While many might have ended a new relationship due to the stress, Maureen remained steadfast and never complained. She also loves being around kids, especially her nieces and nephews. She enjoys introducing them to activities like skiing, camping, and climbing and has taught both French to expat children and English to our teenage niece. Maureen’s faith is an important part of her life. She believes in God, and regularly attends Mass, often bringing her niece and nephew. She is also active in our parish, volunteering for OCIA, a program that prepares adults to enter the Catholic faith. Her dedication to her faith reflects her strong commitment to everything she does. I believe these qualities will make her an amazing mother, one who will provide love, security, and nurture to a child. Maureen is also adventurous, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and indoor climbing. Recently, she’s taken up outdoor rock climbing and distance running. She loves to travel, and unlike most, she would rather sleep near an active volcano than in a luxury hotel. Her boldness and adventurous spirit make every experience more exciting.