Lesley & Michael

We found each other at a time when we had both nearly given up on love. Michael was coming out of a painful marriage, carrying disappointment and self-doubt. Lesley had experienced relationships that never quite felt like home. Neither of us was searching for something serious—but life had other plans.

Our first date was a simple daytime lunch that unexpectedly turned into hours of conversation, laughter, and a long walk by the lake. From that day on, it felt easy—honest, calm, and real. When the world shut down during COVID, we grew closer, building a life filled with laughter, shared values, late-night movies, and unwavering support for one another.

One of our hardest challenges together has been infertility. Letting go of the dream of biological children was heartbreaking, but it brought clarity: our love was meant to be shared. Adoption became not a compromise, but a calling. For Michael, who was adopted himself, this journey is deeply personal and deeply respected.

Today, we dream of a future full of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love—a home where a child is cherished exactly as they are.

If you choose to place your child with us, they will grow up in a loving, welcoming home in Northern Illinois—a close-knit, family-centered community where people truly care about one another. We live in a cozy ranch-style home where laughter, movie nights, board games, and holiday traditions fill our days. Our peaceful, tree-lined neighborhood and strong school district create a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow, learn, and explore.

We’re minutes from parks, walking trails, and the lake, where we spend sunny days on the water making memories. Our home is also shared with beloved pets who bring joy and teach empathy and responsibility. This is a place filled with warmth, stability, and love—where your child will always feel safe, supported, and cherished.

As we imagine the child we hope to welcome into our lives, one of the greatest sources of joy is knowing they will be surrounded by an extraordinary support network. Family—both biological and chosen—means everything to us, and our child will be embraced by people who lead with love, laughter, and care.

Michael comes from a large, close-knit family. Though he has lost his father and his mother is now in memory care, his siblings and extended family remain deeply connected and excited to welcome a new little one. Their gatherings are full of tradition, warmth, and fun.

Lesley’s family is rooted in deep love as well. After the unexpected loss of her father, Donnie, in 2025, her mother, Deb, continues to bring a nurturing spirit and joyful energy into our lives. Lesley’s grandmother, Marcia, is active, vibrant, and eager to share multi-generational wisdom and experiences with a child.

Beyond family, we are blessed with a close circle of friends who feel like family—people who celebrate holidays, birthdays, and everyday moments together. Our child will grow up surrounded by role models, playmates, and “bonus” aunts and uncles.

This child will be deeply loved, supported, and always know their story began with courage, love, and care.

Adoption isn’t just something we’ve learned about—it’s part of who we are. Michael was adopted as an infant and raised in a loving home alongside his older sister, who was also adopted. From the beginning, family meant showing up, loving fully, and choosing one another every day.

As an adult, Michael connected with his birth family and discovered siblings he never knew he had. Though his birth mother passed before they could meet, building those relationships has been healing and meaningful. Witnessing this journey has deepened Lesley’s understanding of adoption and its lifelong impact.

These experiences have shaped how we view adoption—not as a single moment, but as an ongoing story that honors every part of a child’s identity. Adoption built Michael’s family, and with gratitude and humility, it’s how we hope to build ours.