Shelby & Ben
Are Hoping to Adopt a Baby
dear expectant mother
We can only imagine the courage, strength, and love it takes to be where you are right now. The decision you are considering is one of the most selfless acts a mother can make. We have such deep respect for the thought, care, and emotion that goes into this process, and we want you to know that your strength does not go unnoticed—we admire that more than words can express. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for allowing us to walk this journey with you.
Our path to becoming parents has been filled with both hope and heartbreak. After enduring infertility, and the loss of our baby at 25 weeks to a rare heart condition, we learned how to be brave, selfless and how to love even more deeply. We are so very ready to open our hearts, and home to you and your child. We will be here every step of the way; offering support, compassion, and respect. We will follow your lead, listen to your wishes, and ensure you feel seen and valued—always. Most of all, we want to be your partner on this journey; honoring the connection that makes adoption so special, while respecting your wishes and boundaries.
If our paths come together, we promise to provide a home filled with love, laughter, and lots of fur! We will share your child’s story with pride, and honor your beautiful courage because you are the reason they are part of our lives. We want you to know that no matter what you decide, we wish you clarity and peace on this journey.
Our Lifestyle
We live an active and balanced life filled with love, laughter, wagging tails, and adventure. We both value experiences that bring us closer together, whether that’s exploring new places and cultures, spending a quiet evening cooking at home, or taking long walks through our neighborhood with our dogs. Our home is filled with warmth, cozy moments, and the happy energy of our pets, who bring so much love, lots of kisses, and joy to our daily lives.
We love to stay active and connected with our community. Both of us still play soccer, and we often unwind outdoors, from adventuring into the mountains for some hiking or skiing, to taking a walk by the lake, or simply enjoying the fresh air. We also share a passion for travel, both domestic and international, and cherish the chance to see the world from new perspectives. At our core, we believe in creating a home that is loving, stable, and full of laughter; a place where a child feels supported, encouraged to explore, and they are surrounded by unconditional love, sunshine, and fur babies!
Our Home & Neighborhood
Our Family & Friends
Our family and friends have been the steady foundation in our lives; our rocks through all facets of life, helping us navigate and embrace every high and low along the way. They are ready to stand by our side, and yours, on this adoption journey.
Shelby's mom, Kathleen, and her younger brother, Sean, are incredibly close to us, and have always supported us through some of life's best, and hardest moments. They are glued at the hip--they talk, and see each other, almost every day, and are each other's best friends.
Ben is very close to his sister, Jennifer, and his brother Steve. They both have wonderful families, and we love spending time with them and our nieces and nephews. Ben was very close to his mom, and although we lost her, her love and strength continues to guide us everyday.
We both have big extended families, and love when we all get the chance to be together. We also have wonderful friends, which are like our family; they have been with us through thick and thin. We both believe it takes a village to raise a child, and we are blessed with our village; full of kindness, laughter, and unconditional love.
What We Love About Each Other
Fun Facts
| Category | Shelby | Ben |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Teacher/House Manager | Project Manager |
| Education | B.A. Secondary English/Education | B.S. Construction Management |
| Favorite Food | Pasta, salads, cookie dough, popcorn, steak | Foodie; favorite is lasagna |
| Hobby | Playing soccer/piano, adventuring, barre classes, puzzling, gardening | Playing soccer, cooking, movies, listening to music, reading |
| Sport | Soccer, hockey, basketball, pickleball. | Soccer, hockey, football, pickleball. |
| Tradition | Giving our dogs treats for various holidays, always making a cake for our birthday’s and blowing out candles (otherwise it’s bad luck!) | Pizza/pasta making, family dinners, game nights, yearly Christmas Ornament |
| Vacation Spot | Norway and visiting the Arctic | Amalfi Coast |
| Holiday | Fall and Winter Holidays | Christmas |
| Movie | Steal Magnolias (it’s where I got my name), The Little Mermaid, This is the Greatest ShowSteal Magnolias (it’s where I got my name), The Little Mermaid, This is the Greatest Show | The Godfather, The Dark Night |
| Music | Celine Dion, Taylor Swift, Zach Bryan | Zach Bryan, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen |
| TV Show | Law and Order: SVU | How I Met Your Mother |
| School Subject | English | Math |
| Book | The Giver, Verity | The Alchemist, Harry Potter, the Davinci Code |
Contact Shelby & Ben
Send a message to this family. All inquiries are kept confidential.