We met through Mary's brother in 1998. At the time, Mary was in Boston and Chris in New York. We were both dating other people at the time, but spent a long time talking at a party.  Over the years, Chris consistently kept track of Mary's whereabouts and dating status.  Then, Halloween week-end in 2000 our paths crossed again in New York City.  Many long-distance minutes added up between New York and Boston as did the miles traveled on Amtrak or car.  Mary brought her dog Lucy who quickly accepted Chris as part of the "pack".  After September 11, 2001 loved ones became all the more important.  Mary wanted to be closer to her family in the NY area.  We became engaged and were married in December 2002 in a beautiful New York City wedding.  We are both Catholic and take the commitment of marriage and family very seriously.  A child in our household will be raised with strong and consistent values of love and integrity.  We are very close to our families and long to have one of our own.  Life is not the same without the joy of children.  Our families, friends and little cousins-to-be are very supportive of our decision to adopt and eagerly await a new member of the family.  Though we love each other deeply and are happy being together, there is a great hole in out hearts where a child should be.  You would always be known as the women who gave a child the miracle of life and to us as the women who gave the greatest gift of love.

As a 1st grade teacher for many years, I have the privilege of spending time with other peoples precious children. It's an honor to see the joy and challenge of their learning. I watch them as they develop a sense of right and wrong, make friends and become more independent.  What I don't get to do is read someone a bedtime story, greet each new morning together and earn the right to be called "Mommy".