Waiting Family Profiles

Home Location: Twin Cities Metro

Family Status: Couple without children

Children in Home: None

Child Ethnicity: African American, Asian, Caucasian, East Indian, Hispanic/Latino, Native American

We believe that openness in adoption is an opportunity to create big, radical love centered around embracing and honoring a child’s true self. Making an adoption plan is a huge act of incredible love. We can’t wait to meet you.

ABOUT US

Known as the McGs (our last names smooshed together), we are Caitlin, Michael and our little dog, Esmé. We live in the south Metro in a home lovingly filled with art, books, bikes, handmade objects and good food. Our love language as a family is adventuring together, from “dirt dates” in the woods, exploring abroad, or experiments in the kitchen, we value our time together sharing new experiences!

We believe that the decision to make an adoption plan is a huge act of incredible love. Your love astounds and inspires us, and it will be a defining part of our child’s life. We believe that openness in adoption is an opportunity to create big, radical love centered around embracing and honoring a child’s true self.

OUR ADOPTION JOURNEY

Our struggle with infertility has been a long and difficult road that has challenged us to grow stronger as individuals and in our relationship together. We have a lot of love and nurturing to give, and we feel that creating an open adoption plan is the best way for us to share that love and create something positive for everyone involved. We believe that openness in adoption honors where the child came from, encourages open communication and embraces a child’s true self. Open adoption is aligned with our values of honesty, compassion and inclusion, and will be integral to a lifetime of building healthy relationships for our entire family.

As young professionals, we work hard in careers that we both find great significance and satisfaction in. Our strong work ethic translates into many other areas of our lives, from home projects to competing in endurance races. We work hard for the things that are important to us and raising our adopted child to share our values will be no different!

ABOUT CAITLIN

Caitlin is a creative type who loves doing projects with her hands. She has a sarcastic sense of humor and easy-going demeanor, but is also goal-oriented and driven, often setting goals for us to achieve as a family. She works for a community bank in a program created to spark economic growth in low-income communities throughout the Twin Cities. In her free time she is an avid reader, runner, baker and crafter. She loves making functional hand crafted items, from baking bread to carving wood and throwing pottery. One of her biggest, most difficult achievements was running the 2019 TC Marathon. She can spend an entire day happily lost in a good book, proudly wears socks with sandals and eats broccoli for breakfast.

ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael is kind and thoughtful, taking on such tasks as training Esmé to give cheek kisses, or making Caitlin coffee every morning, he loves taking care of his people. He is passionate about all things cycling. From his career as a project manager for a bicycle manufacturer, to riding the local mountain bike trails, if it has two wheels he is excited about it. If he’s not out riding, he can be found tinkering in his shop or helping friends build up their rides. He enjoys racing cyclo-cross and has done several long distance endurance races, including in the mountains of Japan during a hurricane. Michael loves puns and hates socks, has a weakness for taro cakes and spreadsheets, and always volunteers to do the dishes.

OUR LIFESTYLE

We strive to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, which means we are always up for a project, a workout or an epic adventure! We take a few vacations every year which range from remote getaways in a cabin up north, visiting family in Colorado and Utah, or extending Michael’s business trips to tour Asia. We love to find hidden gems in our neighborhood and expand our worldview by traveling and seeking out new experiences. We are regular visitors to nearby nature preserves and the Minnesota river trail for hikes, runs and bicycle adventures. Getting out and exploring nature is always a special occasion even though it is a regular activity for the McGs!

OUR STORY

We met in 2013 on a blind date that turned out to be a very challenging and sweaty yoga class. It was a great way to break the ice, because we never looked back! Michael was immediately welcomed into the fold with Caitlin and the McMahons, quickly dubbing their boisterous dinner parties “McMayhem,” but also “McMarvelous.” Similarly, Caitlin endeared herself to the Groskreutz clan, especially Grandma with her hilarious rambling stories of years past. They’re in charge of the gravy together every year at Thanksgiving, and Grandma has called Caitlin her favorite grandchild on more than one occasion.

We were married in 2015 in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by our families and favorite people. Both of our dads tied for best wedding speech (the tears!!) and we danced the night away. We still think of it as one of the best days of our lives, and are so thankful we could share it with so many that we care for deeply.

OUR HOME

Our home is a classic rambler which we have remodeled over the last several years, including a fresh kitchen to make cooking a real treat! With a big yard, wood-fired pizza oven and giant south facing deck, it is a sunny oasis in all seasons. We can’t wait to setup a nursery in one of our 3 bedrooms and a play space in our spacious finished basement that opens up into our backyard. Our south metro home is close to many schools, parks, playgrounds and trails, many of which are easy to walk or bicycle to.

THE LITTLE DOG

Esmé Adaline is a seven-year old Australian cattle dog mix who is sweet, cuddly and full of personality. She always leads the charge on hikes, loves her tennis ball but refuses to fetch, gives kisses like a pro, and follows Michael like a shadow. She is especially delighted by our friend’s young children and loves to chase them around the yard when we gather for pizza parties or deck hangs.

YOU’RE DOING A GOOD JOB

You’re doing a good job if you’re scared, or don’t know the answer. You’re doing a good job if you’re sad or tired or overwhelmed or hungry. You’re still doing a good job no matter what happens, at all, period, forever. That’s what we tell each other over and over in our family. It’s how we support and encourage each other. It’s how we’ve grown up together and done hard things together and helped each other to do hard things for ourselves.

This is hard. This is big. This decision will change all our lives in amazing ways forever. We hope you’ll reach out if you’d like to learn more about us. Good job.

CAITLIN AND MICHAEL

www.MeetTheMcGs.com

[email protected]