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

Hi There, we’re Andy + Chad! We live in Bloomington, MN with our two miniature dachshunds (wiener dogs) Opie & Dash. Parenting has always been an important goal for us and we are excited to see where our adoption journey takes us.

Thank you…

We wanted to begin with a heartfelt “Thank You”. Thank you for having the courage to seek open adoption, for considering us, and taking the time to read through our profile. Our hope is to be matched with a birth mom who recognizes our passion for adventure, hard work, and ability to provide unwavering love for this child. Becoming parents has always been a very important life step for us, and we have put much time, effort and heavy thought into the decision to pursue parenting this way. We believe fate will dictate if a match with you is meant to be. If that’s the case, we can’t wait to meet you! Sincerely, Andy + Chad

A History of Us

We met in the winter of 2004, a time before the rise of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, dating apps and smart phones. There were, however, online dating sites. Late one night Andy was in the midst of writing an email response to Chad’s profile when an instant message popped up on his screen – it was Chad! One coffee/dinner date was all it took for us to realize we had a deep and meaningful connection. Andy moved in shortly thereafter, and even with a 9 month work assignment that sent Chad to Asia, we have been inseparable. Memories were quickly made while spending time at Andy’s family cabin (where we married after 11 years together and now share ownership). Andy’s family quickly became fond of early-riser Chad’s strong coffee, from-scratch pancakes, and competitive horseshoe game. The time we spent up north was integral to the formation of our relationship as it centered around nature, family, love and laughter. We knew early on that we wanted to pass on these values and someday begin a family of our own. We celebrated 17 years together this past January (6+ years legally married). For some this may not be a major feat, but we’re very proud of it. Relationships and marriage are a lot of work with a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but the security and comfort that comes along with true companionship and well-earned trust have been invaluable to us. We have had a blast getting to know each other through the years and enjoy the challenge of working together to address the twists and turns life throws our way.

All About Chad

I grew up in a very rural part of south-central Missouri with much of the summer spent working the family farm – turkeys, cattle and sheep! I was instilled with a strong work ethic, an appreciation for the simpler things in life, and an understanding that almost anything can be fixed if you learn how it works and put effort into it. If I wasn’t out playing in the fields and streams you’d find me somewhere quiet (like on top of a hay bale!) with my nose in a book. My small world was opened up when I won an essay contest in high school that sent me on a free trip to Washington D.C. and I’ve loved travel ever since. I earned a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, got a job with a global data hard drive company, and now travel around the world for work fulfilling one of my earlier dreams. When I have the time, I enjoy building and fixing things, especially maintaining our two 20+ year old cars. I’m a firm believer in hands on learning and some of my best memories are tinkering around on all types of projects and working construction with my father and grandfather.

All About Andy

I grew up in Richfield, Minnesota with much of the summer spent at our family lake cabin in Alexandria, MN. I was socially shy but very adventurous and curious about nature. I was encouraged to be creative and artistic. Helping mom in the garden, playing with friends at the local nature center, exploring museums and family road trips are some of my favorite childhood memories. I went to college for art and have a Bachelor’s degree from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD). I currently work as a Graphic and Landscape Designer creating gardens that nurture wildlife (birds, butterflies and bees!) I also LOVE food – growing and cooking our own food is another hobby, and I try to find new and exciting things to eat when I travel. I enjoy the challenge of cooking from scratch. I believe that we need to find more balance with the earth, and need to respect each other and also our natural resources and animal friends! I live by working hard, playing hard, and finding something to be grateful for every day.

Our Home

We purchased our home in Bloomington, MN 9 years ago. We love the location as it faces a park with a pond, playground, and sport areas. Our neighborhood is great for walking our two Dachshunds Opie & Dash and catching up with neighbors. We frequently play lawn games with family and friends, go sledding (in the winter) and hold bbqs and bonfires. Andy shares his passion for gardening and prairie restoration, which is reflected in the landscape around our house. Many a neighbor has sought his advice on creating a butterfly wonderland. Chad’s favorite part of the property is the 2 story barn/garage with workshop below and (future) entertainment loft above. We try to fill our home with love, laughter, boisterous antics, and delicious meals from the kitchen.