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

Hello & Welcome

Thank you for taking the time to check out our profile and get a glimpse into who we are.  As you consider your options, we hope that you know and feel that you are supported in whatever decision you make. When you are ready, we look forward to getting to know you, hearing your story, and sharing this journey together. We do not have personal experience with adoption, so if this is your first time considering an adoption plan, you are not alone – this journey is new for us as well. If you’d like to know more about us, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or by contacting our social worker, Dianne, at [email protected] or 320-428-0199.

About Us

We are Jake (pictured left) and Wally (right).  Originally from Wisconsin, we came to Minnesota for college and now reside in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.  We’ve been together for over a decade, married for half that time, and are ready to grow our family through adoption. One might say it was love at first sight for Wally, but it took Jake a little longer to come around (3 sightings to be exact). Our dog, Buddy, is a rescue and joined our family a year into our relationship. We come from very different backgrounds and upbringings, but together, we are confident we can provide an amazing life for a child – filled with love, laughs, and everything in between.

About Our Family

Both of our parents divorced when we were in high school but have managed to remain friends, so we have a large extended family that are thrilled for us to be on this journey. We see family multiple times a year and have built traditions that bring us together outside the holidays. As we grow our family through adoption, we know that our family, friends, and traditions will continue to provide an inclusive environment that embraces and celebrates everyone. We value our identity as a family, but also, our individual identities so we think it is important to provide a safe space for exploration and self-expression. In addition to our family, our support network includes close friends many of whom have children of their own, each with their own parenting experience and style that we plan to learn from as we adapt to the needs of our children.

About Jake – written by Wally

Jake is a loving, caring, brilliant, and creative person. He is an entertainer at heart and goes above and beyond to create memorable experiences from extravagant new years dinners for family & friends to entire holiday light displays for the neighborhood to enjoy. He hosts our marathon of family visits in the summer and our annual fall booyah (soup) party.  He values science and reason and I have no doubt he will be a great father and teacher someday. He is an all-around handy man, who has taught himself several skills from woodworking, construction, plumbing, electrical and I am excited for him to share those passions. He is always putting others before himself and goes to great lengths to ensure our home is a safe, warm, and welcoming place.

About Wally – written by Jake

Wally is a creative, genuine, empathetic, and all-around goofy guy. Wally is the king of game night; board games, fantasy games, puzzle games, you name it! Games are a way Wally puts his critical thinking and problem-solving skills to use, something I’m eager for him to share with our children as they grow. Wally is also a crafter, picking up new and creative hobbies which are fueled by his eagerness to learn new skills. I know he’ll explore even more creative outlets and pass that creativity and commitment to learning to our kids while also encouraging them to explore activities and hobbies they are passionate about. Self-expression is very important to Wally and he’s purposeful about creating a safe environment where others, including children, can express themselves. Being on his own from a young age, Wally joined the Army his senior year of high school which set him up for success and stability as a young adult. This determination and curiosity will make him a great mentor to our children.

About Our Commitment

We do not know what an open adoption will look like for you or us, but we look forward to exploring what will benefit your child the most. To us, an open adoption is but one step in a life-long relationship that will evolve over time. We recognize one-size does not fit all, so we promise to be genuine and honest about how we feel, and we hope that you will feel comfortable with us to be your true authentic self as well. Like any relationship, it starts with a conversation and when ready, we look forward to hearing from you. With open hearts, Jake & Wally