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

We are Joe and Jenny — a couple who met as awkward teenagers and became friends due to a shared sense of humor and an interest in music. We have been ready to grow our family for years, but fate had its own plans. Our home is full of laughter, good food, two adorable monsters (who pretend to be ordinary house cats), and a whole lot of room for a child to grow, explore, and be exactly who they are.

Our promise to you is a home filled with unconditional love, a spirit of curiosity, and the security that comes from a family that truly enjoys being together. As you look through our information, we hope you feel the warmth and commitment we are eager to share.

We can only imagine the courage it takes to be reading this page. Whatever brought you here, we want you to know that you are thoughtful, loving, and incredibly brave. We hope that as you learn about us, you see that we approach this with the utmost respect for you and the love you have for your child.

Thank you for taking a moment to see a glimpse of our lives. Whatever you decide, we are rooting for you. Learn more about us at JoeJen.com or get in touch at [email protected]

Our life together

It started when we were twelve. Jenny thought Joe was cute. Joe thought Jenny was an amusing friend. We met in junior high band, started dating at the end of high school, went to the same college, married in 2007, and have spent over two decades making each other better at most things. We’ve been through tough times together and know we’ll always love and support one another no matter what.

We often spend our free time together exploring new hobbies — pottery, art classes, cooking from a cuisine we’ve never attempted. It doesn’t matter if we are good at it, but we’ll at least give it a go. We also look for opportunities to help our community, including joining the community band or volunteering at the food shelf.

We find joy in the simple, everyday moments of being a family. Whether we’re out for a round of golf, playing a co-op video game, or just enjoying a quiet evening on the deck. Ultimately, we’re partners in life and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Joe (in Jenny’s words)

“One of the first things I loved about Joe was that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s always been quick to smile and after all these years he still makes me laugh.

Software architect by day, he provides thoughtfulness, humor, wit and genuine kindness to whatever he does. He can be counted on to help others whenever he is able.  I know he will love parenting, where he will be able to teach and guide with patience and a sense of humor.

I’ve watched babies and young kids gravitate towards him our whole lives together. As a teenager he helped raise his niece, I remember him coming to school and proudly showing off photos or telling stories of her.

He’s not afraid of looking silly to get kids to smile. I know he’ll be a great dad. He’s a natural, he doesn’t even try.”

Jenny (in Joe’s words)

“Jenny is up for anything, and life with her keeps me smiling (and on my toes).

Jenny notices the small things, remembers what matters, and helps those who need it. She is very selfless with her thoughts, time and energy. You see her creativity in her work as a graphic designer, in the way she makes our home warm and welcoming, and in the random new hobbies she picked up that month.

I’ve seen kids enjoy being with her because she is always up for play on their level—getting down on the floor, making up a game on the spot, hiding treasures to find, or turning a simple afternoon into an art project or excuse to make cookies. I’m grateful every day that she’s my wife and my best friend, and I can’t wait to watch her bring that playful, thoughtful love into motherhood.”

A regular evening at our place

After work, we usually discuss what we feel like accomplishing that night. What’s for dinner, what tasks around the house do we need to do, and what (if any) other plans we feel like making. Neither of us dominate the discussion and we are truly open wherever it goes. We feel having another voice in our family would fit right in. Whether it is ‘Let’s go to the park’ or on a bike ride, or go fishing, their opinions and desires would be encouraged. They also would always be welcome to join in our hobbies and adventures, and we would be excited to join in their interests, wherever that leads.

Nothing beats good food made with people you love. These are some of our favorite memories, and we hope to share the same experiences with a little one. Whether Joe is cooking homemade pizzas in the outdoor oven, Jenny is whipping up cookies from memory, or we’re testing a new recipe together, there is always something good on the menu, and we could always use an assistant.

Our cats: Tallulah and Pippin

Of course, a home isn’t complete without some furry friends. Tallulah and Pippin are energetic little goofballs that would love to follow a little one along, ideally if they are dropping food.

Friends and family

We know that raising a child takes a village, and we are so grateful for ours. We are surrounded by a close-knit group of neighbors, family and friends who have been with us throughout the years. From parents who are already experienced at being the “fun grandparents,” to friends and neighbors who are eager to be bonus aunts and uncles, your child will grow up in a community that values kindness, laughter, and showing up for one another. We love that our home is often the gathering place for BBQs and game nights and we can’t wait to see a child at the center of the fun.

Adventure and everyday joys

Whether it’s a quiet walk on the trails near our home or a busy day exploring the city, we find joy in the simple things. We look forward to introducing a child to the magic of Minnesota’s seasons and sites—from playing in the snow to swimming in the lakes. We want to foster a sense of curiosity about the world, through travel, books, and fun weekend adventures.

Our promise to you

Our promise is to provide a home where your child is safe, celebrated, and unconditionally loved. We will encourage their “spunky” spirit, support their “quiet confidence,” and give them every opportunity to grow into whoever they are meant to be. We promise that they will always know the story of where they came from and the deep, selfless love that brought us all together.

Thank you for considering us to be a part of your journey.

A willingness to try matters more than perfection.

The “Cat-Nap” Clause: If a cat falls asleep on you,
you are legally excused from all chores.

Storytime and games with our niece are always
an adventure.

Enjoying a work event skating on the MN Wild ice.

Summertime at a cabin with some close friends.