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State We Live in: Georgia
Our Religion: Catholic
Stay At Home Parent: No
Our Age Preferences: Newborn-3 Months, 3 Months – 12 Months
Our Gender Preferences: Either Gender
Our Race Preferences: African American/Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian, Caucasian/African American, Caucasian/Asian, Caucasian/Hispanic, East Indian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Native American
Open to Twins: Yes
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Call or text Lifetime Adoption at 1-800-923-6784.
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Hello from the Peach State! We are Derrick and Jennifer, along with our sweet daughter, Noelle. Adoption has been on our hearts since we started dating. We always knew we wanted a big family and a home bursting with laughter and love, and we have always hoped that adoption would be an avenue that would make that a reality. We consider ourselves easy-going and most comfortable in each other’s presence. As a family, we enjoy going to local parks, hanging out with other families in our neighborhood, spending Sunday dinners with extended family, and when we’re ready to wind down for the night, we like to snuggle with a few books.
Thank you for the opportunity to share our lives with you. We look forward to getting to know you further, and if you are comfortable with it, we would love to hear your future hopes and dreams for your child.
About Us
We met during our last year of graduate school in 2013 and have been together ever since. We officially tied the knot in 2016. We just effortlessly meshed from the start. Our personalities are very different, but complimentary, and our core values of faith and family are very much aligned. We have talked about adoption ever since we started dating. After dealing with infertility for several years, we decided to begin our adoption journey.
We are laidback, easy-going people who love being outside with family and friends. We often go on hikes and grill out by the pool. We also enjoy traveling–we recently went to Kauai and are planning on traveling to Italy this coming year, and then South Korea the following year.
Our daughter, Noelle, is our joy in life and we love spending time with her, whether we are playing, reading books, going on scooter rides, swimming, gardening, coloring, and so much more. She is super excited about having a little brother or sister–she talks about it all the time! We are eagerly looking forward to watching her embrace her big sister role when the baby arrives.
About Jennifer
Derrick says: Jennifer is a wonderfully kind and loving person, whose empathy shines through in every aspect of her life. As a devoted mother, she combines intelligence with a deep passion for nurturing and guiding those around her. She likes to introduce creative and fun activities to our daughter, such as arts and crafts and scavenger hunts. She looks forward to teaching children to be inventive and work with their hands, introducing activities like painting projects and baking treats together. With a heart full of care and a knack for putting others first, she balances being both goofy and incredibly supportive. Her blend of warmth, dedication, and humor makes her an exceptional wife and an irreplaceable part of our family.
Work: Optometrist/Stay-at-home Mom
Interests: Gardening, cooking, baking, hiking, traveling, playing with our daughter, shopping, decorating
About Derrick
Jennifer says: Derrick is a remarkably patient person whose even temper and unwavering dedication makes him the steadfast anchor of our family. Although he can be reserved, he is quick to bust out jokes and spirited dances to lift up our spirits when we’re down and add warmth and laughter to our lives. His passion as a dad shines through in his role as a dedicated teacher. He is looking forward to teaching children to be healthy and active. Group sports have been a big part of his upbringing and he is interested in using sports as a method of instilling confidence, keeping healthy and having fun. He is like a sponge, constantly soaking up knowledge and tidbits about anything and everything, which he loves to share with those around him. He is devoted to his family and his faith, and he strives to provide us with a safe home, a guiding force and a loving presence.
Work: Optometrist
Interests: Cooking, grilling, working out, biking, hiking, soccer, reading, gaming, playing with our daughter, traveling, hunting/fishing, spending time with family/friends, eating out
Our Family
Four years ago, we were blessed with our daughter, Noelle. She is every bit vivacious and energetic, but also so sweet and loving. She makes friends very easily and enjoys the company of other children – she is seen as our neighborhood’s “big sister” to the littles! She loves to cuddle and read books, make and play with slime, swim in the pool, and ride her scooter. She is in love with bunnies and hopes to have one as a pet in the future.
Our Home in Georgia
We live in a family-friendly subdivision, where we are lucky to have neighbors who are warm, inviting and have many young children who like to play together. The neighborhood is gated and features a playground, swimming pool, a field in which children can run around or kick a ball, and a clubhouse to host events.
Our home is a 4-bedroom home, where our children will have their own bedroom and bathroom. We have a large living room space that has been converted into a playroom, so our children will have plenty of room to play and grow. We enjoy spending our evenings and weekends on our patio deck, gardening, grilling, blowing bubbles, and playing with the water table.
We live within walking distance to a large park that has walking trails through the woods, dog parks, and playground and splashpad for kids of all ages. They even host farmer’s markets and food truck festivals, which are always fun to attend!
Our Promise
With loving arms, we promise to welcome your child into our family. Family is what we value most, and we promise that your child will never be without – they will never be without parents who will provide and protect, a sibling who will help guide and be a positive role model, and extended family and friends who will act like a village and be an extensive support system. We will provide them with a stable home where they will always know that they are loved and prayed for. Your child will grow up in a home filled with warmth, love, and adventure, supported by a strong emphasis on family values, faith, and open communication. We believe in providing a structured and stable environment where self-discipline and the pursuit of personal growth are encouraged. Your child will be nurtured in a way that respects their unique heritage and fosters a strong sense of identity and possibility.
We will respect and uphold the level of communication you are most comfortable having with us, whether it includes photos, letters, calls, or scheduled in-person visits. We are eagerly praying and looking forward to meeting you and your baby, and we sincerely thank you for your willingness in getting to know us.
We’d love to talk or answer any of your questions. Please call or text Lifetime at 1.800.923.6784.
More About Derrick
Education: Doctorate of Optometry
Profession: Optometrist
Stay-At-Home: No
Racial Background: White
His Favorites:
Vacation Spot: Kauai's hiking trails
Food: Steak
Season: Fall's cooler weather
Candy: Peanut M&Ms
Subject in School: Science
Breakfast Food: Breakfast burrito
Cartoon Character: Scooby Doo
More About Jennifer
Education: Doctorate of Optometry
Profession: Optometrist
Stay-At-Home: Part-time
Racial Background: Asian
Her Favorites:
Vacation Spot: Kauai's beaches
Food: Sushi
Season: Fall's beautiful changing leaves
Candy: Kit Kats
Subject in School: Reading
Breakfast Food: Chicken and Waffles
Cartoon Character: Bandit, the dad from Bluey
Gallery
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More About Our Family
Christmas Family Traditions
Christmas is our favorite holiday! We make a day of going to a local Christmas tree farm to pick out the perfect tree. The farm we have gone to the past few years has a petting zoo area with baby goats, hot cider and an area for family photos. We like to decorate the tree together with our collection of ornaments that are a mix from our childhoods but also new ones that we got to celebrate fun experiences and memories we shared together. In addition to the main tree, we also have a smaller 2-foot tree for our daughter to decorate with fun ornaments she chose herself. We also make it a tradition to go all out on the Grinch! We love the book and movie, have Grinch pajamas to wear, Grinch-themed “ugly Christmas sweaters” for parties, and drink from Grinch mugs for hot cocoa in the evenings. Christmas is also a time where we emphasize the importance of family and being present and creating memories.
Our Pet
We have a 10-year-old rescue dog named Nevus. We aren’t quite sure of his breed, but based on his build, coloration and ears, we have been told he resembles a mix between a German Shepherd and a Doberman. Despite his size and his slightly intimidating appearance, he is an absolute goofball and cuddle bug. He falls in love with anyone he meets and will smother them with licks and kisses. He is exceptionally gentle with children, laying down in front of them and bowing his head slightly so that they can reach to pet the top of his head.
Unfortunately, he had a rough start to his life as he was found with an injured leg so severe that it had to be amputated, and a few years later he also had to have an eye removed due to glaucoma. Despite all that, he has persevered and acts just like any other dog! In fact, many people don’t realize at first that he is a tripod with just one eye! We are grateful we have Nevus in our lives because he helps uplift our spirits and reminds us we have a lot to be thankful for.
Our Extended Family
Our extended families are a vibrant and loving part of our lives!
Derrick, the youngest of three boys, is surrounded by a supportive and fun-loving family. His parents live just 25 minutes away from us and are actively embracing their roles as playful and adventurous grandparents who love spoiling all their grandkids. They have formed a special bond with our daughter, seeing her 2-3 days a week, which adds a warm, consistent presence in her life. They are rooting for more grandkids because they say it keeps them young! Derrick's oldest brother is married with his first child on the way, while his other brother has four lively kids ranging from 2 to 10 years old. We gather as a family at least once a year for a week of cherished togetherness and stay in touch regularly throughout the year.
Jennifer's family, though based in Toronto, stays close through frequent FaceTime calls, offering unwavering support and excitement for our journey. Her two sisters are not above getting on the floor with Noelle and acting silly to draw out giggles. They are active in educating themselves on all the things that little kids like, to help grow their bond.
Both sides of our family share in our joy and provide a strong, encouraging network as we build our lives together.
3 Things on our Bucket Lists
Derrick - Visit the Lord of the Rings set in New Zealand, snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, learn a second language
Jennifer - visit all the National Parks, see the Northern lights, go on a safari
In Closing
We promise your child will be raised in a stable, loving, caring and nurturing family environment. We are committed to providing a life filled with opportunities, laughter, joy, and God’s love and grace. We promise to be there for your child through the good and the bad, always providing them with a safe and comfortable place to call home. Finally, we promise to always think about you with the utmost respect and unwavering gratitude.