As we think about what kind of parents we want to be, we remember our own happy childhoods and find that our moms and dads are our most important parenting role models. We both come from close-knit, loving families with brothers, sisters and absolutely wonderful parents who gave us safe, stable and nurturing homes, and provided us with anything else we needed. Our parents are still very important in our lives. They all are excited to welcome a new grandchild into their lives!

Brian has three nieces and two nephews ranging in age from six to seventeen. Ferd has three nephews and four nieces, ranging in age from five to twenty. We are proud to be the godparents to our beautiful niece Puck, who is eight years old. We are very lucky to have visits from our nieces and nephews from Boston and the Netherlands, who visit for a few days of sightseeing, going to a Yankees game, watching a show, exploring different neighborhoods, and shopping. Our nieces and nephews are all very excited to welcome a new baby into the family!

While we have many other relatives and good friends who are also looking forward to welcoming our child, we are especially close to Brian's sister Lori and our sisters-in-law Karen, Carol and Wilma, who together with our moms and nieces will provide plenty of wonderful female role models.

We are both spiritual and celebrate a host of festive and religious traditions, from Sinterklaas (the Dutch version of Santa Claus, in honor of Ferd's heritage), to Passover Seders and Hanukkah (in honor of Brian's). We especially enjoy Thanksgiving feasts and hosting July 4th BBQs from our summer home on the beach. We look forward to sharing our traditions with a child and to starting new ones.