I grew up in a northeastern suburb, with my parents and an older brother. I had a very happy childhood. I felt well-loved by my parents and grandparents and great-grandparents. My parents and my grandparents were all very positive role models for loving and caring, long-term relationships, so I grew up believing that I would find and thrive in a loving partnership. Family is very important to me, and building a family with Brooke is especially important to both of us.

I have always worked in the nonprofit field, in human services and education programs. I am currently a fundraising consultant for several educational organizations. Throughout my life, I've also done a lot of volunteer work: I was a translator for delegations visiting communities in El Salvador; I was a volunteer tutor and mentor; I am on the board of a youth-serving agency; and I volunteer for the board of our apartment building.

But my passion these days is being a mom, and I spend a lot of my time caring for and being with Benjamin. We love to read together, play in the park, go to museums, go on play dates with friends, and do arts and crafts together. We have also enjoyed taking Mommy and me classes, swimming and music classes. I am really looking forward to raising another child. I have found great fulfillment from being a parent.

I have 3 younger sisters and one older brother, 2 nieces and 4 nephews. Although I studied English literature in college, and am a poet, I have always made my living in nonprofit jobs, working with children, teens and families. After 20 years of doing this work, it occurred to me one day that I really like children.

Meeting Mindee made having children of my own seem like a real possibility. Being Benjamin's mom has been the most rewarding thing of my life; more than I ever could have imagined.