INTRODUCTION

Hello and welcome! We are Cher, Nick, and Penny

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We’re thankful to share our story in the hopes we can add you to it.

Adoption is a huge part of our family’s identity. Nick is actually the odd man out: Cher and her twin sister are adopted, Penny was adopted in 2016, even our dogs are adopted. We strongly believe in openness, and look forward to working with you on what that looks like. Our family and parenting values focus on love, respect, and understanding. We hope to support you in feeling comfortable and empowered with the decisions you make for your child.

Know that you will always be an essential part of our child's story. You’re part of their body, mind, and spirit. No matter the level of openness, time, or space, you will always be present in our lives. We’ll work together to ensure your child is surrounded with all the support and love they will need.

about us

As a couple we are very laidback and family oriented. We are incredibly close and know how to look out for one another.

We met in high school gym class during our junior year of high school- romantic, right? Initially Nick thought Cher looked too done up (she LOVED Britney Spears- circa 2000s) and Cher thought Nick looked like a bum (he wore a shirt with holes in it the first day of school). Turned out neither of us were correct and Nick asked Cher to be his girlfriend outside the local McDonalds in 2002 and the rest is history. 

Meet Our daughter, Penny

We adopted Penny in 2016 at 1 month old. She’s an energetic free spirit with a big imagination and an even bigger heart. Penny loves running, biking, and singing.

Being a transracial family, we have worked hard to ensure Penny is connected to her races and cultures. She has teachers that are Latina and teaching her Spanish. Cher's school recently started a Black Student Union and went out of their way to invite Penny to their meetings in order to be role models. Cher has been taking haircare classes to learn protective styles, Nick has learned how to gently comb and detangle Penny’s hair.

“We know that Penny is surrounded by resources that support her racial and cultural background. We are confident that we will be able to find supports and resources for whatever background the new baby might be. ”

About CHER

Written by Nick

In high school, Cher was self-aware, caring, and hard working- when she wanted to do something she gave it her full focus. Dance has always been one of Cher’ passions. She is also passionate about issues of equity and is known for speaking up for those who need it.

Cher continues to impress me as she is an amazing mom. She spends so much time with Penny playing make-believe. Creating the best tea parties, checking up on her stuffed animals as a veterinarian, or cooking in the play kitchen. 

Cher’s Career

Cher works at our local high school teaching Freshmen and Senior English. Her focus lately has been in utilizing anti-racism training and redesigning curriculum to include more diverse voices. Cher also works to incorporate executive function and social/emotional education into her classes. She also directs and choreographs the school musical and coordinates the student showcase. 

About Nick

Written by Cher

Growing up, everywhere I went, people not only knew Nick but would always gush over how much they loved him. Nick is notorious for getting along with everyone. He is one of the funniest people I know, always ready for a Dad joke or a Bill Murray reference. He and Penny are constantly giggling together and riling each other up with their big energies and knock-knock jokes. Nick has one of the biggest hearts and is incredibly loyal, once you are in his inner circle, you become family.

As a parent, Nick is always attentive to Penny’s needs. He is ready to rough house, tickle, or wrestle, but is also ready for painting nails and tea parties. He will belt out Frozen lyrics and loves baking pumpkin bread with her. He easily shows her love and affection asking her for hugs or snuggling in her bed to read books. 

Nick’s Career

Nick is an 8th grade special education teacher. His students love and trust him because he works so hard to advocate and empower them to manage their learning needs. Nick’s super laidback and approachable which means the kids open up to him.

our home

We live in a northwest suburb of Chicago. Our three-bedroom home is at the edge of a protected savanna. We love getting to watch the seasons change with the prairie and the different animals that visit throughout the year. 

Our subdivision is known for being a diverse family community with kids running all over, families hanging out in their front yards, and nearby parks and trails to explore. We spend time going to community events and football games. The village always has family events like the food truck festival or the hot air balloon fest in the fall.

Meet Our pups, Thor & Dixon

We adopted Thor (black Mastiff-Lab) as a puppy in 2012. He’s an active dog, always ready for hikes or fetch. We added Dixon (tan Pitbull) a year later. He prefers a life of comfort- finding cushy spaces for cuddles and naps. 

They’re very gentle with kids, having learned from Penny that playtime with toddlers end with goldfish cracker rewards.

in closing

We would just like to thank you for taking the time to get to know us.

We know that adoption looks differently for each situation. We can't begin to imagine what you are going through as you think about an adoption plan. We are just thankful for the opportunity to share our story in the hopes that we can add you to it. We look forward to getting to know you more and discussing how we can work together on creating an open adoption plan with you.