Michelle & Robbie Adoption Profile Book

Gmichelle & robbieg

hello!

Thank you for your loving choice to pursue adoption and for considering our family. We can’t possibly imagine what this journey is like for you, but please know our hearts are with you and you're in our prayers! We are humbled by your incredible strength, fierce courage, and deep love for your child, and we are absolutely honored that you are looking at our profile.

Our sincere gratitude for taking the time to look at our book and we hope you enjoy getting to know us and reading our story!

With love,

michelle & robbie

our story

Hi, we're Michelle and Robbie! We met when we were 17 years old and have been together ever since!

We've grown up with one another and endured many of life's ups and downs. It is a true testament to our love and commitment and we've learned so much throughout our relationship. We dated for several years, wed in July 2007, and have been happily married for nearly 9 years. Some of our favorite things to do include being outdoors, staying active, traveling, cooking, playing with our sweet pup, Sophie, spending time with family and friends, hiking, being involved at church, watching sports, and going to games. We are huge fans of the NW teams and love rooting for them! Most of all, we're excited for our next great adventure: adoption and parenthood!

We’ve longed to start a family, but have struggled with infertility for over 4 years. After much prayer, God truly spoke to our hearts and we knew we were being called to adopt! The trials and tribulations were blessings in disguise, chapters in our story leading us here, quite possibly to you! This adoption has been embraced and supported by our family, friends, church, and community. You and your child are already dearly honored and celebrated! Our families live close-by and they are very excited and eager to love on our baby-to-be. We are devoted to raise and nurture a child, support them, provide stability and security, and bless them with opportunities. Most of all, we can't wait to make memories as a family. If we are chosen, we’d love it if you were a part of this child’s life and we're open to whatever level of involvement you're comfortable with. We also know it may naturally evolve and that's okay too!

We feel so fortunate and blessed to be on this journey and that this book is in your hands. Our profile naturally highlights all the wonderful things, but we promise we're real people! We deal with the hard, we get through the messy. We forgive, compromise, make sacrifices, and when life throws its curveballs (and it always does), we work through them together, side by side. We don't give up on one another and we cherish each other deeply. Should our paths merge with yours, we will wholeheartedly extend the same love and commitment to you and your child.

The top two photos (left to right): 1) Us at 17 years old, and 2) Leaving for Robbie's senior prom!

robbie

Robbie was born in the Northwest and has lived here all his life. He loves the area and feels it is the perfect place to raise children. All of his immediate family live in Washington and he has a younger brother and sister.

Robbie has been a great role model for his siblings and he's very proud of them! They all are close and enjoy spending time together.

Robbie works in operations and he is also a CrossFit coach.

He's passionate about fitness and helping others improve their health. He recently bridged this passion with his love for the Lord by starting a men's ministry where one can join in on a CrossFit workout, and afterward, take part in prayer, bible study, and fellowship. It's a wonderful way to make friends, exercise, and also cultivate, introduce, or reintroduce a relationship with Christ. The approach is very much like Robbie: fun, friendly, laid-back, and compassionate.

He loves the outdoors and being active and enjoys camping, fishing, sports, you name it! He can't wait to take his child hiking and exploring, and play with them in the backyard or at the park. One of his favorite places is his family's cabin, which we visit often. He grew up spending summers at the lake, just like he hopes his future child will too. He looks forward to taking them on adventures and teaching them to appreciate nature and all the beautiful Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Robbie is very excited to adopt and to become a dad. His father, grandfather, great aunt, and several of his cousins were adopted and there's wonderful support in our decision to build our family through adoption! Robbie will be an amazing, attentive dad, and above all, present and involved in his child’s life. * * * Michelle describes Robbie as kindhearted, laid-back, loving, patient, giving, athletic, adventurous, hardworking, understanding, fun, and caring.

michelle

Michelle was born in San Jose, CA, but her family moved to a rural part of Washington when she was 9 years old.

They went from city living to 14 acres with a barn, pond, cows, and chickens! Michelle loved growing up in the country and in a small, close-knit town.

Her parents are both from The Philippines and Michelle is proud of her Filipino heritage. Culture is a part of who we are and it should be celebrated! She promises to not only immerse their future child in their families' cultures, but to teach them about any traditions and culture that the birth parents would like shared. Michelle's family gatherings are often filled with lots of fun and food (Filipinos love to cook, feed, and share!) and she feels blessed to have grown up with diversity. Robbie embraces it all and has been lovingly deemed an honorary Filipino by the family!

Michelle has 4 brothers (3 older, 1 younger) and 1 older sister. They're a blended family and she wouldn't have it any other way. She adores their different personalities and they always have the best time together!

She's involved at church, is creative, and loves crafts, home decor, and cooking. She also loves to keep active by going to CrossFit, kickboxing, barre classes, and enjoys the outdoors with Robbie, whether that's a hike or spending time up at the lake and family cabin.

Michelle loves her job and works from home in marketing.

She has her own business and since she schedules her own hours, she has the freedom and ability to stay home when the baby comes. She intentionally made this career move so she could be available to her family and children. Her heart’s desire has always been to be a mother and you can often find her taking care of others. * * * Robbie describes Michelle as genuine, sweet, loving, compassionate, kind, empathetic, smart, funny, nurturing, generous, and thoughtful.

fun facts Grobbieh

Has never said no to dessert Dances to make Michelle laugh (a testament to his dancing skills!)

His father, grandfather, great aunt, and several cousins were adopted.

He rarely gets cold! He'll wear a t-shirt everywhere if he could.

Started walking and climbing at 8 months old Has played baseball for most of his life Loves all things outdoorsy and adventurous!

Gmichelleg

Her high school mascot was a Spudder. Yes, a giant potato!

In elementary school, they were the Tater Tots. Ironically enough, she loves all things potato...

Took Robbie skydiving for his 30th birthday even though she's afraid of heights Ran 3 half marathons in 33 days Never gets tired of watching Friends Loves to be silly, play jokes, and always tries to sneak up on Robbie Gets sucked into infomercials, but hasn't purchased anything... yet!

opposites attract Che vs. shek He likes mild. She likes spicy.

He gets hot. She gets cold.

He eats the brownie edge. She eats the brownie middle.

He unloads the dishes. She washes them.

He's an early bird. She's a night owl.

He's left-handed. She's right-handed.

They're the perfect compliment, a beautiful balance, and he will forever be the peanut butter to her jelly, and she will always be the mac to his cheese!

One of our favorite verses: When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. -Psalm 61:2

puppy love

Csophieq

Sophie is a Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix and is as cute as can be! She's 10 years old, but acts as vibrant as a puppy! She's very active and absolutely loves to play! People can hardly believe that she's not younger than she is. Her personality is so sweet and she's very intuitive and knows when you need some extra love. Sophie constantly makes us smile and laugh and she is the sunshine of our day. She's our very best friend and she can't wait to be a big sister!

FAVORITE THINGS: Walks Peanut Butter Cheese Playing with her toys Chew sticks and treats Napping Cuddling Barking at birds & squirrels

Left to right: Sophie showing off her fluffy face; Napping on the back of the couch (one of her favorite spots); Laying by baby-to-be's onesie in the nursery; Getting ready to go on a walk

home sweet home

We love our home and purchased it with hopes and dreams of raising our family here. As soon as we stepped through the front doors during our house hunt, we knew it was "the one" and we envisioned our future! It has plenty of room with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths and a beautiful open and airy layout. The home is full of windows, so even when it's gray outside, the house is flooded with light. We've done quite a bit of renovating, particularly the kitchen because we love to cook! We built a large 9 foot island picturing little ones sitting around it eating, on top helping us cook, and underneath it playing. (Islands make good forts!)

We've filled our home with lots of love and care, and designed it with a growing family in mind. We can't wait to make memories throughout it and hear the pitter patter of little feet!

We love Christmas and enjoy celebrating and decorating for the holiday. We're excited for baby's first Christmas!

community & faith We are very fortunate to be a part of an amazing neighborhood and community. Our home is located in one of the best school districts and it's walking distance to the elementary and middle schools. The area is nestled in nature, including gorgeous parks, a lake, and trails.

The neighborhood is beautiful, clean, quiet, safe, close-knit, and family-friendly with lots of children. You can often find them playing in driveways, drawing on sidewalks, or strolling around on their scooters and bicycles. The fire station is across the street and our church is only 5 minutes away.

Our faith and love for the Lord is truly the foundation of our life. We’re part of a strong Christian community and non-denominational church. We not only attend church regularly, but we live life together with our church family, beyond just Sundays. This includes strong friendships, a men’s group, a women's group, and we also attend a married couples group that we adore. They’re our extended family and they’ve loved and prayed for you and your child along with us! Our future son or daughter will be part of a great children’s ministry at our church and grow up among other children and families with Christian values.

Our hearts are open and we will teach our child to respect and embrace others regardless of race, culture, belief, and preferences. We are all made differently, and choose differently, and it's what makes the world beautiful and unique.

Left photos: This beautiful trail is 2 minutes away from home!

Opposite page: Hiking along the Oregon coast.

oceans

(where feet may fail)

by Hillsong United

You call me out upon the waters The great unknown where feet may fail And there I find You in the mystery In oceans deep My faith will stand And I will call upon Your name And keep my eyes above the waves When oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine Your grace abounds in deepest waters Your sovereign hand Will be my guide Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me You've never failed and You won't start now So I will call upon Your name And keep my eyes above the waves When oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior Oh, Jesus, you're my God I will call upon Your name Keep my eyes above the waves My soul will rest in Your embrace I am Yours and You are mine

family...

We are truly blessed to be surrounded by such incredible family and friends. They are immensely supportive of our adoption and love our future child already! Our family lives close and they couldn't be more excited to be a part of baby-to-be's life.

One of our favorite things to do is spend time with our loved ones, whether it's family dinner, game night, a fun vacation, spending a day on the boat, or watching a Seahawks game.

Holidays are always celebrated together and some of our best memories are ones with family.

We look forward to starting our very own traditions too.

Michelle's brother has two sons and a daughter and they can't wait to have a baby cousin!

Robbie is the oldest of his siblings and he will be the first to make his parents grandparents.

Our future child (and potentially their birth family) will become part of a fun, large, loving, and diverse group of very special people!

Christmas 2015 We announced to our families that we were adopting by telling them we made a "Christmas card." We revealed our announcement and excitement, hugs, and celebrating ensued!

Top Photo: Robbie's immediate family Bottom Photo: Some of Michelle's immediate family at our house (2 of her 5 siblings are shown) * * * Opposite page, left to right: Father's Day with Michelle's dad (all 6 kids traveled to be there!); Vegas vacation with Robbie's family; Robbie's amazing grandparents; Michelle's niece and nephews; Being silly at Michelle's dad's birthday celebration/family reunion; Brunch with Robbie's family; Playing board games with Michelle's niece; Watching a Seahawks game with Robbie's dad and brother

... and friends!

fun & travel Sporting our Hawks gear in San Francisco

Go Blazers!

Spending time up at the family cabin and canoeing around the lake. Sophie always has so much fun!

Hiking the beautiful NW and admiring the waterfalls

An afternoon of garage sales with Michelle's parents

Top of the Rock, New York

Meeting an amazing 98 year old vet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii

4th of July half marathon and 5k

Pike Place Market, Seattle

Michelle surprised Robbie with skydiving for his 30th birthday and he loved it!

An even bigger surprise: Michelle joined too even though she's afraid of heights!

we believe...

IN GOD'S GRACE

REALLY GOOD HUGS

FORGIVENESS

TRUSTING YOUR HEART & INTUITION UNCONDITIONAL LOVE THE POWER OF PRAYER

SECOND CHANCES

MAKING EACH DAY COUNT

A PARENT CAN LOVE MULTIPLE CHILDREN A CHILD CAN LOVE MULTIPLE PARENTS

SMILES SHOULD BE SHARED OFTEN GOD HAS A BEAUTIFUL PLAN And, we believe that you are incredibly

courageous and caring, strong and selfless.

We honor your heart and your love for your child.

No matter what decision you make, wherever your intuition leads you, however His beautiful plan is revealed, we support you and we're sending love and prayers!

Gour promiseg We promise...

to raise any children we're blessed with in God's love and light. to cherish them every day. to be their biggest advocates. to encourage them and be their forever fans. to empower and believe in them. to listen to what they have to say. to ensure their well-being, health, and safety is priority. to surround them with a good support system and amazing family. to provide them with a great education and opportunities to enrich their lives. to cultivate curiosity and imagination. to parent with love, kindness, patience, and forgiveness. to make laughter, fun, and quality time together a part of each day. to honor you. to celebrate diversity and respect different perspectives. to be committed to the openness of our adoption, whatever that may be. to be open, honest, and trustworthy with you. to be present. to be great examples and role models. to make life an adventure. to continually share a story of love, the story of you.

Thank you for your brave and loving choice and considering adoption with us!

It is a very important decision and we cannot even begin to understand what it entails or what your heart endures. Should you choose us as the family for your child, we promise that we will give both of you our very best. They will always know their beautiful story and how much they are loved unconditionally by you, us, and our families.

Gour prayerg Dear Heavenly Father,

We ask that You wrap this mother and family in Your arms and embrace them in Your grace, guidance, and healing. Grant us with peace, wisdom, and confidence in the decisions we make. Through difficult seasons that, at times, transcend our understanding, we lean into You and ask that You shine Your light and love. We trust that You have a beautiful plan for each of us, one that You've designed long before we came to this very place.

We pray that it unfolds by Your work and will. Please watch over everyone touched by this journey, above all, this precious child and gift. Bless this child abundantly. We pray that they will always know You, that they be raised in Your love and are encouraged and empowered to do great things in this world. To love and be loved, and to make a difference in a way that only their unique soul can. Always be by their side, guiding them with Your unfailing grace.

Whatever the ultimate path and choice may be, please give this dear mother and family strength throughout this journey.

Thank You for Your faithfulness.

In Jesus' name we pray,

amen.

Our heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to view our profile!

God bless you, your child, and your journey!

To view more photos, please visit robbieandmichelle.wix.com/adopt

For this child we have prayedk ~1 Samuel 1:27