Meet our family: Mom (Heather), Dad (Chris), “N” (male, 16), and “L” (female, 7)! We are excited about the opportunity to expand our family and provide a loving, supportive home to children in need. We recognize that children coming from foster care will have substantial needs and are eager to provide them with love, resources, and stability. We understand that finding a placement for a child is a difficult decision that takes time and careful consideration to ensure that these children’s needs are met and thank you for your time in reviewing this family narrative.

We have a structured household where we put the effort in to provide opportunities for kids to grow and always make time for fun! As parents, we have experience with lying and ADHD.

We are a blended family, as “N” is Chris’ step son, and have worked together as a couple to help our son grow and adapt through joint custody with his father. Everyone in our household has different personalities, and we respect each other and value kindness to others. As a family, we spend much of our free time going on adventures and enjoying outdoor exercise. We also enjoy annual vacations. We go to the beach at least once a year with extended family and spend some weekends every year at Heather’s parents lake cottage.

For the past 14 years, Mom and Dad have been parents together. Both Mom and Dad have full time jobs in science and engineering. We each plan to take parental leave to support the child as they adapt to living in our home. We will take the time to learn how to meet the child’s needs, learn what activities inspire the child, and enter them in extracurricular activities to allow them to learn who they are and what gives them joy in life!

“N” played soccer and basketball for years and is now on the varsity track team at his high school. “L” loves art and is taking piano lessons. Both children are easy going, loving, and excited about welcoming new members to the family. We like to keep our kids engaged in activities and work together to support academic success. As parents we support our kids valuable friendships and help them recognize good and bad choices and to learn from them. As a family, we like to be active outside, play board games and video games, and watch movies in the evenings.

Our house is on the end of a cul-de-sac with a basketball hoop, fenced in backyard, and a downstairs den with toys, games and a foosball table. Our house has two potential rooms that are ready to be painted any color of the child’s preference and decorated to provide comfort and allow a child to have a special personal space. We are in walking distance to several parks, restaurants, a library, and the metro station.

We love catching the train to downtown Washington DC for the zoo, museums, and cultural opportunities. We live less than a mile from an excellent public school system with a diverse student body and strong support systems for all students.

Rockville is a great home with a diverse community and lots of opportunities and resources. Thank you for considering our household.