Hugo & Andrea

We have been together for 13 years and love, trust, and respect each other completely. Our commitment to each other is the basis for our strong relationships with family, friends and community.

Things we love to do:

• Garden
  
• Cook


• Hike and camp


• Listen to music


• Play on or in the water


• Chase a flying disc


• Play third base


• Sing


• Dance


• Read


Our Outlook

We like to live simply and to create fun out of everyday things. We also like to create extraordinary experiences
once in a while to keep life interesting!

Miles of Smiles

Miles is a happy, energetic boy who really digs things in motion. He loves to climb, run and mimic older friends. Though he is too young to skateboard, Miles will sit on a skateboard and shuffle himself back and forth across the driveway as his 12-year-old friend Ian shreds on homemade jumps. Miles also likes caring for his younger friends and his stuffed animals. He gives them a pacifier or bottle, hugs and kisses them, and tucks them into bed with a blanket. He is ready to be a big brother!

Our little boy Miles came to us in a most wonderful way. We met his birth mother through a friend. Everything fell into place like magic. We adopted him at birth and have been amazed by him every day since. Although his birth mother lives far away, she is part of our family now. She visited us for Miles first birthday making our celebration complete. We are in touch with her regularly and are so thankful for our loving relationship with her.

If you would like to speak with Miles' birth mother about us or her experience, please contact Friends in Adoption.

Who is Andrea?

Maybe it is because Andrea is a scientist and teacher that she and Miles are always engaged in exploration. Andrea takes Miles on walks to the river to study frogs, turtles, geese and other birds. Weeks later he will hear geese flying overhead and, without looking, identify them. Andrea has a magnetic and generous nature and the most engaging, infectious laugh I have ever known. When I hear her laugh, I feel an electrifying magnetism that draws me to her. I sense others feel it too because she generates lifelong friendships easily.

Andrea's Work

Andrea is a professor at a university. Her work revolves around making the air we breathe cleaner. She is currently managing a study involving kids with asthma and how better air filters can ease their suffering. As a professor, her schedule is very flexible, which fits well for being a working mom. Although she enjoys her work, she is looking forward to taking time off to care for a second child.

Andrea also likes to sing jazz when she gets the chance.

Who is Hugo?

I knew when I met Hugo that I would be thankful for every day of my life that I got to spend with him. Hugo is a wonderful friend, husband, and father he is loyal and unselfish with a wicked sense of humor. He likes to surprise Miles and me with things that he knows will bring us joy, like a package in the mail or a spontaneous trip to the beach. He makes us laugh and keeps our home secure and happy.

Hugo loves his afternoons with Miles -- taking Miles for walks to the playground or the woods, visiting friends with little ones, going shopping together for dinner, or staying home to play, just the two of them. Hugo knows how to set boundaries to create a safe, happy environment for children. He is patient and kind, and a favorite to kids of all ages.

Hugo's Work

Hugo works part-time as a carpenter so that he can care for Miles during the day. He also contributes some of his time to our local food co-op by serving on it's board of directors. In the past, he has been a software engineer, technical writer and a cook.

Family & Friends

We both have wonderful families and a close network of friends who we consider family. They share our every day experiences with us and fill our lives with joy. We both grew up in similar families. We each played and fought with three siblings and had parents who set clear boundaries, but never did we question our siblings or parents unconditional love. We are close with our family and stay in touch with regular visits and constant communication. Because family relationships are so important to us, we are committed to building a strong, loving family in our home.

Our Home

We live in a small, safe community where doors are open and people take the time to know and care for one another. Our house is warm and cozy with a big garden in the backyard and plenty of room to play. The neighborhood is off the main road and loaded with families with young children. The school system is excellent and located only a few blocks from our house. We often walk or bike downtown for errands and shopping. It is a terrific place to raise a family.

When we first brought Miles home, our neighbors and friends brought us meals, baby clothes, diapers, toys, and all kinds of baby things to help transition us to parenthood. We are forever grateful for the outpouring of support for us with our newly adopted son.

Nina

Nina is a Shepherd Husky mix and loves to play. She is terrific with children and calmly lets Miles climb all over her.

In our lives, we are fortunate to be blessed with love, health, and support from wonderful family and friends. We do not take this good fortune for granted, but are grateful every day for what has come to us and for what we have to offer.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us a little through these pictures and words. We have tremendous respect and gratitude for you in your quest to make a decision for you and for your baby, whatever that may be. We would love the opportunity to speak with you if you are interested in us. We wish you peace and happiness.

Hugo, Andrea and Miles