We, Gary and Lynne, want to thank you for considering us to be your child's family. It is a special time in our lives when our hearts are open and full of love for a child. We are excited, grateful, and full of anticipation for the opportunity of becoming parents through open adoption. With respect and appreciation for your courage, we hope this letter brings us together.

We met 9 years ago (we were neighbors) and have been happily married for over 4 years. Our successful marriage has been a recipe of love, compassion, taking time to talk (and especially listen), and a dash of magic - like thinking or saying the same thing at the same time. Our family convictions are based on things like making the best of each day and  taking the time to appreciate the little things; discussing matters instead of fighting; practicing patience; and being kind to yourself and others. This same philosophy will be shared with our child.

Gary works in the film business as a Production Designer (responsible for designing & building the sets). "I can't wait to take our child to one of the sets and show him or her how things are done and explore around."  Lynne has worked in Real Estate Financing for the past several years, and although she enjoys her work and her friends at the job, she is looking forward to retiring and becoming a full time Mom.  "My work is very challenging and requires a lot of patience and the ability to juggle many things at one time, while keeping a level head - a few traits of a good Mom!" On Friday mornings, Lynne has been volunteering at a local day care because she loves being around children.

It seems everything we do these days, we envision it being done with a child. We look forward to raising a healthy, happy child who has confidence in themselves. Going through the process of trying to conceive naturally and through infertility treatments, we have had a lot of time to plan in our minds the kind of parents we want to be. With a child already in our hearts and spirit, we are filled with enthusiasm for raising a family.

Weekends usually start off with an early morning outing with our dog, Snow, either to the beach, a park, a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, or a long walk up the Marina Del Rey Canal where we see lots of unusual birds and wildlife. We look forward to including our child in all our outings while discovering new things from a child's perspective.

Our two story home has a charm and good feeling, as most friends say. The front and back yards have lush green lawns surrounded by colorful flower gardens which are all enclosed by a fence. The room we intend for the baby looks out over the back yard, which is just right for a Jungle Gym.  Our neighborhood streets are lined with sidewalks, trees and flowers, with kids and their parents riding their bikes, walking their dogs, or just visiting each other. Churches and schools are within walking distance.

Lynne's passions include gardening, cooking, and exercise. She loves to tinker around the house and finds joy in everything she does. Even doing menial chores such as vacuuming or doing laundry, you can always find her whistling and having fun doing it. Her carefree, easy spirited quality will bring joy and laughter into our child's world. "I look forward to playing together in the garden, checking out bugs and butterflies, planting flowers, hanging out in the kitchen preparing meals... just discovering new things in every single moment of the day. And at bedtime, laying down together and remembering the magic of it all."

Gary does not surf as much as he used to, but he still boogey boards, plays tennis, and team frisbee. Recently he has tried his hand (or legs) at snowboarding. "While I watched all the kids streaking by me, having a ball, I realized how wonderful this will be to share with our child." At home, Gary likes being the handyman as well as the artist. "As far back as I can remember I've been involved in art. From coloring with crayons on rainy days, to painting portraits, to eventually designing movie sets. I'm grateful to have this talent and experience to share with a child."