Al and Leah - Des Moines, Iowa

Dear Birth Parents,

Thank you for connecting with us along your journey towards making one of the most difficult yet important life decisions. Parting with a newborn is never easy but for a variety of reasons can become one of the richest blessings you could ever bestow upon your child.

We are Leah and Al; being raised in Iowa, we share values that are often characteristic of the Midwest. We each brought interests and abilities to the relationship some of which we now share. During our eight years of marriage, family, faith, hard work and kindness towards others are all part of our daily lives. We both enjoy running and cycling. Leah, the stronger runner, has completed both half and full marathons along with several small triathlons. Al, the more avid cyclist, has pedaled five full RAGBRAI routes. Leah supplements her professional career by teaching a few fitness classes at work and a local health club.

We are truly blessed with one biological son named Ben. Born in 2004, he brings the innocence and curiosity of youth to the family. Some favorite activities include reading books with mom and dad, helping momma bake, riding a "big boy" bike, helping daddy mow and watching some Curious George.

We live in a central Iowa suburb. Our home contains more than enough love, laughter and bedrooms for an additional member of the family. Our safe culdesac neighborhood full of playmates, being close to church, school and work means home is never far away. Back yard adventures include enough swings for friends and a sandbox.

We are both long time employees of a local company. Well established careers at a company where work life balance is a priority has allowed us to become financially secure and very engaged as parents. We believe that God is calling us to share his love through adding to our family. Having tried traditional methods without success, we are feeling led to provide for a child other than our own. We are blessed with enough love in our hearts, stability in our careers and financial security to reach out to someone in need.

Our extended family includes grandparents in central and northwest Iowa. Six sets of aunts and uncles located across Iowa, New Jersey and Texas provides numerous cousins and a glimpse of life outside the Midwest. Whether it's a sun filled destinations like Phoenix or Puerto-Vallarta, Historic sites like Washington DC or water fun in Storm Lake or Okoboji, summer vacations are a priority. These are the experiences that can last a lifetime. Living our lives as role models for our children is an absolute priority for us both. We believe the first eight years are perhaps the most critical in shaping what will become lifelong values. Providing celebration in glad times, guidance in moments of uncertainty and a sense of safety during stressful periods, is our first and foremost ambition as parents. At the center of our family is Christian faith. We are committed to help our children discover what it means to believe in Jesus Christ. In our minds, this process begins with early childcare, continues building during the school years and is reinforced through family life at home until they leave the nest. Our desire is that our children will choose to carry their faith with them into their adult lives. We are active members of The Reformed Church. Connecting with others through acts of service and worship; we are active participants in children's worship, Sunday school, vacation bible adventures, nursery care, Meals for the Hungry, and other community outreach events.

Choosing to proceed with an adoption plan is one of the hardest choices you could ever have to make. May God bring you strength during the remainder of the journey as well as provide peace and comfort in your final decision.
Blessings

Al & Leah

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