Dear Expectant Mother,
We’re Malinda and Derek. We believe that considering adoption is a courageous and noble quality and we wish you a sense of peace as you go through this process. We have dreams and hopes of starting our family and are excited to become parents through open adoption. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share our story with you.
Our Story
We were introduced in August 2001 by Malinda’s best friend. We instantly became friends and started dating in October 2001. We quickly realized we had found "the one” and were married in March 2004. We both enjoy spending time with our family and friends, playing board and video games, and taking exciting vacations together. We also enjoy spending time with our two young nephews and niece who live just an hour away. We cherish sharing special occasions with them from birthdays to soccer games to trips to the park. We enjoy camping in the mountains and desert, often with Malinda's mom and step-dad. We make time for quick road trips or travel throughout the U.S. or abroad to Mexico, Canada and Europe. We look forward to sharing a spirit of adventure and love of other cultures with a child.
Our Home
We live in a suburb of San Diego. Shortly after we were married, we moved into our home, knowing it would be the perfect place to raise a family. Our neighborhood has big trees, great schools, and lots of families, pets, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also many walking trails, a nearby lake and a shopping village, where we often grab a quick ice cream after a walk with our dog, Toby.
We appreciate that San Diego is a wonderfully diverse city, culturally and geographically. Because of the proximity to Mexico, there is a great Spanish influence and in less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy the beautiful Southern California coast, snowy mountains in the winter or rugged dessert. We're also fortunate to live in a major tourist destination and often enjoy playing "tourist" ourselves with trips to historic Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, or Sea World, where Derek worked for 6 years in the education department.
About Malinda
I was born and raised in San Diego, just as my parents and both sets of grandparents were. I'm blessed to enjoy a large extended family, many of who live within a few miles. My mother's side of the family is originally from Mexico and when we get together, there's guaranteed to be lots of love, laughter and great food, including homemade tortillas and tamales.
Although my parents divorced before my 2nd birthday, they set aside their differences to put my needs first and to provide a secure and loving environment. In school, I was proud to share the story of my large extended family with other students because I felt so lucky to have a mom, dad, step-mom, step-dad, half-sister, step-brother, step-sister and a slew of uncles, aunts and cousins. Although my dad, step-mom and half-sister moved to Georgia when I was 14, I spent every summer and winter break with them. My family is very excited and supportive about our plans to start our family through adoption.
I was the first in my family to attend college and graduated with a degree in sociology. For the past 6 years, I've worked at a local university as a communications director. I enjoy traveling at home and abroad, and all creative arts including music, art, theater, movies and books.
About Derek
I was born in Maryland and moved to San Diego when I was 4 when my dad, a Navy doctor at the time, was transferred to San Diego. My parents have been happily married for 41 years and live about ten minutes from us. I also have a younger sister who lives about an hour north of San Diego with her husband and my nephews and niece.
My mom was born and raised on a farm in Canada. She met my dad, an American, while he attended medical school there. When they married, she moved to the U.S. My mom’s extended family still lives in Canada, and we take trips there often. Some of my fondest memories were spending summers at my grandparent’s farm. We fished, rode ATV's and played with animals.
I had childhood dreams of becoming a successful actor, and attended a performing arts school for several years where I performed in plays and studied music. I auditioned for many commercials and movies, of which I landed a few small parts, but never hit it big. After high school, I attended college in San Diego and graduated with a degree in communications. I spent six years working at Sea World where I taught animal education classes and conducted behind-the-scenes tours. For the past 10 years, I have worked in marketing and communications for the city of San Diego. I'm a passionate sports fan and love playing and attending games.
Our furry friends
We share our home with a few furry (and one feathered) friends. Toby is our seven-year-old Labrador Retriever. He's not much of a retriever, but he's a great dog with lots of personality. He loves when our friend's children visit and Cheerios or goldfish crackers "accidentally" fall from the highchair. We also share our home with two kitties, Madison (15 years) and Joey (6 years). Toby and Joey are best buds. Oftentimes, we'll pet Joey and realize he just received a slobbery bath from Toby. And last but not least, is our parrot, Merlin, who adores Derek.
Malinda talks about Derek
When I first met Derek, I knew I had met my match. He is a very sweet, kind and gentle man. He never takes a moment for granted and lives in the now, rather than worrying about the future or living in the past. He cherishes friendships and still remains friends with his childhood buddies. He is a big sports fan, and enjoys attending football, baseball and hockey games. As a little boy, he played soccer, then tennis in high school, and now roller hockey every week. I've always pictured him as a great "team dad." Derek is an animated storyteller and completed his first fiction novel in 2007, which he hopes to publish someday.
Derek talks about Malinda
Malinda is the love of my life and my best friend. She truly has a kind heart and puts the needs of others before herself. I know she will be a fantastic and loving mother who cherishes every moment. I feel fortunate every day to have met someone who shares similar goals and dreams. She adores children and caring for others. For the past six years, she was a “big sister” to a young girl she met as a 7th grader. Her “little sister” recently graduated from high school. I know this was one of her proudest moments as this young girl will be the first in her family to attend college, just like Malinda.
Malinda is a wonderful cook and baker and there's always a yummy new dish or treat to try, especially during the holidays when she makes her famous apple pie for Christmas, "creepy witch fingers" for Halloween and homemade salsa throughout the summer.
Dreams for our children
It is our hope for our children to grow up in a home full of laughter, love and adventure. We hope to expose them to many different cultures, traditions, and far-off places. It is important to us that you are a part of your child's life from the beginning and throughout his/her life, if this feels comfortable to you.
We hope this letter has provided you with a quick snapshot of the life we have created together. We have a great deal of love to give and we hope that you will feel comfort in knowing that a child raised in our home will be loved, cherished and respected, not only by us, but the many family and friends who surround us with their love and support.
We look forward to getting to know you. To learn more about us, please feel free to visit our blog site at http://derekandmalinda.blogspot.com/ . If you would like to reach us directly, please email us at derekandmalinda@gmail.com. You can also call our friendly adoption attorney, Susan Romer, at 1.800. U.ADOPT.US. or email to adamsromer@aol.com.
Warmly,
Malinda and Derek
