Dear Expectant Mother,

We are Monica Clint and Colin and we are excited about growing our family with you.

Thank you for considering us in your search for a happy and loving home for your child. We understand that you face an extremely difficult decision and we admire you for your courage. We want you to know that our approach going forward is based on honesty and respect for both you and the adoption process. We appreciate this opportunity to introduce our family to you through this letter.

In 2007 we adopted our son from Guatemala. We have treasured being parents and are grateful and joyful for the experience of becoming parents through adoption. We are excited to begin our journey to expand our family. We feel that it is important for children to grow up with a sibling like an older brother and look forward to the joy of another set of little feet to running through our home.

About Us

We met over 18 years ago through mutual friends at a Thanksgiving Day party. Clint was entering college as Monica was just finishing high school. By Christmas time we knew that there was something special between the two of us. We had similar goals of pursuing our education, traveling to different parts of the world, and having a home where we could spend time with our families while starting one of our own. We've been married over 11 years and each year we feel that we become even closer to one another. We start most mornings watching the news together over coffee before getting Colin and ourselves ready for the day. We end most days chatting on the sofa and watching Colin play with his puzzles before heading the bed. Despite the everyday stresses of lives we can always find each other to get us through. Our ability to comfort, support and advise the other constantly strengthens our relationship.

We live in Castro Valley California which is in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our two-story home is located in a quiet hill neighborhood where the suburbs meet the country. Sometimes during the Christmas season we can see deer in our back yard. The neighborhood is made up of many cultures and families. We have a community center, pool, park with playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and one of the top performing public schools in the area.

Adoption has been the way we started our family. Eight years ago I was told that I could not have children after several attempts of trying to become pregnant. Both of us knew that being parents was very important and our lives would not be complete without our having experienced that role in life. Since we adopted our son, we couldn't think of a greater joy than when our son came into our lives.

About Monica (by Clint)

Monica is a native of San Francisco Bay Area. As a young girl, Monica and her younger brother went camping across the country every chance they had. Camping and exploring nature helped her develop an interest and love for studying science which eventually led to her career in teaching science. She attended Mills College which is located in the Oakland Hills. While at Mills she learned how to be an independent women and how education provides people options with their lives. She has been teaching science to middle school students for over 10 years. Monica chose to teach at the middle school level because she was aware of the delicate balance between keeping the innocence of childhood and fostering a strong belief in oneself. Monica approaches each student's learning as though their future is that of her own child. Monica provides sincere concern and understanding when a student comes to her for help. She also believes that being involved in the community is important when showing her students how to be a good citizen. Monica is most proud of the many fun and exciting ways to get children interested in science exploration.

Monica loves being a mother and taking care of our family. She will dedicate herself to putting the needs of Colin before herself. When she does make time for herself she will be researching what new and exciting discoveries are being made in science. She finds humor in reading comics by Gary Larson of the Farside. Swimming is a passion of Monica. She has been swimming competitively since she was 10 year old. When our son was little she taught him how to swim in our local pool. Although our son doesn't attend school yet Monica likes to volunteer to help at our neighborhood school events like the annual carnival.

About Clint (by Monica)

Clint grew up in San Francisco with his brother and sister. Both of his parents both worked to provide Clint, his brother and sister the opportunity for a good education. Growing up in San Francisco was great and he has wonderful memories especially of exploring the city during summer vacation. He grew up with a large extended family and attended many family events in Golden Gate Park. They all lived relatively close, so a walk to his grandma's was only 10 minutes away. After high school he went to college at Berkeley. He also had some wonderful experiences traveling across the United States, Europe and Asia. His parents were strict, but very loving. They taught him about treating others with respect and helping those in need. Although no longer live in the city, he still enjoys visiting the same spots and cheering on the SF Giants.

By day Clint works as a director of information technology. He has a great love for motorcycles, music, travel and food. As a family we love taking drives out to the country and stop off at any small café or eatery. When we can't get out, Clint will select a style of music for the day and focus on its style of rhythm and its history. Clint shares these loves with Colin and look forward to with our next child as well.

About Colin

Colin is a joyful and energetic boy who loves to play with cars, dream of being a super hero, and listening to music. He attends pre-school and has an enthusiasm for being around his friends and making new ones. When a preschool friend has a little brother or sister come to class, Colin is the first to say "Hi, baby" and usually stands near the mom ready to offer his services to entertain by singing a song, sharing toys, or talking to the baby. He will relish in being a big brother and enjoy teaching the little one how to be a "kid".

Our family

Our families live within 10 miles of our house. They play an important role in the raising of our children. We see or talk with our family daily and they are always interested in learning about our day or about what new discovery Colin has made. We believe that it does take a village to raise children. Each member of our family has a unique gift of joy, learning or skill to pass onto them. Our families have a few small children, ages 1-5 that will enjoy sharing toys and play dates with our new baby.

A typical weekend often includes breakfast at Grandma's and Grandpas houses that usually include the most requested item of Mickey Mouse pancakes. We also have lots of visits and outings with aunts and uncles and cousins. We attend church on the weekends usually plan a family outing afterwards. We also like to go to the park to play tot and parent soccer or just play on the playground equipment.

When we first began the adoption process, our families were wonderful and welcomed our son whole-heartedly. Our aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmothers waited at our home to help and provide much love and support. Our family truly loves children and welcomes our future child with open hearts.

We wish you well as you make your decision. If you would like to know or see more about us please feel free to all us toll free at 1.877.758.1536 or email us at clintandmonica@gmail.com You can also visit our website at www.clintandmonica.com. Our friendly adoption attorney, Susan Romer may also be reached at 1.800.823.6788 or email her at adamsromer@aol.com