You decide whether you would like to let them adopt your baby.

We are here for you to help make the decision that best suits your needs.

We are Barb and Amie and it is our dream to become parents. We want you to know that we realize that your adoption plan represents a profound act of love. As adoptive parents, we will dedicate ourselves to honoring and continuing your love. We will ensure that your child grows up to understand and respect your courage and selflessness.

Our Story
We met ten years ago. We hit it off like we had known each other our whole lives, having similar views on life, and the same offbeat sense of humor. On similar paths professionally, we became great friends, finding we had many things in common. It is on this strong foundation that we built the relationship we have today. We are each other’s best friend and cheerleader, advocate and laugh maker, sounding board and healer. Most importantly, we are committed to our relationship and to our family.

About Amie
My earliest memory of what I wanted to be when I grew up was my saying to my grandmother, "I want to be a mommy". That has never changed. We are financially comfortable on one income, so I am studying for a doctoral degree in naturopathy, the study and practice of natural health. Forever a passion of mine, the degree will allow me to fulfill a lifelong endeavor to help people be healthier and happier. Working from home will give us the best of both worlds. I went to college for fine arts and psychology and received a master’s degree in Marriage Family and Child Counseling. I have worked for the public school system as a children’s therapist and service coordinator for children in special education. Each job has taught me a great deal about raising and parenting children. I have learned everything from diapering and learning styles, to how to console a child who grieves and motivate a child to excel in school.

About Barb
I grew up in Indiana and then Florida, among orange groves next to a big lake. My dad was a builder of custom homes and my mom ran his business. I cherish the times I went with my dad and helped him build houses. My big brother and I would spend countless hours outdoors playing and exploring. I did not enjoy school as a teenager, but went to college as planned and fell in love with it. In the end, I ended up with three degrees! I have been a teacher, pastor, therapist, and coach. I am now a principal of a small high school and it is a wonderful job that I love. Making a difference for youth has been a life-long dream. I know each student by name and I spend personal time with them talking about their lives, dreams, goals, and challenges.

Our Family
Family is very important to us. We love to keep in touch. Our family is a diverse and dynamic group of people that live coast to coast and are eager to share their lives. We come in all shapes and colors, and have different backgrounds and views of the world. We are married into, adopted into, born into, and loved into this wonderful family. The common thread for us is that we care for and support each other unconditionally. A child will be raised with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and many friends.

Our House
We live seven blocks from the ocean in San Pedro, California in a warm, loving, and comfortable home. There is plenty of room for children to play. Our neighborhood is a safe, friendly, and diverse place. Amie looks forward to being the stay-at-home mom. The baby’s room is quiet and its windows look out on our backyard and garden. We live close to a great elementary school, and some fantastic private schools. We want a child to receive the best education possible. We have three dachshunds, Alex, Lucy, and Zoe. They are an absolute joy to have around and adore children.

Our Hobbies
We both love taking walks and camping. We want to share our appreciation of nature with a child. Gardening is also a favorite; we plant the vegetables and fruits that we eat. Amie is a wonderful cook, whipping up delicious, healthy meals for family and friends. We adore traveling in the U.S. and abroad and plan a big trip to a new location every year. We will love to show a child all the world has to offer -- new cities and different cultures. We believe that education and learning happen all the time.

Our Thoughts For Our Home with a Child
There will be lots of toys and games to challenge the mind and the body, with us on the floor right along side, sharing in the experience. A child will grow up with active involvement from both of us. We will encourage creativity, adventure, consideration, and generosity. We will be supportive when they may struggle, be their cheerleaders when they do well, and guide them when they make mistakes. We will be loving each and every day with our whole hearts. We want to teach a child to be a strong and capable person, who can achieve anything. In addition, we want a child to learn that everyone matters, has worth, and deserves respect.

Why adoption is the best decision for us, in Amie’s words
We have chosen to start our family through adoption because I was adopted and I have always wanted to do the same. My birth mother, who I’m in contact with regularly now, loved me very much but, at the time I came along, she was not at a point where she felt she could give me everything she wanted to or that I needed. So she made the hard, loving, and blessed decision to give me to my parents. I grew up in a wonderful house in the San Francisco Bay Area filled with love and lots of activities like dance, choir, and piano. My neighborhood was full of kids and schools that were supportive and challenging. I want to give those same opportunities to a child. I would not be who I am today if it was not for the difficult but strong choice my birth mother made all those years ago.

And So We Have Met...
Thank you for taking the time to read our letter. We want you to know that if you choose to place your child with us, we will always be grateful for the blessing you have shared with us, and will be loving parents. We welcome you into our lives, and hope you will want to get to know us better as we have much more to share with you. We share your desire for the happiness and well being of your child, and wish you all the best. If you would like to talk, please give us a call at any time at our toll-free number 1-877-936-4457, email us at amieandbarb@1joynlife.com, or visit our website at www.1joynlife.com. You can also contact our friendly adoption attorney, Susan Romer, at 1.800.U-Adopt-Us, or email her at adamsromer@aol.com.

With respect and love,
Barb and Amie