Ethnicity: We are both Caucasian and grew up in the US. Brooks is of mostly British and Irish descent. Liz is of German, Irish, Scandinavian, and French descent.
Education: Brooks has a B.S. in Hotel Mgmt from NYU and a M.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M. Liz has a B.S. in Molecular Biology at U of I and M.D. from Rush Medical College and completed an ER residency.
Professions: Brooks is a Product Manager at a tech company. Liz is an Attending Physician in the Adult & Pediatric Emergency Department.
When did you meet and month/year of marriage: We met in December 2018 on a dating site (thanks to Liz setting her locations wrong). Brooks moved to the Chicago area in 2020 and we got married in October 2022.
Religion: Brooks grew up Episcopalian. Liz grew up Catholic. We celebrate spirituality and welcome the teachings and celebrations from religions that recognize same-sex couples.
Information on your home/community: We live in the suburbs of Chicago. We have a 4-bedroom house with a finished basement, home theater, backyard oasis and garden, and reading nook. We’re surrounded by good schools and nature preserves.
Number of children:
We don’t currently have any children.
Pets: We have 3 dogs: Riley (13), Charley (11), and Mack (7). They bring us endless joy and love. They are cuddle monsters and are eager to welcome a baby to their pack. They’re also willing to share toys.
Desired contact with a birth family: We understand every situation is unique and are open to discussing what level of openness feels right for you and us. Our priority is to ensure that your child grows up feeling loved and supported.
In one sentence, why do you want to adopt a child? We are ready to grow our family, begin the parenthood adventure, and create a safe and loving home.
Childhood memory: Brooks: going to “cousins camp” every summer and summers at the lake
Liz: family vacations (especially road trips), trying new games and toys with my parents and sisters
TV Show/Movie: Brooks: Schitt’s Creek or Dateline/Silver Linings Playbook
Liz: The Middle, Alias, Law Order/Miss Congeniality (and secretly anything starring Dwayne Johnson)
Books: Brooks: The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith (current); The Hungry Caterpillar (childhood)
Liz: The Harry Potter series
Hobby: Brooks: Traveling, reading, board games, playing/watching sports Liz: Playing with the dogs, board games and arcade games, legos, going to the movies, and sports
Food: Brooks: Beef fajitas or crawfish (the staples of southeast Texas, where I grew up)
Liz: Cheeseburger and fries (with a fountain diet coke)
Vacation: Brooks: Kenya or Vietnam (fave all time); Our honeymoon to French Polynesia/Hawaii (fave with Liz)
Liz: Vero Beach vacations were my favorite growing up. Hawaii has now become my favorite.
Family Tradition: Apple picking, growing pumpkins for fall, decorating our house for holidays, holiday games, time with our families, and traveling together. We get a painting from a local artist in each new country.
Holiday Memory: Brooks: getting a puppy for Christmas, Thanksgivings with my cousins
Liz: egg hunts on Easter, my parents taking us trick-or-treating (in any weather!), cutting down our Christmas trees.
Fun Facts: Brooks has been to 46 countries and 29 states. She built a coffee table our of a door to hold all of her travel photo books. Liz is a black belt in karate and has a secret love for floral arrangement.
