Ethnicity: Caucasian
Education: Jacob has an MBA and Bachelors in Finance from Loyola University. Kristin has a Masters in Accounting from University of Michigan and a Bachelors in Accounting and Music from University of Houston.
Professions: Jacob is a finance manager and Kristin is an accounting manager. They both have flexible days in the office to allow for supporting their family needs.
When did you meet and month/year of marriage: We met at a Jewish Shabbat (Sabbath) dinner in our community in July 2018 and got married in a small ceremony in June 2020.
Religion: As observant Jews, our faith is the cornerstone of our home. We observe the Sabbath, holidays, and keep kosher, living by the values of social justice, charity, and loving-kindness.
Information on your home/community: We have a 5 bedroom house with a large fenced yard in the north suburbs of Chicago, close to many parks and diverse schools. We live within a mile of Jacob’s parents and family, and our friends.
Number of children: None yet
Pets: Sterling (9) thinks he’s a lap dog, knows over 20 tricks, and loves playing hide-and-seek. He’s so excited to be a big brother and have a new partner to play and cuddle with!
Desired contact with a birth family: We are committed to an open adoption and would love to expand our definition of family to include you. If you’re open to it, we’d like to build a lifelong connection with you as part of our village.
In one sentence, why do you want to adopt a child? We understand family is more than biology and discussed adoption as part of our plan from the start.
Childhood Memory: Jacob: Sledding in Minnesota snow, complete with hot cocoa. Kristin: building doll houses with my dad.
TV Show/Movie: Jacob loves all things Star Wars while Kristin loves all things Star Trek, but they watch both together. They also enjoy Marvel and Harry Potter.
Book: We love to read. Our relationship started over a mutual love of Stoner by John Williams, a book about finding the beauty and dignity in ordinary life.
Hobby: Whether remodeling our home together, playing one of our 200+ board games, or tossing bags for cornhole, we love trying new things and always find the joy in the journey together.
Food: We enjoy experimenting with new recipes from different cultures. Our hearts (and appetites) always lead us back to the grill for the perfect smoked brisket or steak.
Vacation: From snorkeling in the Caribbean to hiking a glacier in Alaska, or exploring cities in Italy, France, Greece and Morocco, we fill our vacations with excitement and discovery.
Family Tradition: Every Passover we buy a new book together to share at the seder. In the summer, we spend time with family at Kristin’s parent’s lake house. We can’t wait to make more family traditions with our child.
Holiday Memory: Kristin: cooking with my dad in the kitchen, learning how to make a turkey with all the fixings. Jacob: seeing extended cousins and family and watching football together
Fun Facts: We both love adventure and trying new things. Kristin has completed 2 triathlons and went skydiving. Jacob spent a year studying abroad and has tried surfing.
What Friends Say: Jacob’s Mom: “Jacob and Kristin see children through patience, kindness, calm worlds, and thoughtful guidance. They create a space where kids feel safe, loved, respected, and truly understood. They are always ready to lend a hand, literally and figuratively. They make every moment feel joyful and meaningful.”
Tzvi and Davita (friends): “Jacob and Kristin have an understanding of what it takes to succeed in life and how to connect with friends and community. They will serve as excellent examples for any child, demonstrating how to build a home, how to earn a living, how to make friends and how to have fun.”
Matt and Camila (friends): “Kristin and Jacob will be great parents because they complement each other perfectly. Jacob will be reading to their kids in silly voices and Kristin will have all the patience in the world. They are such loving people and bring so much light that a child will be blessed to receive.”
