Meet Brent and Janelle

Our Favorite Story... So Far

Our story began in the summer of 2013 on match.com where we met 21st century style…possibly similarly to how we will meet you! We bonded over conversations about our love for flip flop wearing and the San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Exactly two years later, Brent surprised Janelle with a scavenger hunt proposal at the very spot we first exchanged “I love you’s.” That next summer, we were married in the backyard of our home.

We talked a lot about adoption at the beginning of our relationship. So, when we began planning for our family, we were already comfortable with adoption and excited to grow our family that way.

Brent's Favorite Person

Janelle is sunshine. That’s what she is to me and to all of her friends, a beautiful ray of sunshine. Janelle makes any situation better because she lights up everything.

Janelle loves her job being a third grade teacher since 2005. Recently, she earned her Masters in Teaching. She loves being a positive influence and affecting change in young lives. I love hearing the funny stories of the things the kids have said or done day to day. Teaching allows Janelle to work school hours, so she looks forward to picking up our child after school and being home for all holiday breaks and summertime.

Janelle is the best partner, cheerleader, and wife any man could ask for. She is always making me laugh with her quick wit, and doing thoughtful, little things like sending me texts in the middle of the day to let me know she loves me and is thinking about me. Janelle’s excited to write loving, encouraging notes on our child’s napkin and sneak it into homemade lunches. I know she is going to make the best mom any child could ask for! She is the best part of my day, and every day I get to spend with her is the best day of my life. I can’t wait for her to be the best part of our child’s day!

Janelle's Favorite Person

Everyday, I reflect on how lucky I am to have my awesome husband, Brent, in my life. He is the most thoughtful, kind-hearted man I know. After working all day, he’ll surprise me by cooking dinner or stopping by the store to pick up my favorite daisies he can’t pronounce. On his days off, he loves to work on home projects where he can see accomplishment made and a smile on my face. I know he’s going to do the same for our future little one, whether it’s building a tree house or fixing a bike to see our child’s face light up.

With years of hard work, Brent’s earned his general contractor’s license and has honed his talents by making countless home improvements for our family to enjoy. Brent’s passion for nature and helping others makes his career working as a local park ranger feel more like a fun hobby!

Brent’s patience, kindness, and wonderful listening skills will make him an amazing dad. I respect and admire him so much, and I want to share his awesomeness with our future family.

Our Favorite Place

We are so fortunate to live on a safe, quiet, private street in a suburban neighborhood adjacent to open space with groves of trees, sprawling hills, and a lake in Castro Valley, California. We know all of our neighbors on our street and hold annual street meetings. Memorial Day weekend, all of the kids, dogs, and neighbors get together to BBQ at the end of our street. Our 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with an additional playroom is very special to us; it being our first home together.

Our home is in short walking distance to a popular kids’ park with a play structure and swings. An asphalt loop trail surrounds a large, grassy field; we imagine teaching our child to learn how to ride a bike and rollerblade there. Down the hill, there’s a community center with a splash pad and skate park. Our town holds several parades and street festivals, including a weekly food truck night and farmers’ market.

Our Favorite People and Pup

We are fortunate to have a large group of friends and family close by. Brent’s mom looks forward to baking her famous holiday cookies with her grandchild and babysitting as often as she can; while Janelle’s mom anticipates spoiling her grandkid with the coolest toys and the trendiest clothes. Our family is excited to welcome a first grandchild through adoption.

Both of our sisters have young children, so they can’t wait for cousin playdates. All of our closest friends have kids under the age of five. Our weekends will soon be filled with kids’ birthday parties and visits to parks.

Sawyer, our rescued, twelve year old chihuahua-mix is 12 pounds of personality. He loves going on long walks in our neighborhood and nearby hiking trails. He is loving, loyal, smart, and a great cuddler. He’s the best nurse when we’re sick and the best counselor when we’re upset.

Grateful For You

Thank you so very much for taking the time to get to know us better. We look forward to getting to know you and are so grateful to be on this journey with you through open adoption. Reading picture books before bedtime, singing catchy toddler tunes, and exploring nature are just some favorite moments we can’t wait to create with a son or daughter. We honor your important choice and promise to love, encourage, and support a child unconditionally, and welcome you into our hearts forever. We are open to any questions you may have about us, so please feel free to contact us.

With immense love,

Janelle and Brent