Life in New York City - written by Sean

Picnic with Friends

Annie has worked for some pretty cool places here in NYC over the past 10 years - manager at a jazz club, customer service at a celebrity fitness center and concierge at a mid-town hotel. Now she is "nesting" and spends her time working as a part-time nanny & creating a comfortable, baby friendly home environment. She loves to garden and bake. Annie is also very dedicated to her yoga practice.

Homemade Donuts

After leaving the jazz club where we met, I have been employed at a prominent and historical hotel in the city. I love the fast pace of the city. This position allows us the opportunity to travel within the company's brand. We have been fortunate to experience different parts of the country as well as travel to Europe. We hope to continue traveling and exploring other cultures. This is something that we can't wait to share with whomever joins our family. 

How We Met - written by Annie

I met Sean almost 10 years ago while interviewing for a job at a world class jazz club here in New York City. I called my grandmother after the interview and told her that I wasn't sure if I got the job but I just met the man I'm going to marry. Well, I did get the job and Sean & I have been inseperable since then. Sean is everything to me. He is a lion-hearted, loyal man that keeps me safe and cared for. Sean can always be counted on by me, his friends and family for whatever is needed. He is my better half. We are meant to be together. He proposed on the beach with a sand sculpture. It's a treasure chest full of shirt buttons because I collect shirt buttons. We had a small southern style wedding and continue to live life like two newlyweds. 

What "Open" Adoption Means to Us

As a child grows, it is only natural to want to know who you come from. We plan on being very open and honest with "our" little one from the beginning and communicating information on a level that they can understand. We have already purchased children's books on adoption for various ages and feel it is important to normalize the circumstance of his/her birth. We are also open to allowing "our" child, at an appropriate age, to reach out to his/her birth parents should the circumstances allow. Above all, we will strive to help "our" child feel that they are so very loved by all parents involved. 

Out of respect for you and "our" child, we would love the opportunity to get to know you - Whether before or after the birth. We feel this would give everyone peace of mind in dealing with the magnitude of this decision.  

A child born to another woman calls me mom. The depth of tragedy and the magnitude of the privilege are not lost on me. 

-Jody Landers

A little About Annie and Her Family

Adding a "Love Lock" to the Pont des Archeveche in Paris just outside Notre Dame

I grew up in Texas. The oldest of four kids and always surrounded by siblings, cousins and friends. A true southern family. We had lunch at my Granny's house every Sunday and football engulfed our entire community all season long. My parents also made sure that we had balanced exposure to the arts as well. I basically lived at the dance studio or in the theatre. 

My family LOVE to visit us here in New York City! When they come up, we always find something new to experience here in the city - which is pretty easy to do since this city has so much to offer. 

My Mom (Nana) and I waiting for the subway 

Being from a middle class family, there wasn't much of an opportunity for college after high school. So I worked a ton of jobs varying from dance teacher, nanny, community center art teacher, summer camp counselor, house keeper and dog sitter to raise money for my big move to NYC. My family were and are supportive of everything I pursue.  

Wedding fun with my family 

Even though it was tough to leave my home town, I soon found a wonderful group of friends (including Sean) that became my New York family. I have had opportunities and experiences here in NYC that I wouldn't have otherwise had. The culture and diversity here is absolutely amazing. 

Dublin Castle - Ireland 

I have worked for some pretty cool places here in NYC over the past 10 years: manager for a world famous jazz club (where I met Sean), membership services for a celebrity fitness center and concierge for a boutique mid-town hotel. Now I am "nesting" by spending my days working as a part-time nanny and creating a comfortable, baby friendly home environment. I take pride in our little backyard garden. And picnics in the park keep me balanced in such a busy city. I am also very dedicated to my yoga practice. 

Visiting Maine

A Little About Sean and His Family

Giant's Causeway - Ireland

I was born in up-state New York and grew up in Florida with my parents and older brother. They all still live there and we visit a few times each year. We especially enjoy spending time with my family on the beach and taking family trips together. 

Sean, Annie, Sean's Brother and Sister-in-law with our cute Niece on St. Maarten Island

Family Cruise

Growing up - I was VERY active. I played hockey, baseball and was involved in local & school theatre productions. Family and friends mean the world to me. Some of our closest friends are the same friends I have had since childhood.

Carving pumpkins with our best friends 

Sean's Parents - Grammie & Pops

My parents are extremely supportive of us. They always offer sound advice, a shoulder to lean on and love beyond measure. People say I get my of humor from his dad who is always cracking a joke or pulling a prank. My mom worked many years as an OR nurse and has instilled in me a sense of responsibility and to be level-headed. She is a sweet heart! 

Grammy and Pops can't wait to meet and spoil their new grandchild. 

Grammie

Wedding Day Family Picture

Sean with his dad and brother

After college, I spent time in Chicago before heading to New York City - where Annie and I met. We continue to make time to visit our out of state family, travel and hang out with friends. 

visiting Maine

I work for a prominent and historical hotel in New York City. This position allows us the opportunity to travel within the company's brand. We have been fortunate to experience different parts of the country as well as travel to Europe. We hope to continue traveling and exploring other cultures. This is something that we can't wait to share with whomever joins our family. 

Fun with the family

Adoption Poem

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women 

Who never knew each other. 

One you do not remember 

The other you call Mother.

Two different lives 

Shaped to make you one. 

One became your guiding star 

The other became your sun.

The first one gave you life

And the second taught you how to live it. 

The first gave you a need for love 

The second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality 

The other gave you a name. 

One gave you a talent 

The other gave you aim.

One gave you emotions

The other calmed your fears. 

One saw your first sweet smile 

The other dried your tears.

One sought for you a home 

That she could not provide. 

The other prayed for a child 

And her hopes were not denied.

And now you ask me through your tears

The age old question unanswered through the years. 

Heredity or environment

Which are you a product of?

Neither my Darling, neither.

Just two different kinds of Love.

[ Author Unknown ]

Why We Are Choosing Adoption

Although we have never walked a mile in your shoes and cannot fully understand your circumstances, we are very understanding of how complicated and fragile life can be. After a rare complication and the loss of our son at birth, Annie is left unable to carry another pregnancy safely. 

This loss has shown us how strong we truly can be. It has fortified our relationship and trust in each other. And taught us to lean on each other in good times and bad. 

Opening our hearts to adoption was immediately our new focus. We feel very strongly that we are already parents waiting for a baby to share our lives with. We are dedicated whole heartily to finding the little one who is destined to be a part of our family.

And now we wait...

Eager to offer a loving home to a precious little one - out there, somewhere. Families come in all shapes & sizes and we know that whomever is meant to join our family will find us. Our love for him/her is already overflowing. Please know that whatever you decide after getting to know us, our hopes are that you find the right match for you and your sweet baby.