Here's what some of our loved ones have to say about us...
Pam B. (Amy’s mom): I am very excited to see Amy and Mike become parents to another child! As Amy's mom, I know that she has looked forward to this chapter of her life since she was a little girl. As 'the big sister,' I've seen Amy be a second mom to her brothers and sisters. She has a special, unique bond with each of them. She has continued to watch out for them even as they have married and gone out on their own. As I've gotten to know Mike, I see how much he loves being a dad and it has been wonderful to watch Mike share in this big-brother role since joining our family.
They are very caring, nurturing people. They are both very smart and are very good and patient with teaching and helping others. They have an amazing sense of adventure and exploring. They both are very talented in many, many ways. I look up to and admire them so very much. Amy and Mike have shown such an incredible amount of love, concern, caring, and support for their sons, friends, siblings, and even their parents, that I KNOW they will give even more of themselves and these gifts to their children. Your child will be very loved and blessed in their home.
I grew up in a very small family, both immediate and extended. I always envied people with big families. I'm not trying to brag, but this big family will welcome, embrace, and love a new addition. There is much love to share and give here. As the mom and grandma, it is wonderful to see how our children still keep in touch and look out for each other even though spread out all over the map. A baby adopted into this family will not only have an awesome mom and dad, they will have aunts and uncles who will love and watch out for them and lots of cousins to grow up with. We love being together. Simply put, there will be sooo many people loving and welcoming your baby and watching out for him throughout his life. I hope knowing this will somehow be a comfort to you.
I am a birthmother myself and I know how much you want the very best for your baby! Mike and Amy ARE the very best, I know how hard this is for you. I know without a shadow of a doubt they can give your baby what you are wanting him/her to have in life. Thank you for being a good mom to love your baby enough to give him all that you want for him.
Steve B. (Amy’s dad): I am overwhelmed with gratitude, anticipation and excitement at the opportunity to see Amy and Mike adopt again. The love, understanding, kindness and resources they have to share will be a wonderful blessing to a child and a child will be such a marvelous blessing to them for many of the same reasons. They are excellent parents because they are both unselfish, honest and loving. Neither are perfect but they are really, really good people who are trying to make good decisions in this life, and are doing very well so far.
Now, as far as me as a grandpa goes. I can't express the amount of love I have for K-Man, Bear, and Voo and that I already feel for the next child they will adopt. It is such a unique feeling being a grandpa. I cherish each grandchild and I will cherish this child with all my heart. I never knew any of my grandmothers (both died young) and both grandpas were gone by the time I was a teenager. I was always envious of kids who had grandparents. I guess that's why I want to be an exceptional grandpa. Your baby will definitely be loved and welcomed into our family with open arms. Thank you for reading this.
Cheryl B. (Mike’s mom): As I have contemplated what I might write in Mike and Amy’s behalf I have thought about how patient Michael was with his baby brother, Remington, as they grew up together in rural Idaho. Despite the difference in their ages Michael would spend hours on the trampoline playing “Power Rangers” with Remington armed with a fake sword and a very active imagination. He always took the time to play with Remington even though he was very busy with school, after school activities, and 2 part time jobs. When Michael was attending college he worked several jobs and one was at a Juvenile Detention Center with troubled youth and he often commented how he really wished he could help the troubled kids turn their lives around and become productive citizens.
Another job he had while in college was working at the university’s daycare and he loved working with the young children and driving the purple bus that the kids rode. Since Michael first started dating Amy, my husband Dan and I have often commented on how well matched they are as a pair. They have the same strong morals and strong values which are a complement to each other and are a big help as they began raising a family. I have enjoyed watching how they interact with children of any age or size and how children and young adults often flock to them to interact with them.
At this point in Mike and Amy’s lives they have three of the cutest kids that a grandma could ever wish for. These two little boys and little girl know they are loved and cherished by Mom, Dad and their extended families that include grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.
There is no doubt in my mind that if they are able to adopt your child into their home, your child will be loved and loved unconditionally. Michael often tells me of the fun things that the kids do as they explore their safe and secure world that Mike and Amy have made for them and, how much he loves “these little turkeys” and the things that they do as they interact with their parents and each other as they learn and grow. Your child will definitely learn morals and values and feel a great sense of security in the home that Mike and Amy provide. Things that a child needs as they grow up and face the adult world
I would also be very honored to be your child’s grandmother and help provide the love and security that every child needs and is entitled to.
Dan B. (Mike’s dad): I was excited when Amy asked me to write for their adoption profile.
When I have visited their home they are extremely kind to one another. It was fun to watch as they tucked the kids in at night. They sing a special song to their children.
Michael and Amy both worked real hard to get their education so they could provide for their family. I was impressed when Amy went to work at a potato processing plant. She just did it because she wanted an education. When Michael was growing up on the family farm he learned to work hard.
I love to visit their home and I love their children. I know your child would be blessed if adopted by Michael and Amy.
Ethan B. (brother): I am Amy and Mike's brother Ethan. I have known Amy my whole life and Mike for over 10 years. As I have seen these two together, I think that they would be an awesome choice for parents. They both love to have fun, especially traveling. I have had the opportunity to travel with them to many fun locations. Washington DC, Michigan, Colorado to go snowboarding, etc. They have adopted three kids already and these kids are the best! They have raised them really well so far, and would be a great choice for your kid's parents! I am the youngest in my family and Amy is the oldest, and she has been kind of a "mother" to me my whole life (in a good way). I hope that you choose Amy and Mike to be your adoption parents, I KNOW that they are the best out there, and your child will have a great life with them.
Jeff & Britton B. (brother & sister-in-law): We believe that Mike and Amy are exceptional people and wonderful parents. When considering who would take care of our children if we were no longer able to, we talked about what kind of home we would want our children to be raised in. We would want a home full of love, concern and dedication where we knew our children would be supported and cared for throughout all the difficulties and joys of life. We have seen Mike and Amy demonstrate these qualities as they play and interact with their two boys as well as our children. In fact, we feel that Mike and Amy would provide this environment for any child placed into their care. They have created an atmosphere in their home that we would want for our children and that we have tried to have in our own home.
Heston M. (nephew, age 10 months): I love my Aunt Amy and Uncle Mike! They are always willing to play with me and can always get me to laugh! Aunt Amy is always willing to hold me, even when I am grouchy and she usually manages to get me to sleep! They also read me stories, take me on walks, tickle me, and give me lots of hugs and kisses! They are great parents and I would love for them to adopt another baby so I can have more cousins to play with!
Jillyn M. (sister): Amy and Mike are amazing people! They make wonderful parents! They are extremely smart, adventurous, fun, funny, kind, patient, happy, loving, great listeners and friendly and the list could go on and on. Amy is my older sister and some of my favorite memories are games we would play together. She would play the piano while I danced or sang, she would do my hair and she was always there to comfort me when I was sad. I'm not very good with words but I love Mike and Amy so much and I know that they want more than anything to adopt again! I have five children and when we go visit they always have so much fun with their cousins, I always hate to leave. Amy and Mike are able to adapt to any situation and are willing to work with the birth parents in any way they are able to. I love them both and hopefully as you consider them to be the parents of your unborn child these few words give you a glimpse of how great they are!
Zak H. (nephew, age 5): I love Uncle Mike and Aunt Amy, and I especially love K-Man, Bear, and Voo! When I'm grouchy, they skype with me and show me their cat! I can't wait to have another cousin to play with!!
Amber H. (sister): Mike and Amy are rad. Since Amy is the oldest, I've always gotten to follow in her footsteps. Followed her to college, got married after her, etc. so we've always been able to experience things together and talk about them. These two are patient, awesome teachers, optimistic, adventurous, loving, even-tempered and know how to let loose and be crazy fun too. As a future-aunt to a child they will hopefully be able to adopt one day, I couldn't be more excited to welcome a new child to our family! The little baby will be loved more than you can imagine by not only Mike and Amy but by the whole family! We love their future child already and admire you for making the difficult decision of placing your child for adoption.
Nate H. (brother-in-law): I need Mike and Amy to have another kid, so they can figure out this parenting stuff and let me know what I'm supposed to do with my four kids! In all seriousness, Mike and Amy are an awesome couple who would provide a very wholesome home. They will raise wonderful children that will bring joy and happiness to our whole family.
Sarah B. (sister-in-law): Mike and Amy are both wonderful caring people. They have a love for life that is rejuvenating. Every time I am around them there is a passion for whatever they are doing, whether that be working, studying, playing, or learning something new. Mike and Amy are wonderful parents. I know that they are as passionate about parenthood as they are about everything else. I have no doubt that any child that comes into their home will be loved, cared for, and taught with the absolute best of their abilities. I can't imagine the heartache one must go through when considering adoption for their child, but I can tell you that Mike and Amy have a sincere desire to be good parents. Your child would not only have great parents, but a loving extended family as well.
Emily B. (niece, age 5): Uncle Mike and Aunt Amy are fun to be around. I also love that they want to adopt kids because they can give them a good home if the kids are not able to have one with their parents.