Welcome! Meet:

Antonio + Karen

Community Management / Communications Strategist

Maryland

African American

Christian

All About Antonio & Karen
Why Adoption?
Gallery
Family and Home
How We Met
Advice to Future Child
Perspectives on Open Adoption
Favorites

All About Antonio & Karen

Hello! We are Antonio and Karen! Thank you for checking out our profile to learn a little bit about us. We understand that you have a very hard decision to make as you explore options on what is best for you and your child. We think you are extremely brave, and you have our utmost respect. We are honored to share our lives with you as you consider your next steps.

Antonio and I have been married for 13 years, and have always had a desire to have children. Our family members have given us great practice over the years whenever a date night was on tap or they needed a break. We’ve done just about everything from teething, diaper changing, playing games, bath time, bedtime stories, football, lacrosse, and other fun excursions. Between the two of us, we have 12 nieces and nephews, as well as a few godchildren who we enjoy spending time with and spoiling.

We love our family. They are the foundation of our lives.

Why Adoption?

We both desired to have children from the beginning of our marriage, and when it did not happen naturally, we started to look into other options to grow our family. We explored infertility treatments and foster care, and through a lot of prayer, we felt like adoption was the right fit for us.

Family & Home

We live in a 3-level townhouse. Our home is bright, airy and open. There are huge windows that allow a lot of light to stream in. Lots of great smells come from the kitchen area, as homemade meals are made there on a regular basis. On the weekends, we like to cook big breakfasts that may include waffles, bacon, sausage, grits, fried potatoes, omelets, and more. For dinner, there might be lasagna, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, string beans, spinach, and more.

Our backyard is fenced-in. We are in the suburbs, and there is plenty of open space for outdoor activity. Across the street from our home, there is a playground, where many of the neighborhood kids play when the weather is nice. Our neighbors are friendly and kind. There are several parks and hiking/biking trails near our home.

There are many family gatherings with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and godchildren. They can’t wait to meet a new grandchild, niece/nephew, or cousin. We get together to celebrate holidays and birthdays. We also might catch a movie, hold a game night, or take a family vacation.

How others describe me

About Karen - by Antonio

Fifteen years ago, I was minding my business, worshiping the Lord in the music ministry at my church when I stumbled across an angel on earth. She would probably expect me to tell some crazy story that I tell for laughs with friends, but my wife Karen has truly been a blessing in my life. She is the youngest of 4 children, and the only girl! Karen is the heartbeat of her family and our marriage. She is adventurous, funny, supportive, and encouraging. We are partners in life, love and ministry. I believe Karen will be an awesome mother. She is a great cook, and she likes to try new things to keep life interesting. Karen is also very smart, she is always researching different things online to learn more. She loves to help others and has a soft sport for young children.

About Antonio - by Karen

Antonio is the love of my life. I knew he was the one for me because I realized that I could just be myself with him. I didn’t have to pretend or fake anything with him. He is my best friend and he makes me laugh all the time. He was raised by his grandmother because his mother became pregnant with him at the age of 13. His grandmother took over. While this was not a formal adoption, Grandma Lilly did what she had to do to make sure he was taken care of. Because of her influence, she built a strong foundation in his life that makes him the man he is today. Antonio will be a great father. He knows how to get on a child’s level so that they understand and show respect, but kids never fear him (he’s 6 foot, 1 inch). Kids love him. Antonio is open, caring, fun-loving, and inspirational.

How We Met

Interestingly enough, we met at our church. We connected over our musical interests since we both used to participate in a choir. After several “hallway conversations”, Antonio eventually got the courage to ask Karen for her phone number and the rest is history.

Advice to Future Child

Love God. Love and respect people. Live each day to the fullest.

Perspectives on Open Adoption

We believe in transparency. We are open to discussing what works well for everyone, including the best ways to provide updates, which might include videos, letters and/or emails with pictures.

Favorites

Antonio

Favorite Movie: To Sir With Love, 300
Favorite Holiday/Tradition: Thanksgiving
Hobbies/Interests: playing guitar, exercise, fitness, biking
Dream Vacation: a year-long vacation with several destinations
If I Could Choose a Superpower: fly

Karen

Favorite Movie: Romantic Comedies
Favorite Holiday/Tradition: Christmas with family
Hobbies/Interests: tennis, biking, plays, live music
Dream Vacation: Mediterranean Cruise (Greek Isles)
If I Could Choose a Superpower: mind reader