Family & Home

I share my home with Zoe, my ten-year-old boxer who thinks she is a lap dog and loves every human she meets, and Ryder, my six-year-old cat, who likes curling up with his sister and wishes I would take him along more often when Zoe and I go out for a walk.  I know that both will dote on a child and delight in playing together as they grow up.

I live in a neighborhood that has many families with children of all ages. My house is just a five minute walk from a playground, and about a seven minute walk from an elementary school. It is also a large neighborhood, meaning there is a lot of area to explore on bikes, without ever crossing a busy street. And there are a lot of mature trees and plants and wildlife, including deer, foxes, bunnies and so many birds.

I have several aunts, uncles, and cousins, who live in Virginia.   Living in the DMV has allowed me to grow quite close to them, and I look forward to sharing those close family ties with my child.  It is not uncommon for me to spend a Saturday over at my aunt and uncle’s house.  We’ll go hiking or into the cute downtown area nearby for lunch, chat on the back patio, and in the evenings watch a movie together.  My aunt is my biggest supporter and can’t wait for me to become a mother. 

The winter holidays are big in my family.  My aunts and uncles and cousins all congregate in Richmond every year for Thanksgiving, where my Uncle Mike cooks the turkey dinner and we each bring a dish to contribute.  Cranberry sauce has always been my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner, so I always bring that.  I spend Christmas with my aunt and uncle in Bristow, with my cousins, and when we are lucky, another cousin, Ellen, joins us with her two little girls.

I am fortunate to live near some great friends, many of whom are parents and all of whom are very supportive and excited for me to welcome a child into my home.   I know they’ll be there for me when I need support, and I also know that they will welcome another child joining our last minute summer BBQs, winter potlucks, and one of my favorite new traditions, Passover dinner in the spring.