Hello!! I hope this profile will help you to learn a little bit about me. I realize you are making one of the biggest decisions of your life, and I have so much respect for your courage and strength. I understand how important it is to know your child is safe, well-cared for, and growing up in a loving home. My promise to you… Is to love, care for, and cherish your child. I will do everything I can to raise a loving, caring, and healthy person. I promise to raise your child to know about your strength, courage, and amazing gift of love. Maria I am godmother to my cousin Shane, my friend’s daughter Maeve, and my nephew Gabriel

Mini-reunion last summer with some cousins A little bit about me… Although I am single, I am certainly not alone. I come from an Italian, Catholic family with a very large extended family. I grew up with my terrific parents and younger brother. My brother, Paschal, and I are fortunate to have always been very close. Growing up in such a large family, I always knew that I wanted to have children. I have not had any children of my own, and have decided to open up my heart and home Out on the town with my Aunt and cousins to adoption. I have always felt I was destined to be a mom and am hoping adoption will allow me the opportunity to have that dream become a reality. I have an enormous support system of family and friends. They say it takes a village to

I currently work as a raise a child. I definitely have that village and more. I have thirty-seven first cousins, plus aunts, Systems Administrator, uncles, one nephew and one niece. My cousins are now spread all around the country; however, and I enjoy my career many still live locally, and we see and talk to each other often.

My Godparents, Jim and Linda

Sleep over with my niece and nephew Enjoying a backyard picnic Cousin’s college graduation celebration Open Arms... Through the eyes of Maria’s brother Paschal, and sister-in-law Kristen…

“From my point of view, as my older sister, Maria has always had a natural instinct to be a caregiver to children. She was an only child for seven years before I was born, so I’m sure the addition of a sibling was a shock to the family. Most kids get jealous when a new baby arrives…not Maria. She welcomed me with open arms, and always made her brother part of all family traditions and “There is something about Maria that everyone who loves her knows. experiences. In fact she would, and still does, go out of her way to Maria loves her family. When I first met her almost 14 years ago, make sure others in our family have heard I instantly had another sister. She welcomed me with open arms. of my accomplishments and achievements She is the Godmother to my son. He adores her and knows that if before her own are recognized. No matter he ever needs anything his “Aunta Ria” is the one to call. Some- how busy, as a teenager or college student, thing else that everyone should know about she always took time to make her little Maria is that she is brilliant, in every sense brother’s interests and hobbies important of the word. She is smart, funny, and she in her life too. From helping me learn to ski, can light up a room with her smile. She is to kicking a soccer ball around, or leading always doing something interesting and by example in her spiritual life, Maria has always taken the lead, creative. Whether it is teaching me how to held out her hand, and supported me through everything I have ex- can tomatoes, or volunteering in the cancer perienced in life. Just a small sample of the selfless, humble, and hospital’s bike ride for the 17th year in a life giving love she possesses. Maria has never let me down as my row. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does. My sibling. She takes her job as sister seriously, as she does with all daughter and her play a game where Maria asks “How much does her relationships in life. She is passionate about the people in her Aunt Maria love you?” and my little one holds her arms out as life, and takes the time necessary to nurture them. wide as she can and says “TTTTTHISSSSS MUCH!!!!” Little does As she welcomed me when I arrived in her life, I have the utmost my daughter know that Maria’s love for her cannot be measured. confidence that Maria would make a worthy mother to love and I know that Maria would make an excellent mother and that welcome your child into her life with open arms.” she would be honored to love your child as her own.” —Paschal —Kristen My Home...

My home is a two-story traditional home with three bedrooms and two and a half baths on a quiet street surrounded by trees and land. My home also has a large patio that overlooks the woods. There are many nights that deer, rabbits, and birds come to visit. It is a perfect setting for a child to discover the beautiful outdoors. Since I have a three year old nephew and two year old niece, my home is ready to welcome and care for a child with plenty of room to run, play, learn, and grow.

My house is already baby-safe, full of toys, and has a BIG backyard.

I love where I live. It is near many lakes, parks, and has the advantage of all 4 seasons. There are many outdoor activities including festivals, biking, camping in the summer and downhill skiing, sledding and ice skating in the winter. My Hobbies and Traditions…

When I was growing up, my parents believed in introducing my brother and me to many of life’s different experiences. Sports, art, and theater are just a few of them, and because of this, I have many interests and hobbies.

I enjoy watching all types of sports. I volunteer my time to my college Alma Mater and the local cancer hospital. In the winter, I downhill ski, bowl, and attend the theater. In the summer, in addition to biking, I play softball, and tennis. I love anything outdoors, especially being by the water. Along with being an amateur Pond ice skating with a dear friend photographer, I am an avid reader of anything to do with history, especially Annual charity bike ride American and European.

Skiing at Whiteface

Hiking up Mount Marcy

On vacation in Jamaica

Yankees game with my brother

Family traditions are important to me as well as passing them along to the next generation. My grandmothers passed along their love of cooking and baking to me. I carry on the tradition of making Italian cookies at Christmas time and my grandmother’s Easter bread in the springtime. Continuing these traditions and many others gives me a sense that my grandparents’ spirit and memories are still alive in our family.

Christmas morning Frosting Easter lamb cake with Gabriel My Friends... I am lucky to have a lot of family and friends very close by. I have many family and friend gatherings with plenty of kids to play with as well as grand- parents, aunts, and uncles. All of my family and

friends are just as excited as I am at the wonderful Celebrating the 4th of July at friend’s beach house possibility of welcoming a precious child into our family! Friday night fun

Acting silly with my high school friend Spending time with friends is very important to me.

I am blessed to have friends I have known since high school and college. I cherish On vacation with a college friend these friendships very much. Many of my friends have children, and so it will be Arrival of my friend’s son easy to find activities to share with them. My Mom and Dad

Sharing my birthday with Gabriel and Liliana! 1-2-3... JUMP! and Family… My brother and sister-in-law could not be happier for me. They live only twenty minutes away, and they are always there when I need them. They have two children. My nephew Gabriel is three years old, and my niece Liliana is two years old. They are kind, thoughtful, smart, and talented children. I look forward to spending as much time as possible with them each week. They fill my heart with so much joy.

Playing Hide ‘n’ Seek Mom’s birthday celebration! with Gabriel and Liliana!

I come from a close-knit family whom I speak with and/or see on a daily basis. My parents are thrilled about their role as grandparents and support me in my decision to adopt. They currently watch my nephew and niece three times a week and are very involved in their upbringing. I will initially take time off from work to be with the baby. Your child will have cousins to play with, and instead of being at day care, will always be in capable hands with my parents when I return to work. Enjoying our cruise! Thank you!! My hope and number one goal is making sure your child knows he or she is loved unconditionally. I feel strongly about providing a safe and supportive home. A child should feel loved and secure while having fun and enjoying life. As I have always said since I was little… kids are people, too!! Your child will be given opportunities to learn and grow. My parenting style is full of encouragement, compassion, patience, and positive reinforcement. I am a very loving, patient, family oriented, funny, down-to-earth woman who has so much to share with a child. Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about me. I wish you well in whatever decision you make, and may peace be with you always! —Maria