Our Life Together
We began our relationship as friends years ago. Although we have extremely different ways of looking at things, we bring out the best in each other. We both love to travel, try new foods, and experience different cultures. We are equally comfortable whether we are in an art museum or hiking in the woods.

We have a respectful and loving relationship based on communication and patience. Like the plaque in our bedroom which says, “always kiss me goodnight”, we make it a rule to never go to bed angry. Our parents have each celebrated over 40 years of marriage and provide a great example for us.

Kurt has four beautiful children from his first marriage. He’s a loving father and a wonderful provider and role model for them. The oldest two, Fred and Alex, are grown and live on their own here in town. The younger two, Nick (16) and Christy (14) live with us. Heather has embraced them and being a mother to them whole- heartedly.

We enjoying gardening, landscaping and beautifying our home. Heather is a Master Gardener and Kurt is happy to dig holes and help pick out plants. We dream of slathering sun screen on our child and heading outside with the little one for a day spent digging in the flower beds and veggie garden or playing in the fresh cut grass on a sunny morning. Then taking a hold of those grubby little hands and heading inside to wash up and have some warm cookies and milk.

Both of us love history and trivia. We are members of our county’s historical society and volunteer with them. Roadside oddities and quirky sites are something else we seek out. So far we’ve seen the world’s largest popcorn ball, crow, sand hill crane and ball of twine made by one man!
We love to drive off the beaten path in search of the silly or just plain weird!

Traveling is one of the things we absolutely love and we make a priority. We’ve been able to visit Europe, Russia and the Philippines and to go on trips throughout the USA. We’ve recently taken a family vacation to visit Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. We believe travel broadens a person, and is a valuable life experience for children.

Our Values
We believe every single person has worth. Respecting ourselves, each other, and our surroundings as well as ideas and people that are different from us is important to us, as are honesty and family. It is our goal to help our children as well as ourselves live up to our full potential. We will teach our children the meaning of unconditional love, compassion, and respect for their individuality. We value education and use every day situations as learning opportunities. We will do everything we can to help our baby live up to his or her fullest potential. We have educational savings for each of our children and will have one for the baby as well.

We have a strong commitment to education, community, and family. We attended Sunday school as children and young adults. We currently attend the church Heather attended as a child. It’s a little further away from our home but it is worth it because we are part of a larger family there. We plan to raise the baby to know God’s love and grace. Living by the Golden Rule of “ Treat others as you would like them to treat you” is a wonderful way to live. We always try to set a good example.

About Heather
I love Heather for her quick mind, her passionate nature, and her eagerness to experience new things. She is a true companion to me, and a terrific mother to Nick and Christy. Currently, Heather is studying for her Nursing Home Administrator exam, and will be a stay-at-home mom when we adopt. She enjoys people of all ages and stays in touch with all of her many far-flung relatives. She is the glue that keeps our family together.

I love that Heather enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing cultural exhibits. She is open to the world around her and keeps herself informed about issues and ideas. Heather is dynamic and energetic. Trips or parties will always have extra touches which make them memorable and special. Heather loves to garden, to scrapbook, and to beat me at Scrabble!

I know that Heather has what it takes to be a great Mom because I have seen her mother my children from my first marriage. It is a difficult transition to become the stepmother to children who have gone through the stress of divorce but Heather stepped in and gave them the help they needed to adapt and thrive in school and at home... She understands children and can relate to them at their level. She sits down and plays trains, super-heroes, or colors with them.

About Kurt
Kurt is a genuinely nice guy. He always has a bright smile and a kind word. I was impressed when he opened and shut the car door for me on our first date. Even now, years later, he hasn’t stopped! He is gracious and thoughtful and has a terrific laugh.

He works as the director of Information Technology and Networking at an international customer service company. He occasionally travels for work and I have been able to accompany him at times.

Kurt has a real zest for life! His sparkling blue eyes, gentlemanly kindness, and intelligence are what drew me to him. He’s also very handy and great at figuring things out. Collecting stamps, coins and postcards are hobbies Kurt enjoys. He also loves to watch movies with “Iron Man” being a favorite. Although he might not admit it, he likes the chick flicks, too! Kurt loves children and has a calming effect on them. Heather’s sister calls him “the baby whisperer”. Kids love to crawl all over him and then sack out next to him for a nap.

Kurt and his kids have a common interest in science and reading. They can often be found discussing wolves, owls, or the latest Terri Brooks book. They enjoy going to movies such as Harry Potter or Star Trek, and can endlessly discuss the last detail. Christy likes taking apart broken appliances and Dad helps when she gets stuck. She loves animals so we make sure to visit zoos and nature preserves together. Nick loves to build models of castles and other buildings, so we’ve made trips to Medieval Times and to Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the Midwest. Both kids love to play “what if” word games, with Dad answering each new variation the kids come up with. The kids call him their walking dictionary.

Family Life
Heather is here when the children arrive home from school and ready with a favorite snack or available to drive them to practice or a friend’s house. The four of us have dinner together every night. It’s where we talk about our day or something funny we saw or read. We truly enjoy being together.

Heather comes from a close-knit family with lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Her parents live only 20 minutes away on the farm where she grew up. Kurt’s family is a bit more scattered around but we see and talk to them often. Every August, we all gather at his older brother’s house for a few days of catching up, swimming, and making s’mores. There are 17 of us when we’re all there! Our family get togethers are always filled with games, food and laughter.

Birthdays are a big deal around here. We have a family dinner with the favorite food and dessert of choice for the birthday boy or girl. Traditions are important to us. On Christmas Eve, we go to church and then gather at Heather’s parents. After breakfast on Christmas morning, we pack up and head to Minnesota for a few days of celebrating with Kurt’s side of the family. We look forward to Baby’s First Christmas!

The kids are very excited about a little brother or sister. They can’t wait to read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and other favorite stories aloud. When our friends with younger children come over, our teenagers have no problem breaking out the Legos, Hot Wheels, bubbles and sidewalk chalk. They love to play hide and seek or take the kids to the park to play and run around. They informed us this year that they are not too old to dye Easter eggs! They’re going to make great siblings and playmates for our baby.

Our Community
We live in a small town in Iowa of about 6,000 people... the kind of place that everyone watches out for each other and it’s safe to let the kids walk down the street to the library.
Our home is affectionately known around here as “Big Blue”.

Within 2 blocks of our house are three beautiful playgrounds and several parks.
We have a view of the river and historic mill. There is a brand new library and the elementary, middle and high school are nearby. In the summer, movies are shown in the park next to us. We’re right on the 4th of July parade route so we always have a great seat for that and for the fireworks! The family farm is just a short drive away and serves as a weekend retreat for climbing trees, feeding the deer or sledding in the winter. It’s like a second home for us.

Having a child together is a natural next step in our life and an extension of our love for each other. However, watching others with their babies isn’t enough. We want to experience those late night feedings, the first smile, the first tooth, the first step, the first time hearing a little voice exclaim, “Mama!” or “Papa” knowing that we are the one they mean and they want. Heather is a natural born mother and Kurt is a patient and experienced father.

Our Thoughts on Open Adoption
We believe every child should know where they came from and their story. Our child will know the selfless, thoughtful, and courageous decision you are making with adoption and that it was made out of love. You will always have a role in the baby’s life as their First Parent and the one who gave them life. We are open to continuing communication, photo exchanges and visits if you would like. We will work to honor whatever level of openness you desire.

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter and learn about us. We would be honored if you chose us to raise your child and help to complete our family. We know you aren’t taking this decision lightly.

If you’d like to talk to us or find out more about us, please contact Cindy Simonson toll-free, anytime, at A Lovong Alternative - 1-800-556-5635. We would be delighted to talk to you.

In Peace and Love,

Heather & Kurt