The kids are the thing ...  Please take the time to meet my children.  Pictures are in the gallery above. 

In 2002, my wife Mary and I made a big decision -- to become foster parents for the State of Connecticut.  Never having had children of our own, we were terrified yet excited about the prospect of caring for babies and children who needed a safe, loving home for a short while or long-term.

Our first placement was Robbie, 16 months old, just walking, and a wonder to behold.  The first pictures in the gallery above are Robbie when he first came to us in August 2002.  He was supposed to have been with us for only three weeks while they selected his new adoptive family.  Well... time passed, biological family members decided they wanted him, then the courts decided against that, etc.  Meanwhile, we were falling more and more in love with this wonderful little boy.  When Robbie finally became available for adoption, we asked to be among those considered by DCF as prospective adoptive parents for Robbie. 

Our second placement was a newborn, who was with us for just 23 hours in May 2003 before his grandmother took him home to raise with his siblings.  He only needed us for that one night.

Our third placement was Allie, 3 days old, also a wonder to behold.  There are a few pictures of Allie in the gallery; more will be added.  We got Allie in June 2003, and she immediately stole our hearts.  It was apparent early on that adoption was in Allie's future . . . and perhaps in ours as well?   But, of course, the wheels turn slowly... 

At long last, on April 14th, 2005 we adopted Robbie and Allie in a small ceremony in Litchfield, Connecticut, attended by family, friends, and DCF workers.  Although Allie and Robbie are not biologically related, they are truly brother and sister.  He adores her and she, even at 2+ years old, idolizes him.  

Being a parent is not easy, we've discovered.  Being a foster parent is even tougher because of all the "stuff" you have to do - meetings, phone calls, visits from social workers, visits with biological parents, and so forth.  But I can tell you it is worth it.  There are kids who need help, need a place to be safe and loved while the system sorts out their lives.  We were lucky  -- we ended up adopting our two beautiful foster children. 

Right now we're devoting all our attention to Robbie and Allie, so we're no longer actively involved in the foster care system.  But once they're a little older, I wouldn't be surprised if our children find themselves with foster brothers and sisters who will become a part of our family for as long as they need us. 

Please take the time to meet my kids.  Pictures above.