MEET KURT & HELEN
Find out who we are & learn more about our lives.
This is Our Story
We believe that understanding our backgrounds, values, and aspirations is crucial as we embark on this journey towards parenthood. Through these pages, we hope to share our passions, our dreams, and our unwavering commitment to each other and to the child we hope to welcome into our lives. Join us as we open our hearts and share our story with you.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Meet Helen
I grew up in a wonderfully close-knit family of six. We have such a remarkable bond because even though we moved every few years with my dad's job, we always had each other to rely on in each new city. We have a family call every Sunday in addition to one-off daily chats. Growing up, our free time was spent playing lots of sports and driving my parents crazy I'm sure! Because Mom and I were the 'O'nly 'G'irls in the family, we went out for breakfast every Saturday morning when I was little. We've called our outings 'OGs' ever since. I can't wait to create similar traditions in our family! No matter how busy we were, my parents made time for us to attend church on Sunday and eat dinner together each night, a tradition Kurt and I will continue. My mom introduced me to a weekly Bible study that I've attended for 18 years. They have a children's program starting with 'Bunnies' for newborns and our little bunny will get to attend. My dad taught me how to play tennis and I went to college on a tennis scholarship. Staying active continues to be a huge part of my life and I'm passionate about fitness. I've always dreamed of putting our child in a jogging stroller, bike seat, or baby carrier so they can fall in love with the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle. A seven day hiking trip last year made me fall in love with hiking because it’s a great workout while soaking in the peace and beauty of nature. I look forward to sharing outdoor hikes with our little one.
Meet Kurt
I was born & raised in the midwest and the oldest of 5. My parents divorced when I was five and both remarried and gave my sister and me three more wonderful siblings. We all talk/text/facetime each other often. Growing up, we didn't have much money, but we had a lot of fun. We played games, cards, video games, sports and generally just enjoyed hanging out with each other. I was always into sports, but also interested in math & science, business and investing. Although my mom didn't graduate from college, she is business-minded just like me, and now runs our family business that my grandfather started. In addition to my family, I've always had a great group of friends. From high school, college, grad school and various stops in my career, I've been blessed to have some amazing people in my life. These days we catch up often to talk about career, family, kids, faith and life. I love golf, art, traveling, and music, and hope to share these interests (and new ones) with our child as they grow older.
Meet Boston
The third member of our family is Boston (named after the city where we met)! He's a Miniature Schnauzer who is so cuddly and sweet that he became a certified therapy dog. Before he retired, Boston cheered up kids in hospitals, and in his later years he became a certified reading dog in elementary schools. He was all too happy to let the 1st and 2nd graders read to him in exchange for treats and belly rubs. Boston is so amazing that Helen and her mom wrote a children's book about him that is now used in a children's literacy program. The neighborhood kids love him, as well as complete strangers! He can't wait to snuggle with his little brother or sister and play with them in the park.
what kurt says about helen
I still remember the cute pink shirt she was wearing. All I know is that when I met Helen, I knew my world had changed. Helen is one of the kindest, most gracious and loving people I've ever known. There isn't a single person in the world who doesn't enjoy spending time with her. She's a great friend, an amazing sister and a wonderful daughter. I couldn't imagine a better partner to be on this journey of life with. I know her grace and caring sensibility will make her such a great mom. She starts from a place of love and kindness which I think is a great example for a child, but it's also what we all need to feel supported from our parents and loved ones. These values are so strong within her because she's a woman of faith who lovingly shines her light into everyone in her path. As an example, every morning, Helen sends me a video text with a spiritual message for the day. Literally. Every. Single. Morning. It's really amazing. It's that same love and care that she will bring to raising our child. She will love and support them unconditionally. Watching Helen volunteer over the years with children in hospitals, schools, and her bible study has been inspiring. She loves being with kids and being a part of their growth as she nurtures them with so much love and empathy. I can’t wait to see her as a mom!
what helen says about kurt
I've never met ANYONE like Kurt in my life! And that's exactly what drew me to him. Kurt is the perfect combination of brilliance and cool. On a bus ride to a retreat with the African-American Student Union during grad school, he was walking up and down the aisle laughing and talking to evvvveryone. Kurt was truly the life of the party and we hadn't even gotten to our destination yet! These days, you'll find Kurt working on a financial spreadsheet one minute and dancing to Jay-Z, Afrobeats, or Stevie Wonder in our kitchen the next. He has so many wonderful relationships because he's a thoughtful connector of people and the go-to person for so many when they need wise counsel, including me. He'll be as eager to help our child with their math homework as he is to show them the importance of treating others the way they would want to be treated...and in between I have no doubt that he'll pull them into dance parties in the living room;-) I know Kurt will be an amazing dad because I see how much love and energy he puts into nurturing our relationship. For instance, he started a tradition where we go away on a surprise trip every year to celebrate our anniversary. I don't know where we're going until the airplane lands. Our child will experience the same excitement - Kurt will plan excursions for them so they can experience countries and cultures all over the world just like we have. He also plans family retreats for us whenever we are making a big decision like a new job, our adoption journey, or to simply keep us on track with our life goals. He's a natural at nurturing little ones and I can't wait to see him teaching our child to play golf, reading books to them, building science projects, and taking them on trips around the world.
what boston says about his dog mom & dad
My Mom and Dad got me when I was 9 weeks old. I’ll be 16 years old this summer and it’s the love I’ve received from them that’s kept me going well into my senior years. I know from experience that their love for each other and for me will make them the best parents. They take me to nature on weekends upstate and are constantly giving me love and belly rubs. I can’t wait to be a big pup brother!
Our favorites
Here are a few things we love
Sharing our favorite hobbies and interests is a fun way to get to know a little bit more about us and adds depth to our story. So, come along and explore the delightful nuances that make us who we are.
kurt
Kurt – Golf, Swimming, Chicago Bears, Quality time with Helen, Comic Books, Reading, Catching up with friends
Movies: Wall Street, Trading Places, Black Panther, The Dark Knight
Books: Mountains Beyond Mountains, Den of Thieves, Why Should White Guys Have all the Fun?
Helen
Whitney Houston, Whole Foods Market, hiking, fruits & veggies, walks in Central Park, cuddles with Boston, working out, lunch with friends
Movies: Steel Magnolias, The Best Man
Books: Jesus Calling, Between the World and Me, A New Earth, Discerning the Voice of God
boston
Treats
Cuddles
Treats
Walks in the yard
More treats
Making the hoo-mans happier every day.
