Bo And Natalie

Natalie

I’ve always thought about being a mother and I know it’s because of my parents, grandparents, and extended cultural community. I get my morals and need to nurture from my mom, my sense of humor and love for cooking from my dad. My younger brother and I have so many memories with our paternal grandparents, who were local, as well as our maternal grandparents that lived in California, after immigrating to the U.S. from Serbia.

I think of the love they all showed me throughout my life and how I want to be the kind of mother my mom was to me: generous, adoring, and committed to showing me all the world has to offer. And someday, I want to be the kind of grandmother like the two I had; passing it on to children of my own is the best way to honor their memories. My parents are overjoyed at the prospect of their first grandchild!

Growing up in the Serbian community and culture enriches my life daily. It gave me a profound sense of who I am because I knew where I came from; it’s why I believe in open adoption, should you feel that’s best for you too. Bo now joins me in celebrating a lot of the traditions that are foundational to who I am. He chose to get baptized in the church that my great-grandparents helped to build. We are active members and draw on our faith for any support we need.

I have several cousins who both are, and have, adopted children themselves. A few friends of mine were adopted and have shared with me the unique adult perspective on how the process changed their lives. Watching my peers become parents in recent years, I want that for myself: the unconditional love of a child that calls you “Mom,” helping them find who they are, seeing them grow up – just the thought of it fills me with this glow of excitement. I became a godmother to my best friend’s daughter last year, and it’s a joy I didn’t know existed, being a part of her life.

I know how much happier and full my life is because I get to share it with Bo, and I truly believe that beauty would only magnify with the addition of children in our home.  I want to share the love I grew up with and foster it within my own family life, and I’m here for the ups, the downs and personal growth that come from getting to raise – and know – this unique child. Bo is the best person I know – compassionate, patient, hardworking, honest, humble, thoughtful, and wise – all qualities that will make him the best partner on our path to parenthood.

Bo

I’ve seen the best example of adoption’s impact with my parents: both men they call “Dad” adopted them when they were younger, after they married each of my grandmothers. I think about all of the unique experiences I’ve had with them, what they’ve taught – and continue – to teach me. It showed me that a family is what you make of it. I can’t imagine my life without either of them, and I hope every day that our child feels the same way about me.

My parents are high school sweethearts, and had me and my younger sister in their early 20’s. My dad worked two jobs for decades and taught me the value of a work ethic, as well as an appreciation for being handy. I admire how my mom raised us, teaching us there is nothing more important than your family, making sure we knew the difference between what’s right and wrong. I’ve watched her pass much of that on to my niece and nephew. I am so glad my kids will be able to experience having grandparents AND great-grandparents!

I have a big, close-knit family that gets together pretty often. I have so many great examples of fatherhood around me, so I knew it was something I always wanted for myself. Meeting Natalie just solidified that for me.

I’m fortunate to be surrounded by my extended family, as well as friends, who have kids entering their teenage years, so I’ve learned a lot watching them parent through the various phases of their lives. I love how they’re developing these more mature relationships as they grow up; it reminds me a lot of how I was raised and how I continue to have that with my parents.

Natalie will be an amazing mother and is the best person I could ever co-parent with. She is loving, selfless, nurturing and kind, always putting me first. We have so much fun in our house and I can’t wait to see how a child enhances that dynamic we have.

Natalie & Bo

We’ve built this beautiful life together, yet we feel that a piece is missing. To us, the gift of being a parent would be the ultimate blessing, shaping their life as much as ours.  Open and honest communication is what keeps our marriage strong. Our favorite thing to do is talk with no distractions, whether it’s on a walk by the river or sitting at the dinner table. In all things, we balance each other; opposites really do attract.

Our weekends are always spent with at least one of our families – since they’re all close by – and a rotation of wonderful friends. The relationship we have with our parents has especially shaped how we live our lives: persistence, resiliency, passion for what we believe in, support of our community and each other.

We also enjoy our home that Bo has been renovating just outside of Pittsburgh, whether that’s sitting on the patio while we grill, or in the new family room watching a documentary by the fire. We like to be spontaneous too – many a weekend morning one of us will suggest going out to breakfast or hiking a new trail in the woods. We have a favorite ice cream spot we always find our way to in the summer. And during football season, you’ll find us at a Steeler game. These are all things we can’t wait to share with our child!

After graduating from Ohio University, Natalie worked in journalism in Michigan and Ohio, before returning to Pittsburgh. Since 2022, she’s lived her dream job of working remotely for a social media management company. Bo’s job is in the electrical sales industry. He’s worked his way up from an entry-level position to being on track for a senior role, and as of 2023, has spent 17 years with his company.

Both of our careers will allow for a child to become our top priority; we embrace everything that comes with parenting, including unforeseen challenges, and we will be consistent, present supporters as your child matures. We consider our work environments to be part of our community, since both provide flexibility and support. We have good healthcare insurance and live near top medical facilities if ever needed. We are open to adopting a Caucasian, or mixed race, child.

The life we can provide will be stable, a home full of encouragement where our child will know the value of being an individual, allowed to make the choices they want. We will emulate the love, respect and encouragement our families have shown us. We plan to instill the same values in them: faith, respect, and integrity and while we look forward to sharing those values, we will cherish them, whoever they are, because they will be their own unique individuals, and we will support them in whoever they become. We look forward to all they will share and teach us.

Thank you

We won’t begin to imagine the magnitude of the choice you are making. And thank you seems insufficient for the gift you are considering giving us. We can confidently say that we already love this child so much, as does our network that is eagerly awaiting their arrival. We are excited to see what our family will look like through your generosity, because we’ve seen firsthand the beauty that comes from this process. We are grateful to become a part of your story.

There’s a sign hanging in Natalie’s home office, gifted by a family friend, that reads: “Adoption: because a family isn’t made from blood, it’s made from love.” We came to adoption by way of infertility, yet firmly believe this is what we were meant to do, how we always were destined to parent. We are hopeful and we pray — every day — that we will be parents.

We’d love to get to know you! You can follow us on either Instagram or TikTok @loveone_loveall or reach out to us via email at boandnatadopt@gmail.com