Kate & Todd

Todd is one of the most patient, calm and unique people I've ever met. To spend time with him is to feel like the most important person in the world. Because he is sensitive and so wonderfully thorough, he showers the people he loves with his full attention and dedication. This makes him an amazing husband and father. We met in 2005 after I attended an art and music event that he'd organized. I was instantly drawn to the community he'd brought together, and I wanted to know when the next event would take place. I was told to contact Todd for all of the details, and the rest is history. I fell in love with his sincere kindness, his sensitivity, and the way he smiles with his entire face. His laugh radiates pure joy, and he gives his all to the people he cares about the most. Todd is creative. He's quirky. He's a complex thinker with a love of technology and an incredible attention to detail. Yet he still puts his family first, dropping everything at a moment's notice to make sure that we have whatever we need. I love the way he gives his whole heart to parenting. Todd has countless amazing qualities, yet he's very humble about all of them.

Kate and I have known each other for 16 years, and every day I feel blessed to have her in my life. She is truly one of the most caring, genuine, hard-working and funny people I know. Kate is deeply sensitive to the feelings and needs of the people and creatures around her, including friends, family, co-workers, and animals (even the birds and squirrels in our yard)! And Kate is truly an artist at heart who can lose herself for hours in creative projects. Our first date occurred one Saturday afternoon when I stopped by to see her retro booth at a local antique mall, which we followed up with dinner and dessert. While Kate now writes about furniture and decor instead of selling it, her passion for design was and still is one of my favorite things about her. Kate taught young children for years, and now as a mom, she's always coming up with unique projects that transform our home into a fun, playful and enriching space. Don't let Kate's gentle demeanor fool you. She has a remarkable strength of character, always standing up for what's right, even in the face of outside pressure. She also has an amazing ability to get things done, facing any challenge with energy and determination. I consider myself lucky to have a partner who brings such joy, empathy and unconditional love to parenthood and to life.

Our daughter Mira doesn't miss a beat. She has an incredibly detailed memory, a joy-filled laugh that reflects her playful sense of humor, and a determined, loving heart. She is always seeking opportunities to build, design and create. Tape, straws, popsicle sticks and paper plates are just a few of the many supplies she uses to craft her inventions. This 4-year-old loves toy cars as much as she loves "spa time", and one of her very favorite pastimes is learning about nature and all of its creatures. She is wise beyond her years, which will make her an amazingly caring, helpful and doting big sister. Mira regularly talks about having a little brother or sister. She is helping us pick out names and is packing away clothes and toys that she wants to share with him or her. She can't wait to hold her sibling, to soothe and comfort him or her, and to have a playmate and kindred spirit in the family. Your child will be the apple of her eye and the gift of a lifetime.

- We are a family who loves creativity, constantly seeking out opportunities to explore art, design, music, film, and other forms of expression. Kate's experience as a former teacher of young children and Todd's expertise in technology have helped enhance their creative endeavors as parents. - Todd spends hours researching fun and interesting children's books to share with Mira. Celebrating wonderful stories is one of their favorite ways to spend time together. - Kate loves to work on design projects around the house, and Mira has fun helping her complete them, from her big girl bedroom makeover to stocking the art cabinet with interesting supplies. - We love experimenting with delicious and healthy recipes, and Mira enjoys cooking with us in the kitchen, inventing her own concoctions! - Todd used to work as an audio engineer, creating the sound effects for video games. These days he enjoys spending his free time reading articles, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, and using technology in creative and fun ways. - Kate loves to write. In her senior year of high school, she won a state-wide short story contest. Nowadays, not only does she write professionally, she enjoys creative writing about topics ranging from nostalgia to time travel. - Both Todd and Kate were in their high school bands (Todd played the trombone and Kate played the drums). Music has always been a big part of their lives, and now that they're parents, it's a special way for the whole family to enjoy the magic of childhood. - We spend a lot of time outdoors, taking long walks, observing neighborhood animals, enjoying local gardens and green spaces, swimming, playing sports with Mira, and gardening.