Joe, Michael, & Sonia
Seekonk, MA
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We Are a Family From the Providence Metro Area, Hoping to Adopt a Baby!
Hello from the Providence metro area!
Hello! Pleased to meet you. We're Joe, Michael, & Sonia from the Providence, Rhode Island area. Thanks for taking the time to learn more about us. We realize you have an important decision in front of you and we're grateful to be included. We're also here to remind you that you're not alone. Our hearts are open to you and a child.
We enjoy spending time with children and appreciate their enthusiasm for life, ability to be excited by the ordinary, and curiosity about the world around them. Together, we plan to raise a smart, confident, and compassionate young person who lives their values, lifts up the people around them, and is determined to make their mark on the world.
Should you choose to contact us, we'll always say what we mean and follow through on our commitments. We hope you'll be a part of our growing family.
So Much Pie Sonia loved every bite of her Thanksgiving peach-blueberry pie
In Loving Color Showing up and turning out our rainbow-themed photoshoot for Pride
Sonia's First Halloween Proud Dads Bert and Ernie share their trick-or-treat haul with Cookie Monster
Up To Pumpkin Fun Enjoying a fall festival at Sonia's future elementary school in Seekonk, Mass.
Joe & Michael
We met for our first date on a blisteringly cold April night in the parking lot of a Sonic. Despite the chill, there was instant warmth between us and we were eager to learn everything we could about one another. We began a long-distance relationship in 2012, got an apartment together two years later, and celebrated our marriage in 2016 in front of family and friends.
Our relationship has been built on our admiration for each other, a commitment to cooperation, and never going to bed angry with one another. We've had each other's backs standing tall atop life's peaks and clung to each other as we've tread its valleys. Ten years, four apartments, and three cats later, we're confident we can count on one another when the going gets tough.
Our lives were forever changed in the summer of 2020 by the arrival of our daughter Sonia. The sun hadn't even risen when Michael's phone began to ring. The voice on the other end was a Friends in Adoption case manager telling us that a newborn girl was waiting for us in Central New York.
Since the day she was born, Sonia has displayed a curious disposition, a desire for human connection, and lots and lots of hair. Her determination to see and do more — from rolling to crawling to taking her first tiny steps — heightened our awareness and wonder in the world around us. We're both honored and humbled to be her fathers and are ready to once again grow our family through adoption.
Both of us (Joe and Michael) work primarily from home, meaning that we're able to have breakfast and dinner together with Sonia every day. The three of us can't wait to make room at the table for another child!
Santa's Favorite Reindeer
On a Mountain High
The Friends That Are Family
Windmill Adventures
At a Glance: 10 Things to Know About Us
We met at a now-closed Sonic Drive-in in April 2012 in Kingston, New York for our first date that lasted more than three hours.
We've enjoyed hiking in New York's Hudson Valley, visiting scenic locations in the Shawangunk Ridge, Mohonk Preserve, and Sam's Point Preserve.
Michael moved to Worcester, Massachusetts in September 2013 for a new job, and Joe followed behind a year later.
Michael proposed to Joe atop the Crow Hill Ledges in Massachusetts' Leominster State Forest in August 2015, and we married in June 2016 at the Ledgemont Country Club in Seekonk, Massachusetts.
We moved to the Providence, Rhode Island area in October 2016, initially renting an apartment in Attleboro, Massachusetts before purchasing a home in Seekonk, Massachusetts in May 2018 directly across the street from our wedding site.
We often celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with Joe's parents in the Albany, New York area, and have enjoyed watching the July 4 fireworks at Albany's Empire State Plaza and rocking out to Florence and the Machine and Blink-182 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).
We visit Michael's parents in Michigan at least once a year and have over the years enjoyed attending Detroit Lions games, learning about Metro Detroit's history at the Henry Ford Museum, and eating cider donuts at the Franklin Cider Mill.
Our daughter Sonia was born on July 31, 2020, at Rome Memorial Hospital in Rome, New York, and her adoption through Friends in Adoption (FIA) was finalized in October 2020 in Saratoga County, New York.
We take Sonia to Slater Park in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, nearly every weekend, where she enjoys riding the 125-year-old Looff Carousel, seeing the donkey and ponies at Daggett Farm, and swinging at the playground.
We have a family membership to the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, where Sonia particularly enjoys the elephants and the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit.
Now Really Get To Know More About Us
Meet Joe
Our Cats
Our Neighborhood
Sittin' Pretty Having a swinging time with Daddy at Pawtucket, R.I.'s Slater Park
Fun Cake Sonia couldn't wait to sink her teeth into Joe's fun birthday cake
Wild Baby Appeared! Joe and Sonia having a Pokéball
Eggcellent Joe cracking yolks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California
Waterboys Joe and friend's child Logan watering our backyard
Do You Believe In Magic? Sonia and Joe exploring Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Swimming Lessons Enjoying a relaxing dip in Michael's parents pool in Michigan
—as written by Michael
"Joe has a brilliant mind, a booming laugh, and a big heart. His presence can always be felt in a room, whether he's loudly describing something ridiculous that recently happened to him or comforting a friend or family member that's going through a tough time. He pours his heart and soul into supporting those he cares about and excels at helping people figure out how to navigate through difficult situations.
Joe was recognized as the cutest baby of the week at Albany Medical Center when he was born, and his charm has never faded. Joe spent his childhood reading novels on a tree branch outside his home, competing in high-stakes trivia contests, and sticking with Boy Scouts through years of soggy tents and square knots to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He made his closest friends for life while at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and honed his writing and public speaking skills in their communications program.
Joe is committed to helping young people of color and first-generation students get to and through medical school by connecting them with the financial resources they need to stay enrolled. He is passionate about financial literacy and has put together games, workshops, and newsletters to teach students how to qualify for more financial aid and lower their debt burden.
At home, Joe prevents me from embracing my inner slob and ensures that both of us have clean clothes to wear and clean dishes to eat off. He's a wonderful pet parent, has built toys for our cats Ganesh, Ralph, and Marla to play with, and is constantly offering them pets, cuddles, and treats. He helps me laugh when I'm worried about a big project and reassures me when I'm feeling overwhelmed or unsure of myself.
Joe's star shines brightest, though, when he's around our daughter Sonia. She's all giggles during playtime with Joe, and he keeps her busy by playing peekaboo with giant blankets, chasing after her on his hands and knees, turning the robot vacuum into a toy, tossing her gently in the air, and acting out books in fun voices. And when it's time to rest, Joe does a great job of settling Sonia down by reading her soothing stories and rocking her gently in his arms. Joe's also skilled at redirecting Sonia's focus to something more pleasant when she gets angry or upset.
Joe's willingness to get messy, care deeply, laugh at himself, and instill a sense of right and wrong has made him an incredible dad."
Falling For You Michael enjoying a scenic vista at Michigan's Wagner Falls
The Family Express Michael, Sonia, Michael's brother Daniel and nephew Jack enjoy a train ride at the Marin Country Mart
Gotta Catch 'Em All Michael giving Sonia an early start on Pokémon
Reading is Fundamental Introducing Sonia and friend's daughter Adelajda to their first 100 words
Water, Water Everywhere Sonia and Pop experimenting at our backyard water table
Sonia's First Snow Enjoying the first flakes in Pop's arms
Sonia Takes The Wheel Sonia gives a driving lesson while visiting Michael's parents near Palm Springs, Calif.
Happy Feet Michael kicking back in our basement with friend's child Owen
—as written by Joe
"Loving Michael taught me how to be a better friend. I'm amazed at the depth and complexity of the myriad relationships he's made. It's more than 'liking' pictures and making comments. It's making plans and agreeing to see each other — no matter the distance.
These connections have resulted in some of the most amazing memories, from reaching the top of the Hollywood sign to performing a Bollywood dance number for more than 300 strangers. He's never afraid of looking goofy or challenging me to push outside my comfort zone. It also doesn't hurt that he's a top chef in the kitchen.
Michael brings that same tenacity to his career writing about cybersecurity. His data-driven, analytical approach to reporting has taught him how to pay attention to details without losing sight of the bigger picture. Friends and family often hear me joking that our spreadsheets have spreadsheets.
Grounded and level-headed, Michael keeps me tethered to reality and steers me home whenever I'm too in my feelings. His calm and deliberate nature complements my sensitivity and spontaneity perfectly. That consideration for other's feelings is immediately picked up on by all. So, it's no wonder Michael can be found at family functions playing a rousing game of Duck, Duck, Goose or sprinting through the sprinklers in our backyard with the children of visiting friends and family.
Michael's most in his element in the everyday interactions he shares with our daughter Sonia. He's never reserved whenever Sonia needs cheering up. He'll burst into silly songs and bust out his legendary dance moves to bring a smile to her face. Michael also isn't afraid of rolling up his sleeves and doing the research. This honorary member of the Seekonk Area Moms message board has uncovered a litany of treasures in our own backyard, from sensory gyms to sing-alongs at the Rhode Island Philharmonic and so much more.
What ultimately drew me to Michael, though, is his devotion to family. His parents had him later in life, but despite only having one sibling and no first cousins his age, Michael somehow managed to build and sustain meaningful relationships with a raft of second cousins. We've been face-to-face with alligators and moshed together at a family wedding to a Metallica cover band. Michael rises each and every day to meet the challenges of parenting head on with a fatherly pride that beams."
"Michael rises each and every day to meet the challenges of parenting head on with a fatherly pride that beams."
Bubble Tea Party Sonia's got a taste for bubble tea
Cousin Trouble Sonia and her cousin Jack enjoy each other's company at the Joinery in Sausalito, California
Girl at the Rock Show Rocking out to grunge at PVDFest in Providence, R.I.
Sprinkle in a Little Fun Soaking up fun and sun in Our Big Backyard at the Roger Williams Park Zoo
Here Lizard, Lizard Checking out reptiles at the Detroit Zoo
All Smiles Happiness is a new toy for Sonia at her in-home daycare
Look, Dad! No Hands! Sonia showing off on her YBike
Best Buds Chillin' with friend's child Owen around their Worcester, Mass. backyard
Our Cutie Pie There's always room for peach-blueberry pie at Thanksgiving
Orange You Glad To Color Sonia likes expressing her creativity at daycare through arts and crafts
—as written by her dads
"Parenting Sonia has brought immeasurable joy to our lives. From the very beginning in July 2020, Sonia made it clear she isn't one to be restrained. She burst forth from her swaddle no matter how much the nurses tried to roll her into a snug, screaming burrito. Sonia has since adapted quickly, learning how to sleep through the night, drink through a straw, and devour her Pop's home-cooked meals.
She loves meeting new people and will frequently approach anyone from grandparents to fellow toddlers and offer them toys, babble nonstop at them, or attempt to boop their noses. Sonia's not shy about making friends and actively tries to draft kids twice her age into playing with her. She's a big fan of our nearby playground, where she excitedly watches older children running around and climbing the playground equipment while on the baby swing.
Although Sonia craves human interaction, she also excels at independent play, and can occupy herself with blocks, board books, dot markers, and the robot vacuum for more than 30 minutes at a time. She loves having adults read books to her and will often hand us the same book over and over again to soak up the story and accompanying illustrations.
Sonia has developed an early passion for music and likes keeping the beat to songs by shaking maracas or tapping her hands against her legs. She likes dancing by twisting her body from side to side and moving her arms around, especially if her dads are joining in. Music also helps Sonia unwind, whether it's singalongs during stroller walks or listening to children's music in the car.
Sonia eats just about anything, with sweet or starchy foods being her absolute favorites. She loves watching all the animals at the Providence, Rhode Island zoo, and takes playtime very seriously, especially when she's exploring the corn kernels, boba bubbles or Play-Doh at a nearby sensory playroom.
Sonia's kind nature, easygoing attitude, and eagerness to be part of the action will make her a loving big sister!"
"Sonia's not shy about making friends and actively tries to draft kids twice her age into playing with her."
—Joe & Michael (Dad & Pop)
My Girls Joe, Sonia, and Marla squeeze in for their close-up
Bros, Bros, Bros Ralph and Ganesh snuggling on a cold winter's night
Baby Girl Marla keeping Sonia's Baby Bjorn warm
Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon It's a cat tree for three as Ganesh, Ralph, and Marla catch some Zzz's
Hug It Out Ralph and Marla basking in each other's company
Our home is filled with constant playtime and cuddling thanks to our three adorable cats Ganesh, Ralph, and Marla. They each have distinct personalities but agree on when it's time to be fed (now) and who's their favorite (whoever fed them last). We relish being Cat Dads and try hard so our cats can have better lives.
Ganesh is a spunky Russian Blue born in May 2014 who loves being around people and batting around toys. We adopted him in May 2015 almost a year after we moved in together. Ganesh has the distinction of being Michael's first pet. Ganesh is very patient with our daughter Sonia, allowing her to practice "soft touch" on him.
Buying a home in May 2018 meant that we now had enough room for a second cat. We chose to adopt Ralph, a goofy Tabby cat born in June 2016 hungry for pets and treats. We didn't realize until later that Ralph's papers showed he was born the same day we were married. Ralph adores his siblings and does everything to be curled up by their sides.
Marla first appeared on our porch in April 2020 when she was only four weeks old with a cry for food and attention. With the help of our local animal shelter, we were able to catch, socialize and adopt the Tuxedo cat. She's a frisky furball with a big heart and an even bigger appetite. Marla enjoys olive oil, bath mats, and abducting Sonia's baby toys.
Ganesh, Ralph, and Marla have bonded over their love for eating each other's food, wrestling and playing with one another, and snuggling up together to stay warm on a cold night. They can't wait to have another human friend in the house!
A Family Thanksgiving Joe, his parents Tom and Janet, siblings Nick and Melissa, niece Amelia, and dogs Lee and Razz gather for a holiday meal near Albany, New York
You Batter Werk Sonia and Michael's mom Joyce baking cupcakes in Michigan
Finger Paint Fun Sonia and Joe's mom Janet painting a Father's Day surprise for Pop
Nothing Beats A Good Book Michael's father Steve and Sonia search for Spot
The Golden Grandmas Sonia loves when Michael's mom Joyce and Joe's mom Janet visit
Hats All, Folks Joe's parents Tom and Janet enjoy spending weekends with Sonia
Go, Go Grandpas Joe's dad Tom and Michael's dad Steve cherish Sonia's company
"C" is for Cookie Joe's mom Janet shares baking secrets with Sonia
Beachy Keen Wave jumping with Michael's mom Joyce in Little Compton, R.I.
Visiting the Grandparents A laid-back weekend in Albany, N.Y. with Joe's dad Tom and Joe's mom Janet
We are fortunate to be part of tight-knit families who relish sharing meals, swapping stories, and celebrating holidays and special events together.
For more than three decades, Joe's extended family has rented a beach house along the Jersey Shore for a week each summer, where dozens of relatives will come together to soak in the sun, enjoy large family dinners, and catch up on life.
Joe's dad Tom is a fantastic chef and Joe's mom Janet is a superb baker, so we are always well-fed when we visit their Albany, New York home for Christmas and several weekends each year. Joe's parents instilled in Joe a love of live music and a deep passion for taking care of the environment.
Joe's sister Melissa is the first doctor in the family and a wonderful dog-sitter in her spare time, while Joe's brother Nick and sister-in-law Emily love hiking in nature, fostering dogs, and making dumplings for the Lunar New Year. Nick and Emily welcomed their beautiful daughter Amelia into the world in January 2019. She's an avid bookworm and Minnie Mouse fangirl.
Michael's parents Joyce and Steve enjoy exploring new cities, attending comedy shows, and playing miniature golf with us. They graciously host us in Michigan every year for the Jewish holiday of Chanukah and have enjoyed several Thanksgiving feasts in our home near Providence.
Michael's parents instilled in Michael a commitment to lifelong learning and nurturing relationships with family and friends. Joyce and Steve also spend a few months each year in Southern California, providing a warm place for us to escape the New England winters.
Michael's brother Daniel and sister-in-law Katie enjoy exploring the world, playing board games, and cooking together. Their son Jack was born in June 2020 — a mere 57 days before Sonia — and he's obsessed with trucks and Elmo.
Both Joe and Michael's parents have cherished being Sonia's grandparents. Grandma Janet brings her passion from working with small children to each visit, teaching Sonia everything from baking cookies to playing the xylophone. Sonia loves being bounced on Grandpa Tom's knee and booping noses with him.
Grandma Joyce always has the perfect customized gift for Sonia from Thanksgiving turtlenecks to personalized trick-or-treat bags. They've jumped waves and taken nature walks together. Grandpa Steve is never afraid to get silly with Sonia and has enjoyed blowing raspberries and reading stories with her.
Babies Bonding Making memories in Michigan with friends Umair and Maha and their son Jibreel
Passover Pals Friends Aimee and Francine share in our celebration of the Jewish holiday Passover
Turtle-ly Awesome Slowing down to spend time with Michael's friend Andrew in Michigan
Music Together Sonia and friend's child Adelajda jammin' out on the music cube
Dancing in the Street Swaying with friend Ryan in Philadelphia's Stephen Girard Park
Everything Grows Playtesting new toys with friends Jess and Daniel near Washington D.C.
Chasing Waterfalls A scenic Southern California hike with friends Kenny and Daniel
One of our greatest joys over the past several years has been watching our friends Caitlin and Sophie bring Logan and Owen into the world and raise them to be curious, compassionate, and considerate boys. Our favorite activities with Logan and Owen have included exploring the children's museum, playing make-believe, running through the sprinklers, and reading bedtime stories. We've learned so much from their different parenting styles and have incorporated what they've taught us into bringing up Sonia.
Michael's best man Tony and wife Christina had a beautiful daughter Emma in April 2019, and multiple gay couples we know have expanded their families through adoption or surrogacy. We're excited that Sonia and her future sibling have playmates in Emeric and Adelajda, both of whom also have two dads.
Prior to the pandemic, we hosted a large Seder each year for the holiday of Passover, inviting friends of all faiths to come together and sing songs, retell the story of how the Jewish people escaped Egypt, and enjoy a massive feast. Throughout the years, we've enjoyed playing board games, sharing meals, exploring Providence and Boston, and celebrating Pride with our friends.
Our other lifelong friends from high school and college are extremely supportive of our decision to adopt. Many of them are teachers or counselors whose primary clients are children. So it's natural for them to want to compete for the title of favorite honorary aunt or uncle.
Bedtime Story Sonia enjoys cuddling up with a good book before bed
Talkin' Turkey Michael and his mom Joyce prepare a Thanksgiving feast at our Seekonk home
Spin Cycle Testing the waters at the Providence Children's Museum
Fountain of Youth Sonia loves playing in the toddler pool at the Seekonk Swim & Tennis Club
Gay Gothic Giving you American Gothic realness in front of our Seekonk home
Here's Lookin' At You, Kid Sonia has a staring contest at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, R.I.
A-maize-ing Sonia Sonia and Pop navigate the corn maze at Seekonk's Four Town Farm
Nature Rocks Experiencing Monument Rock at Seekonk's Caratunk Wildlife Refuge
Some Bunny Loves You Sonia embracing the bronze rabbit at the Providence Children's Museum
Our charming home sits across the street from where we were married. We own a farmhouse with wide plank wood floors, exposed brick and beams, and a massive bedroom for our children with high ceilings, spacious closets, and lots of natural light. We finished our large basement in March 2021, and it quickly became Sonia's favorite place to spread out, play, and chase our robot vacuum.
There's also a sprawling backyard, ideal for playing catch, hosting birthday parties, or simply running through the sprinklers. It's fenced in on all three sides. We've enjoyed treating visitors to spicy pineapple chicken kebabs and ice-cold lemonade on our large, covered patio. Friends and family alike say our home reminds them of a treehouse.
We're only minutes from Providence, Rhode Island's top family-friendly attractions, which include an enormous zoo with more than 150 animals, a children's museum with interactive exhibits, and the very popular WaterFire festival which takes place on Saturday evenings throughout the summer and fall.
One of the benefits of our neighborhood is its proximity to a vibrant city while still being in nature. We live a mile from a huge public park nestled along a river which has a petting zoo, an expansive playground with baby swings, and the oldest operating carousel in the United States. We're also up the street from a bird sanctuary that has provided Sonia the opportunity to experience the outdoors up close and personal, as well as a swim club where we plan to spend summer weekends splashing around as a family.
Our elementary, middle, and high schools are all within a five-minute drive of our home and are highly sought-after. The quality and reputation of our neighborhood schools attracts a lot of young families to the area. We are lucky to be able to raise Sonia and her future sibling in a school district where academics are emphasized and extracurriculars are plentiful.
Video: Backyard Water Table Fun
Video: Nice Circle
Joe's Fun Facts
Occupation: Financial Aid Ninja
Hobbies: Reading, Video Games, Hiking, Theater
Places: The Jersey Shore
Foods: My Dad's Enchiladas
Music: Silversun Pickups, Jenny Lewis, Sheryl Crow, Tegan & Sara
Michael's Fun Facts
Occupation: Tech Reporter
Hobbies: Traveling, Cooking, Board Games, Live Music
Places: Michigan
Foods: Thai and Bagels
Music: Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kelly Clarkson, Florence and the Machine
Sonia's Fun Facts
Occupation: Aspiring Big Sister
Hobbies: Stacking Objects, Kitties, Matchbox Cars, Picture Books
Places: Roger Williams Park Zoo
Foods: Milk and Muffins
Music: Raffi, Sharon, Lois & Bram, Her Dads' Singing
Thank you for taking the time to learn about where we came from and who we are as fathers. We appreciate the opportunity to introduce ourselves and are equally interested to learn more about you. Should you choose adoption, we promise to do our best every day to raise a young person you'd be proud of.
Both of us agree to respect and honor the decisions you've made around your pregnancy. We are committed to supporting you and responding promptly to your thoughts and concerns. We have full faith in the Friends in Adoption team based on the compassion and professionalism they've demonstrated toward us.
We welcome you into our family with open arms and would love to have you play a meaningful role in the child's life.
Contact Joe & Michael
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