We wanted to be parents. For several reasons, we did not have a biological child. We began researching adoption in September 2003, when we believed we would be living in NH for the foreseeable future. We had decided to pursue international adoption from Russia. As Robyn's health did not improve, and the NH job market was not plentiful, we chose to move to California in August 2004. At about that time, we knew that the travel requirements for Russia were not compatible with Robyn’s health, so we looked into a country that could escort babies, and found Ethiopia. Then Max asked, “If we're going to adopt a black baby, can't we do that here?”. So we looked into private domestic adoption. We chose an agency (which was actually a facilitator, we later learned), completed our home study, and matched with an expectant mom in October 2005.


Our baby boy was born on Tuesday, January 17, 2006. We were in Missouri for his birth. Custody was transferred to us the following Friday, when he was 3 days old. We were required to stay in MO until the ICPC paperwork was complete, which took about 8 days. We returned in the summer to finalize with the court. The birthparents had already terminated their rights. We were required to prove to the state of Missouri that we are good, loving, safe parents for Jack. Jack’s adoption was finalized on August 25, 2006.


For a more in depth look at our adoption, please go to Robyn’s Live Journal or Max’s Live Journal.

Note: Robyn's journal is available to all. Please remember that a journal is “a personal record of occurrences, experiences, and reflections kept on a regular basis”, and therefore contains volatile, emotional writing. Max's journal is available only to his LiveJournal friends.


This section of our site provides links to our specific adoption information, resources, and FAQ. If you're looking for pictures, go to Jack's Page.


Adoption Pages

We wanted to be parents. For several reasons, we did not have a biological child. We began researching

  1. •Our Adoption Profile Scrapbook (PDF, 21 pages, 26.8 MB)

  2. •Frequently Asked Questions

  3. •What Happens at the Hospital?

  4. •What Should We Take?

  5. •Our Experience with Adoption Network Law Center

  6. •The Adoption Tax Credit Explained

  7. •Agencies That Receive Compliments

  8. •Agencies to Avoid

  9. •What We Want People to Know About Adoption

Max & Robyn’s Adoption Story