We can be reached at laraandjim@rogers.com or if you prefer, you can contact our licensee, Michael Blugerman at 416.923.7771 or michael@ontarioadoptions.com.

"By being open and honest about our lives and desire to become someone’s “mom and dad,” we hope to give you some peace of mind in your adoption journey. It is our hope that what you read about us here will help you connect with us, learn about us, and most importantly, give you the strength and confidence to believe in your heart that we are the family that is meant to make your child’s dreams come true."

Hi,

The Story of Us
We are Lara and Jim and this is our story. A little bit of romance, part action-adventure and a good dose of comedy. We are proud and happy in the life we share together and want so much to grow our family. We are excited about our decision to adopt. For us the choice was an easy one, as we both grew up in adopted families. We believe it is a huge honour and privilege to become adoptive parents and we accept our responsibilities to you and your child with the utmost respect and commitment.

In addition to our unconditional love and support, we feel one of the most important things we can offer your child is our flexibility. Lara works from home and Jim’s job offers flexible work hours with most of the summer off. Although we both enjoy successful careers--Lara, a freelance graphic designer and Jim, a college professor and freelance illustrator.

Jim Talks about Lara
Lara is generous, compassionate, genuine, funny and caring. She is my best friend and biggest supporter. I know it sounds hokey, but it’s true. I have always been able to rely on her integrity. We have come to depend on each others “honesty above all” policy. It’s a big part of the commitment we made to each other a long, long time ago. About five years, Lara joined a service-based organization that takes high school students from all over Canada to the Dominican Republic to help communities reach their goal in becoming self sustaining.

I truly lucked out with my in-laws. My father-in-law has become one of my closet friends - we often meet for lunch and have travelled together on a walking tour of Scotland.

Lara is patient, kind and knows what makes little people tick. She gets right down on the floor with them to play, read a story or do a puzzle. The kiddies in our life always run to her with open arms when they see her and are sad when they have to say goodbye. She’s an incredible Auntie to all our nieces and nephews, and great with all our friends’ kids too. I know Lara is going to be a phenomenal Mommy to one very lucky child.

Lara Talks about Jim
Jimmy is genuine, loving, passionate, energetic, caring, dedicated and funny. He is a big kid with a big heart. He is my best friend and I cherish his uniqueness and individuality--quirks and all.

Jimmy is passionate about teaching. He’s dedicated to his students and his love of drawing. He is always there to lend a hand to a friend, give advice, offer support or to just be a good listener. He’s my number one supporter.

Jim’s originality and his lively nature comes through when playing with kids of all ages. He is able to share and explore the world through a child’s eyes. Whether he’s teaching them animal sounds at the zoo, making up stories through imaginative play, or being chased around the backyard, Jim is adored by all the children in our lives. He’s an amazing ‘Uncle’ and I know he’ll be an even more amazing Dad.

Our Life Together
Living in Toronto is something we take great pleasure in. We love being able to walk out our door and be only steps away from great shops, restaurants and walking trails. Or hop on the subway and visit a museum, the farmers’ markets or catch the ferry to Centre Island. There are so many family friendly activities to do in the city, we’re always finding new ways to explore and have fun.

The neighborhood we live in is relaxed, casual and quiet, and is in such contrast to the bustle of the city that we feel like we truly have the best of both worlds.

We love to travel and explore the world around us as often as we can. Taking the time to get away and discover new places is an indulgence we really treasure. There is always an opportunity to learn something new, see things we never would have imagined, meet incredible people from all walks of life, and most importantly take pleasure in just being together. We try to achieve the perfect blend of what we both enjoy. For Lara a bit of adventure and culture, for Jim an opportunity to fraternize with the locals and practice his accents, plus get in some good old R and R. Whether close to home or around the globe, we feel very fortunate for the experiences we’ve had, and plan to share our love of travel and discovery with a child.

Spending time with friends is one of our favourite things to do. We are blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people that inspire, support and nurture us in so many ways. Our friends eagerly support our decision to become parents and would be honoured and excited to welcome your child into their lives as well.

Lara’s family is a big part of our lives and we are very close. We have dinner together every Sunday at my parents’ house. Jim and I have regular play dates with our nephew and niece and just love having them around and being a part of their lives. We know they will make great cousins and play mates for your Child and be very close growing up together.

Lara’s Childhood
I grew up in North Toronto with my Mum, Dad and older brother, Mike. Both my brother and I were adopted and it was a fact we just always knew. Growing up, we would often get the question “are we ‘real’ brother and sister?” Well if ‘real’ means teasing, games, sports, activities, travel, friendship and rivalry, then yes, we are as ‘real’ as it gets!

Jim’s Childhood
I grew up in the west end of Toronto with my Mom, Dad and big sister, Lisa. Being six years older than me, meant I got a lot of attention from her when I was little. As I got older, I was the proverbial little brother--always around, especially when she didn’t want me to be. Our relationship was like any other siblings growing up--the fact that she was adopted was just normal for us.

To You and Your Family
We are excited that adoption is the path we’ve chosen in making our dreams of extending our family a reality. A path which has brought us full circle as adoption has been an integral part in both our families. Often people will ask Lara, “when did you find out you were adopted?” I can honestly say, I just always knew. It was something I grew up with and was just normal in my family.

Adoption has always been a topic open for discussion. They provided us with any information they had and answered our curiosity as best they could. As I grew, I was able to understand what it was all about and that how I became a part of my family was unique and special. I think my baby announcement card says it best “I wasn’t expected, I was selected!”

Although I have not had the opportunity to thank my birthmother for the decision she made, I have always felt privileged in the life I was given. There are times I wish I knew where I came from, why the decision was made to put me up for adoption and whether I have any other family or siblings out there. I still don’t know the answers to these questions, but I’m okay with that. Having a strong, loving and supportive family has given me the confidence in who I am.

It is our heartfelt promise that your Child will be raised in a home that honours you and celebrates their adoption into our family. We believe being open and honest with them will provide a foundation from which they can flourish. Should you consider us as prospective adoptive parents, we look forward to building a new chapter in all our lives and sharing the story of how we all created an adoption plan together to give your child the best life possible.

With love and respect,
Lara and Jim