Back to all familiesDear Friend,
It warms our hearts to reach out to you, and we’re deeply grateful for your time and consideration. It fills us with honor and humility to think of expanding our family, which is the very heartbeat of our lives. Our journey of family building took a beautiful turn in 2020 with the adoption of our son Arturo. Since then, our days have been a tapestry of laughter, achievements, and boundless love. Now, we dream of weaving another thread into this family tapestry by welcoming a new child to grow and thrive alongside Arturo as a sibling.
Life in our home is an endless celebration of togetherness. Whether it’s Jason teaching the joy of cooking to Arturo, or Nicolle lighting up winter nights with dance parties, each moment is a treasure. Sunny days find us biking or basking by the lakefront, soaking in nature’s beauty. Arturo’s fascination with butterflies, trains, and planes is a joy he’s eager to share, and we can’t wait to see him beam with pride as he introduces a sibling to these wonders.
Our roots in multi-cultural traditions enrich our lives. The holiday seasons bring the delightful aromas of tamales and black-eyed peas, hearing Mexican and Southern accents that echo the warmth of our upbringing. Arturo is embracing this rich heritage, learning Spanish and cultural traditions that celebrate our diverse backgrounds.
Our lives are dedicated to service, education, and spirituality. Nicolle’s work as a therapist and Jason’s humanitarian efforts are driven by a commitment to uplift others. This ethos, rooted in our faith, shapes our family values. Our meeting while serving at a center for disabled adults marked the beginning of a shared journey in compassion and care. We’re eager to instill these principles in our children, fostering a legacy of kindness and understanding.
Travel has broadened our horizons, igniting a passion for exploration and discovery that we delight in sharing with Arturo. His excitement in experiencing new cultures, cities, and cuisines is infectious. We yearn to introduce another child to the marvels of the world, witnessing their awe and wonder with every new adventure.
Our home is a sanctuary of love, encouragement, and unwavering support. Since 2007, we’ve walked hand in hand, lifting each other through trials and triumphs. We promise to envelop a child in this same nurturing love, empowering them to chase their dreams and flourish. Your trust in us would be a gift, for which we would be forever grateful.
With heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes,
Nicolle and Jason
Nicolle
Jason
How do you enjoy spending time?
I absolutely love spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking on nearby trails or enjoying a peaceful walk along Chicago’s lakefront. Nature always brings me a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
I enjoy training and competing in strength sports, reading, and walking all around the city. During the summer, I love to be outside as much as possible and watch the fireflies at dusk.
How do you like to unwind at home?
At home, I find great joy in curating a stylish and inviting environment. One of my favorite ways to unwind is by arranging fresh flowers, often with the help of our son. This ritual not only brings a touch of natural beauty indoors but also creates a warm and cozy atmosphere where our family can relax and feel happy. It’s a meaningful way for me to decompress after a busy day and find peace and fulfillment in our home.
Reading books, watching football and basketball, and cooking help me relax. Nothing better than grilling a steak while watching a game!
What is your favorite book and why?
One of my all-time favorite childhood books is “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. It taught me about friendship, compassion, and the importance of kindness. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown has also been incredibly influential in my life and work, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity.
I have so many favorites, so I think I’ll go with a favorite author for right now: Charles Taylor. His works make me think deeply about the world, historical events, and the way people understand things. I love getting lost in deep thought.
What is your favorite travel destination?
Italy is my favorite travel destination. The rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food make it a place I always long to return to. My most memorable trip as a child was camping at Santa Cruz Beach in California with my family. The beautiful views, hiking, beach time, and family bonding are something I will never forget.
Rome is my favorite place in the world. I spent much time there doing my doctoral research and no matter how many times I’ve been theres’s always something new to see or do. The city makes you feel like you’re living in history.
How do you celebrate holidays with your family?
I love celebrating holidays with my family. It’s a time where we can all be together, laugh, play, and have fun. Every Christmas, our family cooks together, a tradition passed down through generations. It’s a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness. For birthdays, we have a tradition of singing happy birthday to each other, whether in person or via FaceTime, decorating the house with balloons, writing heartfelt cards, going to dinner, eating a special dessert, and doing an activity of choice together. It’s all about sharing our appreciation and love.
On Christmas, we love to watch the children opening presents, laughing, and playing. My father’s family would eat tamales on Christmas and a week later on New Years, my Mama (my mother’s mother) would cook black eyed peas for good luck.
Are you involved in any community activities?
I actively support Youth Outreach Services (YOS) and serve on the board of directors. This organization is dedicated to helping at-risk youth in our community, and I am passionate about contributing to their mission.
I’ve been involved in building the capacity of community based organizations to achieve their goals internationally for many years. Most of these organizations empower minority religious or ethnic groups to protect their human and civil rights.
What important lessons have you learned in life?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of courage, vulnerability, and resilience. Life’s challenges are opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Integrity, compassion, and authenticity are values I hold dear and strive to embody in all aspects of my life.
Doing what is right can be scary and difficult sometimes, but it will always be worth it in the end.
What are some of your happiest moments with your child?
Some of my happiest moments are spent with my son, whether we’re exploring new places together, dancing to our favorite music, or just enjoying quality time at home. We love creating art projects, taking classes, playing make-believe, and swimming. Traveling together, discovering new cultures, and reading books are simple joys that bring us closer and fill our days with love and laughter.
The happiest moments I’ve spent with our son are right after an activity when he says how much fun he had. Seeing him happy makes me happy! There truly is nothing better than the smile of a happy kid.
