Our Love Story
We met in Boston at a running club. Steve tried to run with TusaRebecca that first time, but she brushed him off. He challenged her to a 6 mile run the next weekend, and she reluctantly accepted. During that 6 mile run she explained that she was only in Boston for a year, but Steve still pursued her and they were out on a date the next week! TusaRebecca was instantly attracted to Steve’s steady confidence. Steve was drawn to TusaRebecca’s discipline and dedication to being healthy and fit. TusaRebecca moved to the DC area as planned, and she and Steve successfully navigated a long distance relationship for over 3 years. Steve proposed to TusaRebecca in the Boston Common and they had the happiest wedding in Boston surrounded by close friends and family in Fall of 2016. Northern VA became home for us and AnnaMaria was born in Spring of 2018.
As parents, we strive to provide an environment where children know that they are loved and thrive to their fullest potential. Steve is always pausing to patiently teach AnnaMaria how to do things like open her own bag of snacks, use a hammer, or climb up a bunk bed. Similarly, TusaRebecca brings AnnaMaria alongside her in the kitchen and the garden. Being parents is our greatest joy even on the most exhausting days. We are ready to welcome another child into our family adventure.
The best part of our day was celebrating with family and friends!
AnnaMaria is thrilled at the idea of being a big sister. She already has a stash of toys and treasures set aside for a new baby brother or sister.
Steve loves a good house project. He recently renovated the laundry room and our bedroom closet, he takes great care in making our yard nice, and he has an interest in woodworking. He’s great about teaching AnnaMaria how to do things along the way and of course she’s a great help!
We all enjoy cooking and always happy to have little helpers. From making muffins, home made pasta, or granola - there’s always something to learn in the kitchen.
Amica means ‘friend’ in Italian and she lives up to her name. She’s a sweet dog who is often found keeping watch over “her girl” or basking in the sun and taking naps.
Our Traditions and Values
We both have a strong Christian faith and currently attend a vibrant Catholic Church. AnnaMaria’s baptism was extra special as we are friends with the priest who baptized her and her Godparents are close friends who we met when we lived in Boston. Our church friends are learning about adoption alongside us and everyone is praying for you and our family.
We love Christmas! We decorate the whole house, inside and out. We especially love having friends and family over during the holidays. For the last few years, Steves entire family comes to our house right before Christmas. TusaRebecca’s family gathers in the midwest just after New Year to close out the Christmas season.
One way we have fun being active is running together - even 2 half marathons. To add to the challenge, we’ve both run races with AnnaMaria in the stroller. We would be quite the sight if we each ran with a stroller!
A favorite birthday tradition is waking up to blueberry muffins. When we were first married, Steve left on a business trip on his birthday so TusaRebecca made blueberry muffins to celebrate before he left. Now it’s tradition for every birthday and everyone likes to help.
Whether it’s around the world or to a new state, we like to pack our bags and go exploring. We love seeing new places through the eyes of children and making memories as a family. Most recently we drove to the mountains in West Virginia for a couple day of mountain breezes.
Our Friends and Family
Grandma and Pa and a fun bunch of Uncles, Aunts and cousins who are all excited to welcome a new family member. We love our weekend get togethers with Steve’s family throughout the year.
There is no doubt that a new cousin will be welcomed by these nature loving cousins in Indiana. Visiting these girls is always a special treat!
Juan (who is also adopted!) and AnnLaura and their boys live up in Chicago. Visiting them usually means we get to go to the zoo or the aquarium too!
TusaRebecca’s brothers and sisters are all ready to welcome a new family member. Especially TusaRebecca’s older brother, Tony, who was adopted too! TusaRebecca’s mother passed away, but her legacy lives on through stories and family traditions. TusaRebecca loves to sing the children’s songs her mom used to sing to her.
Our neighbor friends are some of our best friends. Taco nights will be even more fun with a new little friend added to the crew.
Visits from Figgy make birthdays extra special! He comes from Indiana a few times a year.
Grandma and Pa adore their grandchildren! They plant a palm tree at their house in Florida in honor of each grandchild, and already have a place picked out for a new addition to the family!
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