Audrey's Family
Ten years ago, Megan and Justin created a youth ministry for teens with special needs in their hometown. Megan’s mom was a special education teacher and her sister is currently a special education teacher at one of the local high schools. Working with these teens was not unfamiliar for Megan as she’s always been working at Special Olympic events or hanging out with kids with special needs. Justin didn’t have much experience at first but over the years he’s grown to absolutely love the opportunity to work with this group. Justin has since been a Special Olympics coach for basketball, swimming, bowling and track. The more time Megan and Justin spend around these kids, the more their desire to adopt a baby with special needs and specifically Down syndrome grew. We both had a heart for adoption, even before knowing each other, and we were able to make this dream become a reality in 2013, when we adopted our 2nd child Mila who also has Down Syndrome. As our family grew, so did the desire to adopt again and we were ready to re-embark on the journey. In May 2018, when we heard there was another opportunity to adopt a child with Down Syndrome we were very excited but knew the financial impact it would have for our family. In June, we were blessed to start the adoption process for Audrey and this grant is helping us make our dreams become a reality. We are so thankful for those that understand the need for families to adopt children with Down Syndrome and by their generous gifts are making a tremendous impact!
Just wanted to send along a picture of Audrey and a very belated thank you for Audrey’s birthday contribution. We are so thankful for GLADS and all the great work you do! Hope you are enjoying the summer!
May 2020
We can't believe Audrey is 2 already! It's so difficult to step back and enjoy the moments but we try to do so often as she just continues to learn and grow. Megan and I were just commenting that we can't believe she will be ready to go off to preschool in just another year. Wish time could stop! Audrey loves to sign and dance and will pick up books whenever she gets a chance. She loves to look at the pictures and even gnaw on the ends of them from time to time. She's such a sweet girl and loves playing with her sisters and brother.
Last year we opened up an in-home bakery employing adults with disabilities called Moose & Me Bakery (named after Mila whose nickname is Moose). Our first two employees, Jake and Michelle, have Down Syndrome as well.
We are hoping to open a storefront here in our hometown of Naperville this year.
June 2024
Audrey turned six this year and she is full of life. She loved Kindergarten, included is a picture with one of her friends from school when they were on a field trip. We took a vacation to Florida this year with our extended family and I included some pictures that capture Audrey's beauty! She's enjoying summer, trying to keep up with the rest of the kids in the house. She loves riding her bike, playing outside on the trampoline or swingset and really enjoys playing pretend with dolls and other little figures. We were able to talk with her birth parents on her birthday which was very special as we don't get to chat with them often because of the time difference between here and Russia. We are hoping one day that we could meet up in a travel friendly country to see each other again. Otherwise, things are very busy, we opened our storefront bakery this past November. Moose & Me Baking Company has been a great success so far and we've been able to hire 12 adults with disabilities so far. They really are showing our community what they can do! You've previously mentioned that you visit the Chicago area from time to time. If you find yourself here again, please stop into the bakery or let us know so we can see you! Thanks again!!
