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Shaliza & Brandon

Home Study

Home study approvedApproved

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Shaliza

Caregiver

Gender:

Female

Status:

Home study has been approved

State:

Georgia

Religion:

Spiritual

Education:

Master’s Degree

Profession:

Nurse Practitioner

Political Affiliation:

Very Liberal

Brandon

Creative

Gender:

Male

Status:

Home study has been approved

State:

Georgia

Religion:

Spiritual

Education:

Master’s Degree

Profession:

Public Relations & Marketing Lead

Political Affiliation:

Very Liberal

We are the best choice because…

We are a fun-loving, musically talented family who love to play outside, travel to foreign countries and cook. We will provide an amazing home, full of love, respect and FUN (late night dance parties or family band practice!), as well as structure and responsibility. We want our children to fell comfortable talking to us about anything and we do not believe in spanking. We encourage the expression of thoughts or feelings, no matter what the feeling is. We want to raise healthy (mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually) and happy children to the best of our ability and want the birth mom to be a part of that process.

-Shaliza

The most special thing I own is...

My Guild acoustic guitar that I use for most of songwriting.

-Brandon

If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?

Ryan Reynolds -- he's funny and seems smart, but doesn't take himself too seriously.

-Brandon

Do I have kids? How do they feel about a sibling?

Yes, we have an amazing 3-year-old named Sebastian. He is so excited about having a younger sibling and, at least once a week, he tells us that he wants a little brother or sister. He can't wait to be an older brother and we know he's going to be a great one. His cousins recently visited, including one cousin who's only three months old. He was so gentle and kind with her -- it was really beautiful.

-Brandon

My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…

It is full of nature - lots of trees, a river, and several creeks (one in our backyard!). We walk around the neighborhood several times a week and always see several deer - they love our neighborhood. It's also a great neighborhood because the neighbors are all very friendly and respectful, inviting us over for tea and making sure to drive at a slow pace. There are also a lot of children nearby and neighborhood pool :)

-Shaliza

I hope our child’s birth mother is…

Healthy and 100% confident in us as parents to raise her child in loving, safe, happy, healthy, fun and supportive environment.

-Brandon

If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...

Lack of equality. I believe everyone has the right to be treated with respect, regardless of age/race/ethnicity/gender/sexual identity/sexual orientation/social status/ability level. If everyone were given a fair shot at equality in life beginning at birth, there would be a lot less violence and mental health issues in the world. There would be a lot more love and acceptance, and a lot more people would have a chance at a happy and successful life.

-Shaliza

In five years our relationship with our child’s birth mother will…

Be positive for the child(ren), her and our family.

-Brandon

If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?

RV, because I get sea sick.

-Shaliza

Favorite season and why?

Summer -- fun in the sun!

-Shaliza

Do I have kids? How do they feel about a sibling?

My son is SOOO excited about a sibling! He is 3 and loves to play. He is also very nurturing and affectionate, always patting our friends' babies on the head and making sure they have their toys. He asks us for a little brother or a sister frequently, and can't wait to be a big brother :)

-Shaliza

What is the best word to describe our family?

Loving

-Brandon

Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”

Laughter. Laughter truly is the best medicine and I so lucky to have a husband with a great sense of humor who makes me laugh, especially when I'm feeling a bit down. My son is also hilarious, and remembering his funny sayings or actions throughout the day help keep me in high spirits.

-Shaliza

Three years from now, I hope our child’s birth mom is…

Happy, healthy, safe and has the type of relationship with her birth child and us that she wants.

-Brandon

If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?

RV...I tend to get sea sick, but I love a good road trip.

-Brandon

What scares you?

Heights...sometimes.

-Brandon

My favorite Instagram account is:

https://www.instagram.com/ordinarypeoplememes/

-Brandon

My best friend would describe me as...

Honest, loving, hilarious, smart, hardworking, talented, generous, dependable.

-Brandon

Favorite season and why?

Spring, because everything starts to bloom, the days get longer and sunnier and there's more to do outside. It always feels like a brand new era and it isn't quite brutally hot in Georgia yet.

-Brandon

Dogs or cats?

Dogs, but cat's are cool too.

-Brandon

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?

"There must be intelligent life out there. The universe is too vast for it to only be humans."

-Brandon

My best friend would describe me as...

Sweet, kind, funny, fun, silly, motivated, ditsy (at times).

-Shaliza

My philosophy on parenting is...

Be loving and honest and never give up. Show your children love and affection whenever possible. Let them know how much you care about them through words, actions, and writing. Be there for them though their good moments and their not so good moments. Be honest when you, as the parent, makes a mistake. Be honest in admitting that you don't know everything as a parent, and don't be afraid to ask for help when necessary. Never give up on your children. Every child goes through a difficult phase - some more than others. Never abandon your children when they need you most.

-Shaliza

If I could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be:

Pasta. I wish I didn't like pasta as much as I do, but it could be worse, I guess.

-Shaliza

My favorite website is (...not your Facebook page :)):

At the moment it's Chat GPT, the AI interface. Pretty impressive stuff.

-Brandon

If I could have dinner with anyone—dead or alive—I would pick...

The original Buddha. I feel like he/she would have a lot of enlightement to share.

-Shaliza

When we argue, what’s it about?

Timing. I like to procrastinate, but my husband likes to get things done on a schedule.

-Shaliza

Dogs or cats?

Both! I grew up with both dogs and cats, but I do actually prefer dogs. It's more fun to go hiking with dogs, and I love the idea of the kids running around and chasing a ball with a dog. Also, dogs are good protectors and very affectionate.

-Shaliza

What is the best word to describe our family?

AWESOME. We are loving, respectful, fun-loving and hilarious. We are adventurous and accepting, open and honest. We have great extended family and amazing friends and can't wait for our new little one to be a part of our incredible life. Of course, life isn't always incredible, but it's the little moments (smiling with a big orange in your mouth, playing tag in the house) as well as the big moments that make life so incredible.

-Shaliza

In five years our relationship with our child’s birth mother will…

be open and honest, with regular contact. We want a real relationship with the birth mom. We want to know how she is doing and how her life is progressing. We also want her to share in the experiences of our adopted child - birthday parties, holidays, sports events. We want the birth mom to know that we advocate for both her and her child, that we are a great support system and will do everything we can to maintain a healthy relationship, for everyone.

-Shaliza

Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”

My family, friends, music and travel.

-Brandon

My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…

It's a nice, quiet place with great people, lots of deer and other wildlife and a river nearby -- but it's in the city of Athens and close to everything. We live on a circle with very little traffic, so it's a perfect place for family walks and learning how to ride bikes. There are a lot of a families with kids in the neighborhood and we know most of our neighbors. It's safe and is exactly the type of neighborhood we've always dreamed of living in. The perfect mix between nature and the city.

-Brandon

If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...

That money and greed and the desire for material things seem to dominate our global society, regardless of the negative impacts on people and our environment.

-Brandon

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

I consider myself more spiritual than religious. I believe there is truth to all religions and try to live my life according to a set of values that prioritizes health, family, love, acceptance, honesty and perserverance.

-Shaliza

My favorite place in the World is...

Probably New Zealand. But really anywhere with my wife, our son, our friends and family.

-Brandon

My favorite place in the World is...

Somewhere quiet, surrounded by nature - specifically water. I think back on my childhood and how we had a creek with a sandy bank in our backyard, and how I would go there to read or splash around or just reflect. Those are some of my happiest, most peaceful moments as a child (and as an adult!). I am so happy we have a creek in our backyard now, so that our children may experience the same peace/fun I expericenced.

-Shaliza

I'm super competitive when it comes to...

Games. I hate to lose games but I try to be a good sport most of the time. I love board games, card games, table tennis, darts, pool, basketball games and baseball. My extended family loves games, so whenever we get together, we always play Catch Phrase or Bananagrams or Scrabble, as well as several cards games and table tennis.

-Shaliza

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?

Mystery

-Shaliza

Three years from now, I hope our child’s birth mom is…

doing great! I hope we have an open and honest relationship with her and I hope she is achieving her dreams.

-Shaliza

What scares you?

Deep water. What's down there?? I do love the ocean and lakes and pools, though. I just don't think I'll ever take up deep-sea diving.

-Shaliza

If I could have dinner with anyone—dead or alive—I would pick...

Jimi Hendrix -- the definition of cool.

-Brandon

My favorite YouTube video is: (paste the full link)

https://www.youtube.com/@GreatMeditation

-Brandon

I would never...

Intentionally hurt anyone.

-Brandon

I would never...

have any dreams or aspirations in life. Whether it's taking better care of myself or my family, starting my own business (again), or traveling to a remote island, I want to always have dreams and aspirations. To challenge myself and respect and like myself for accomplishing my dreams and aspirations. I also never want to deter my children from achieving their goals and aspirations in life, as long as it does not cause any harm to themselves or others.

-Shaliza

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

Spiritual. We don't regularly attend church, but I've read the entire Bible and find a lot of a truth and beauty in it. If more people lived like Jesus, the world would be a better place. I've also scratched the surface on several other major religions and believe that are so many similarities between them -- love, kindness, honesty, fairness and forgiveness tend to guide most belief systems and are values that I try to live by.

-Brandon

If I could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be:

Hot buffalo wings, extra crispy, extra sauce. With ranch.

-Brandon

My favorite YouTube video is: (paste the full link)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4KP216972cPp2w_BAHy8g

-Shaliza

When we argue, what’s it about?

On the very rare occasions that we argue, it's about something silly like cleaning. But our arguments are never really serious and never last long. They usually end quicklyl with laughter.

-Brandon

I'm super competitive when it comes to...

Playing sports and playing Catch Phrase.

-Brandon

I hope our child’s birth mother is…

Open and honest. I hope she is open to having a relationship with her child (and us!)and honest about how her life is and how she wants that relationship to look like. I hope she is at peace with the decisions in her life and that she finds joy and happiness in her own life. I hope she acheives her own dreams and loves and respects herself.

-Shaliza

The most special thing I own is...

A set of gold bangles my grandmother brought to America from Trinidad and Tobago (where my family is from).

-Shaliza

We are the best choice because…

We are loving, honest, caring and fun. We will always prioritize our children and family ahead of everything and we would raise your child in the same way we raise our biological child. All three of us would always be very intentional in making sure that your child always knows that they are part of our family. Our child will be amazing older brother. We like to think that we are empathetic and emotionally intelligent and will raise our children to be as well.

-Brandon

My philosophy on parenting is...

Do everything with love. Children need guidance, but they need to grow up to be confident in their abilities to make their own decisions eventually. Balance is everything.

-Brandon

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