Kimberlie & Eastin

I hope our child’s birth mother is…

kind to herself. I hope that she knows how strong and brave she is and that she is making a choice that will provide her child with a beautiful, safe, experience rich life that will be filled with so much love. I hope she finds happiness, safety and peace.

-Kimberlie

Dogs or cats?

Why not both? We currently don’t have any pets, but I grew up with dogs and cats and rabbits and birds . . . I just love animals in general.

-Eastin

My best friend would describe me as...

A bright light. I have a very positive outlook on life and truly enjoy sharing this with my family, friends and community. We've experienced hardship and had difficult trials, but I've learned to see the beauty from ashes and find the light.

-Kimberlie

My favorite place in the World is...

I have a few and it depends. First, I’m fortunate to say that my home with my family is my favorite place. I love being outside and in the garden, in particular with the plants and the birds, teaching the kiddo how to dig or sow seeds, or figuring out what to plant and where with my wife. Second, I think it would be the Aran Islands in Ireland, off the Galway Bay. It’s a beautiful place. Quiet, peaceful, no cars. Ancient sites—ruins of churches and forts—and when you stand at the edge of the cliff looking out over the Atlantic, it feels like you’re at the end of the world.

-Eastin

We are the best choice because…

Of course, we will love our child unconditionally—holding their hand when they need it, teaching them to stand on their own, and letting go when it’s time. We will support them in every way we can, teaching and educating them about themselves, their emotions, cultivating their interests and passions. We will teach them love and respect for others and nature—helping them see that we’re just a small part of one giant community of people, plants, and animals all together among the stars—to make the best choices they can, to do the right thing, and help those who need it. And through all of that, we will do everything we can to give them a joyful childhood filled with play and wonder at books and art, music, new and good food, all while preparing them to go out there and leave their mark on the world when they’ve grown and are ready.

-Eastin

My favorite place in the World is...

Our home. We've dreamed big and worked really hard to create a space that is extremely welcoming and inviting to our family and friends. Watching my daughter learn and play with her cousins and friends in their learning space and playrooms is one of the greatest gifts. We often gather at our home, and get to truly celebrate all of life's moments- big and small in such a cozy and warm way. The kids love to swim in the pool, play on the playground, ride bikes and scooters on the long driveway, look for tadpoles and little fish in the creek and watch fireflies on the lawn in the evening. There is just something so special about our home.

-Kimberlie

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

I would consider myself a religious person. I was raised Christian, and believe in treating people with love, kindness, respect and compassion.

-Kimberlie

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

Since I’m lucky enough to have dinner with my family every day, I’ll choose Stephen Crane. He’s one of my favorite writers who died in 1900 at the young age of 28, and I imagine a conversation about life, the universe, and everything with him would be fascinating—but who knows?

-Eastin

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

We’re fortunate, where we are, to have a good view of the stars at night. And especially so if all the lights are turned off. And it's easy and natural for the imagination to wander looking at the sky, and the first thing that might come to mind is something along the lines of, “My goodness. How small we are and how big the rest of the world and the galaxy and the universe are.” We’re fortunate, where we are, to have a good view of the stars at night. And especially so if all the lights are turned off. And it's easy and natural for the imagination to wander looking at the sky, and the first thing that might come to mind is something along the lines of, “My goodness. How small we are and how big the rest of the world and the galaxy and the universe are.” But, after a moment of awe and wonder at that, comes a feeling of gratitude for just being alive to stand there and look at the sky and have those thoughts.

-Eastin

What scares you?

Losing my family. I can weather most any other storm.

-Eastin

My favorite place in the World is...

I have a few and it depends. First, I’m fortunate to say that my home with my family is. I love being outside and in the garden, in particular with the plants and the birds, teaching the kiddo how to dig or sow seeds, or figuring out what to plant and where with my wife. Second, I think it would be the Aran Islands in Ireland, off the Galway Bay. It’s a beautiful place. Quiet, peaceful, no cars. Ancient sites, ruins of churches and forts, and when you stand at the edge of the cliff looking out over the Atlantic, it feels like you’re at the end of the world.

-Eastin

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

Sailboat. I grew up on Long Island, in a small town near the water, and spent much of my childhood out on a boat or near the bay or the ocean. I like the freedom of the ocean and the waves, and also the mystery of the sea. And lighthouses. I love lighthouses. I don’t know how to sail, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to learn.

-Eastin

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

Sailboat. I grew up on Long Island, in a small town near the water, and spent much of my childhood out on a boat or near the bay or the ocean. I like the freedom of the ocean and the waves, and also the mystery of the sea. And lighthouses. I love lighthouses. I don’t know how to sail, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to learn.

-Eastin

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

Joshua Jackson. I guess only because people have told me we look alike.

-Eastin

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

We’re fortunate, where we are, to have a good view of the stars at night. And especially so if all the lights are turned off. It's easy and natural for the imagination to wander looking at the sky, and the first thing that might come to mind is something along the lines of, “My goodness. How small we are and how big the rest of the world and the galaxy and the universe are.” But, after a moment of awe and wonder at that, comes a feeling of gratitude for just being alive to stand there and look at the sky and have those thoughts.

-Eastin

My philosophy on parenting is...

love first. We always want our children to know that they are so loved. We want them to know that we will always support them, teach them, guide them and help them. We believe in modeling and teaching as many strategies and expectations through play, storytelling and safe conversations. We want our children to know that it's safe to experience emotions and provide them with healthy and safe ways to manage these emotions.

-Kimberlie

What scares you?

Losing my family. I can weather most any other storm.

-Eastin

Favorite season and why?

This is a tough one. I think what I like most of all about the seasons is that they are different, and even more than that would be the transition periods—winter to spring, when the buds begin to form on the trees and the seedlings pop up in the gardens, or summer to fall, when a hot day finds a hint of a cool breeze or there’s a single yellowing leaf in a tree of green, just teasing at what’s to come.

-Eastin