Keri Kropke

Dear Birthmother,

Thank you for your consideration during one of the most difficult and challenging times in your life. My name is Keri, and I hope it will ease your mind to know that I will love your child with everything that I have in my heart and in my soul. I have waited, for what feels like a lifetime, to share my world with a child, and your baby will know that my love for them is unconditional and infinite.

My story
Although I thought I would have had a child by now, I realize God has other plans for me. Even before I found out I could not have children of my own, I knew from a very young age that building my family through adoption could be part of my journey.

And here I am.

I was blessed to be raised by loving, selfless, and amazing parents. My sister and I always knew that there was nothing my parents would not do to support us in this life. I truly believe that one of the reasons I consider myself a kind-hearted woman is because of my parents’ tireless love and effort.

I went to college at UC Berkeley on an athletic scholarship and then became a professional athlete. I played on the first women’s professional baseball team called the Colorado Silver Bullets. This was the first woman’s team to play against minor league men’s teams in history! I played in almost every major league ballpark in America, ate more hot dogs than I care to admit, and even have my own baseball card! After professional sports and some broadcasting, I decided to move back home and begin a career where I felt I could have a great impact in people’s lives. It turns out that teaching is my true calling!

There has never been one day in my 11 year career that I have not wanted to walk into a classroom because I love my job and it makes me happy. The second reason teaching was a great match for me was the flexible schedule it provided for raising children. After obtaining a master’s degree, I am financially stable and have job flexibility so that I can devote myself to a child. One of the greatest lessons I have learned teaching is that every child has different needs and that you cannot always be equal with all children, but you must be fair. My students sometimes tell me that I am the greatest math and physical education teacher at my school. They love doing Yoga poses with me under the Oak trees for p.e.! I try to compliment and engage each of my 30 students daily. I truly believe that when children feel that someone is really interested in them, they thrive. Teaching is an opportunity to experience the joy, light, and wonder a child can bring into your life.

About me
My friends and family would describe me as happy, optimistic, and always ready for an adventure. I look at life as a journey and try to approach challenges with an open eye, open heart, and major laughter. I consider myself to be a “personality plus” and want the people around me to feel valued and included... whoever they are. I hope to take your child with me all over America and across the world on vacations. I have a love for America’s National Parks; particularly Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier. I have also traveled to 14 different countries and recently went to Spain where I practiced my broken Spanish and gained 5 pounds eating croissants and drinking hot chocolates!

Did I mention that I am an expert guacamole maker and have never met a bag of tortilla chips I did not like? I promise to introduce your child to the greatest fruit on the planet...the avocado! I think it’s fair to say that I’m a foodie since my best friend Samantha often refers to me as “Snackie McSnacker”... which cracks me up! My sister and I also share a genetic predisposition for Rice Krispy treats and all things baked with sugar! Another passion of mine is photography. Recently, I took a photography course in Yosemite National Park where I learned to look at light. I am a total amateur, but I have loved photographing friends and family and making them albums, calendars, and books for years.

I am also a huge animal lover. I have been involved with the ASPCA, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Sea Shepherd Society for years. I grew up with lots of pets and can’t wait to have that experience again with a child. I think pets make the home a warm and happy place to come home to, and I can’t wait to experience that again with your child.

Family and Friends
My parents can’t wait to be grandparents again. I want to introduce you to them. My father, Marvin, is an amazing grandfather to my niece and nephew already. He loves spoiling his grandchildren by taking them to the park, reading with them and watching one too many Disney movies! One of his favorite things to do is take pictures on his Iphone of his grandchildren and send them to the rest of the family. My mother, Nancy, is a superb Grandma because she is caring, comforting, and always knows what to do when someone does not feel well, which is an extraordinary gift. Her chicken enchiladas are legendary, and when you spend the night, she makes you a delicious, fruit smoothie for breakfast. My sister, Jennifer, is my best friend. Second to my mother, she is the best mom that I know. She is loving, firm, kind, and can’t wait to be as good an Auntie to my child as I have been to hers. Some of the activities we do with my family are Sunday dinners, visiting “Disneyland- the Magic Kingdom,” going to the movies and eating lots of popcorn. My family also enjoys taking cruises in the Caribbean with my dad’s sister, Auntie Kristine, and her family. On Thanksgiving and Christmas we have extended family celebrations and we take big group, family photos and catch up with each other’s lives over a pot-luck style dinner.

My friends
I truly believe that it takes a village to raise good children and I am lucky to have surrounded myself with some amazing friends. I met my best friend Beth the first day of high school and bonded over electric blue eyeshadow and our love for the beach. I always knew, but it was crystallized for me at that moment, that we would be friends for life. On every Tuesday night, I have had dinner with my five girlfriends: Beth, Maria, Annabelle, Carolyn and Shannon. We have supported one another through marriages, divorces, births and deaths and know we will be there for each other in whatever life throws at us. They constantly remind me that they are praying for me on my adoption journey! Between my family and my friends, I am so blessed to have such an amazing support system in place!

My home
My home is three blocks from the beach in a city that has been ranked by Sunset magazine as one of the greatest park and recreational cities in America. The park and rec. department often hosts movies on the beach, concerts in the park, and barbecues to create a feeling of community. One of the fun things I look forward to doing is taking your child out on the beach to experience the feeling of sand between their toes for the first time.

My hopes for your child
I want to provide a structured and nurturing environment that includes lots of positive praise. I also want your child to become exactly what it is that they want to become. I hope to expose them to cultural, art, sporting, and musical activities to find out their desires and talents. At the end of the day, I want to provide a structured, happy and loving place that your child looks forward to coming home to every day.

Dear baby,
Although we have not met, I want you to know that I am already here... waiting for you.
From the moment I first meet you, until the day I watch you fulfill one of your many dreams, I will guide and support you every step of the way. You will know that your biological mom was a selfless and loving woman that wanted nothing but the best for you and trusted and depended on me to provide that exact life for you.
And I will do just that.

With love and profound gratitude,
Keri

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