Chris (according to Nate)

An amazing cook, an accomplished writer, an adventurous reader -- these are just a few attributes that describe Chris. What best sums up Chris, though, is that he is a devoted and generous soul, who fights for what he believes in, and who loves his family deeply.

Chris is passionate about education. He is a gifted writer who has written for magazines and newspapers, and even published a novel. He already has a shelf of books that he wants to read to our son or daughter.

Nate (according to Chris)

Nate is the bravest, most curious and most loyal person I know. He came to the United States from Albania by himself as a teenager, and put himself through college and graduate school.

He's incredibly curious about the world, and he believes fiercely that education never stops. He speaks four languages (English, Albanian, Italian and French), and reads every newspaper and magazine he can get his hands on.

Yet for all of Nate's hard work, he also has a playful side. He loves music, and is usually at the center of any dance floor. He likes to take bike rides and to go for runs with our dog.

He also has an amazing love for children. He can spend hours playing with our nephews and nieces. "Uncle Nate" is everybody's favorite, because the kids know he'll push them higher than anyone else on the swing, and read them as many storybooks as they like.

Nate's family

Nate's family lives in Europe. We visit them at least once a year, and enjoy vacations on the seaside with them. They also love to visit us in the United States, and take in the sights of New York City.

During rehearsal dinner

At Brooklyn Bridge

Chris' family

Chris grew up in New York, and has a huge family: three siblings, six nephews and nieces, and two great-nephews and nieces. His family members get together all the time for parties and holidays. (There will be lots of babysitters and cousins for the new arrival!) His parents are excited to welcome their tenth grandchild.

At our wedding

At a media event

Our home

We live in New Jersey on a historic street lined with brownstones and trees. We love spending the weekends exploring our neighborhood, which has amazing views of the New York City skyline. We're only a ten minute train ride to Manhattan, so we also spend a lot of time attending Broadway plays and trying new restaurants. The other member of our family is Tucker, our 8-year-old Jack Russell terrier. Tucker is incredibly affectionate and patient with children. He particularly loves trips to the dog park. Like a lot of kids, though, he hates taking baths. 

Front steps

At the dog park