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

Celebrating the holidays

Our favorite time of the year is the holiday season, and the opportunities it brings to spend time with family and friends. For Thanksgiving, Chris prepares an elaborate feast: turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and apple pie. For Christmas, Nate is in charge of the decorations. We open our presents on Christmas morning, and can't wait to share that special day with our son or daughter. Come New Year's Eve, it's an epic party with Chris' family -- lots of noisemakers and games as we celebrate into the early morning.

Thanksgiving turkey

Chris serving turkey for Thanksgiving

Travels and vacations

We both love to travel and discover different corners of the world -- and we can't wait to share these adventures with our child. Nate's family lives in Europe, and we visit at least once a year, enjoying beautiful and relaxing vacations on the Mediterranean Sea. Some of our other favorite places to travel are Los Angeles, Texas, Vermont and Canada. A few years ago, Nate's job sent him to Australia, where we lived for four months, petting kangaroos and spotting koala bears in the wild!

Kangaroos in Melbourne, Australia

Koala in Victoria, Australia

Our nephews, nieces and godchildren

We both love kids -- their sense of joy and wonder is an inspiration. We are lucky to be surrounded by nephews, nieces and godchildren, who enrich our lives (and who can't wait for another cousin to play with). 

Playtime with our niece Ava

New Year's eve with our nephews and nieces