Elizabeth and Paul    We met in November 1991 and it was "love at first laugh". We went to an Italian restaurant in San Francisco with a group of mutual friends and just happened to sit next to each other. We had so much fun laughing together that we don't remember talking with any one else at the table!    Early on we developed a strong bond of trust, communication and love, which has been the cornerstone of our relationship ever since. We feel fortunate that our time together continues to be filled with  humor, Italian food and good friends. We have been happily married since 1998. We were blessed with the adoption of our daughter Emilia and look forward to expanding our family through adoption. Elizabeth After high school, Elizabeth went to UC Berkeley for college and later a master's degree. She has had a very successful career in commercial real estate and business development. Her office is located about 5 minutes from our house and she has a very flexible schedule. Her favorite thing is to spend time with Emilia and Paul - either at home or on various adventures. In addition,  she enjoy reading, hiking, all types of boating and water activities as well as snow sports. She has traveled to many countries in South America, Asia and Europe and loves to learn about new cultures.    We both lived in San Francisco for many years and still love "City" excursions, which can include shopping, visiting museums, exploring neighborhoods and eating out. It is great that we can benefit from all the activities that a beautiful city like San Francisco has to offer.    About Elizabeth from Paul From the night we met, I knew I was sitting next to and talking with a person, who was very special, a feeling that has only gotten stronger over time. Elizabeth is a loving and nurturing parent. In my eyes, there is nothing more beautiful than seeing Elizabeth in her mother role, reading Emilia a book, giving her a bath, or playing with her at the park. I was one lucky guy to have found the woman with  whom I wanted to be "more," have a family, and share the rest of my life! Paul After graduating from high school in Marin County, Paul went to college at San Francisco State. He has been in technical sales for the last 17 years and currently works from a home office downstairs. When not working, he enjoys exercising, cooking, and gardening. He loves to be physically active -- going to the gym and studying to get a black belt in mixed martial arts (currently he has a purple belt). His vegetable garden includes tomato plants, green beans, strawberries, and peppers. Emilia loves to help water and pick the vegetables. Paul is very social with a wide range of friends. Since we live near where he grew up, we still get together throughout the year with childhood friends.    About Paul from Elizabeth    When I met Paul 15 years ago, I felt that an angel had been sent to me. He came into my life at a very difficult time and made me laugh, comforted me, and cooked for me. Paul has been a wonderful partner ever since and I look forward to many more years together as our family expands! Paul is a great father because he is funny, active, sensitive and nurturing. All the same qualities that made me fall in love with him translate to his being a wonderful and loving father. As Parents  We are very active parents and love "family life". We truly believe in the notion of co-parenting. We love volunteering at Emilia's school. It has been a great way to know her teachers and classmates. Education and learning is very important to us -- we want our children to develop a life long love of learning.