Jonathan and Ilze

We are Jonathan and Ilze!

So Nice to Meet You!

Dear Expectant Mother,

Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to get to know us. We are deeply inspired by your courage in making such a loving and life-shaping decision; we are truly humbled. The respect we have for you is profound and unwavering. As you get to know us, we pray you’ll feel the assurance and peace of mind that come from knowing your child will be unconditionally welcomed into our home, a home that is filled with love, stability, and joy.

We are a fun-filled, close-knit family—two devoted parents, one joyful toddler named Jack, and a sweet Australian Labradoodle named Pino—blessed with a large extended family and friends around the world. All are excited to see our family grow through adoption, a journey that is already part of our story since Jonathan’s brother, Dan, was adopted as an infant and remains a central figure in our lives.

We met in graduate school at the University of Notre Dame in the fall of 2012 and began dating shortly thereafter. It was then that we first discovered our shared belief in the beauty of adoption. Fast forward to three years ago, we welcomed Jack into our lives. Over the past couple of years, we’ve faced infertility while trying to grow our family. We now see that challenge as a blessing in disguise – it brought us back to adoption, a path we feel deeply called to. Jack is overjoyed at the idea of becoming a big brother, and we are committed to continuing to build a loving home filled with laughter, faith, encouragement, and opportunity.

If we could leave you with one promise, it is this: we will honor your courage by raising your child with steadfast love, safety, support, and by instilling the core values that guide our lives. If you are open to ongoing contact, we would be privileged to share updates and milestones as your child grows, so you can rest assured your child is surrounded by love.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Jonathan & Ilze

About Us

In Sync On and Off the Course

From the very beginning, we’ve been true partners in life—supporting, encouraging, and balancing each other in every way. We believe in keeping a peaceful home, never going to bed angry, and always showing up for one another. Our relationship is rooted in respect, laughter, shared goals, and we find joy in both life’s big adventures and the everyday moments.

We’re both lifelong sports fans, so it’s no surprise that athletics often bring us together. Whether we’re catching a game on TV, cheering from the stands, or playing ourselves, sports are a shared language in our marriage. Over time, we’ve developed a special love for golf, and it has become one of our favorite ways to spend time together. Being out on the course gives us a chance to unplug, enjoy nature, and challenge ourselves.

When we’re not golfing, you might find us exploring new walking trails, trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, or hosting friends and family for a game night or backyard BBQ. We love experiences that bring people together, give us room to laugh, and deepen our connection with each other. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon on the fairway or a quiet evening by the fireplace on the patio, we’re happiest when we’re side by side.

About Jonathan

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite animal: Pino, our dog

One word that describes you: Kind

Fun facts:
– Jonathan was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and remains a faithful Chicago sports fan
– His parents still reside in his childhood home, and he remains close with them and with his siblings (two older brothers and one younger sister)
– Jonathan was an all-conference athlete in high school and captained several teams. During this time, he was a National Honor Society member and was the recipient of the prestigious Sons of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award
– His personality and DNA favor his father’s side with ancestry tracing mainly to Ireland
– Jonathan earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in 2006
– Jonathan is intellectually curious and loves to learn. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with his MBA in 2013 from Notre Dame

About Ilze

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite animal: Pino, our dog

One word that describes you: Trailblazer

Fun facts:
– Ilze was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. Her parents still live there while her older sister (along with her family) immigrated to Sydney, Australia several years ago
– Inspired by the American Dream (and her favorite show, Friends), she resolutely determined to become an American one day; a dream that has since come true
– Ilze is unbelievably driven and intelligent. She earned three (3!) master’s degrees and graduated with honors from Notre Dame in 2013
– Ilze is a sports enthusiast having completed the Chicago marathon and a host of triathlons
– Ilze speaks multiple languages fluently (English and Afrikaans) and is conversational in other languages such as Dutch and Zulu

The Life We’re Building

We met in 2012 while earning our MBAs at the University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!), and from the start, we knew we made a great team. Ilze, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, brought her adventurous spirit and global perspective, while Jonathan, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs (Go Cubs!), brought Midwestern warmth and a love for community. In 2016, we were married in Cape Town, surrounded by our closest family and friends, united in faith and blessed by God. Three years ago, we welcomed our son, Jack, who is now a joyful, energetic three-year-old ready to become a big brother.

In 2020, we traded cold northern winters for sunny Texas, where both career opportunities and a more outdoor lifestyle awaited. Today, Ilze serves as a Senior Director at a Big 4 accounting firm, while Jonathan co-founded and runs a family-owned business. Our professional paths may differ, but they share the same foundation—hard work, integrity, and a desire to make a positive impact.

At our core, we are adventurous and sports-loving, whether that means catching a game, playing golf together, or trying something new as a family. We also cherish the chance to host friends and family, filling our home with good food, good laughs, and lasting memories. Life for us is about more than just the big milestones—it’s about creating a home where joy, connection, and love are part of everyday life.

Our Happy List

Chasing Jack– Jack is the light of our life, and he keeps us on our toes
Notre Dame football! We love cheering on our Fighting Irish whether we are in the stands or on our couches
Playing golf– neither of us played much golf growing up; however, Notre Dame’s student course only cost $6 for 9 holes back then, so we gave it a shot and never looked back. It has become our favorite shared hobby and a great excuse to be outdoors
Traveling to new and familiar places– exploring God’s creation near and far. South Africa remains our happy place as we were married there
Hosting friends and family for backyard BBQs, holidays, or game nights
Enjoying live events– from Friday night lights to college/professional games and concerts
Relaxing on the patio with a glass of wine and good conversation

Our Family

Family is the heartbeat of our lives, and we are blessed to have an incredible support system who cannot wait to welcome another child with open arms. Jonathan’s parents live in the Chicagoland area and visit a few times per year. They love reading bedtime stories, playing outside, or cheering him on at swim lessons. Ilze’s parents, though mostly in South Africa, remain closely connected through video calls, annual visits, and an unshakable bond. We are grateful that our children will grow up with love coming from across the globe.

Our lives are enriched by traditions, big and small, that bring everyone together. At Thanksgiving, we host our legendary “Parade of Pies” and a spirited co-ed flag football game. Easter brings a massive egg hunt for the kids, while Christmas Eve is marked by an Italian feast and the joy of sharing gifts and stories. Even Friday nights are special—we cheer on our niece as part of her high school color guard, creating memories under the lights. These rhythms of life connect us across generations and give children a sense of belonging.

Beyond holidays, we simply love to be together—whether that’s traveling to explore new places, gathering around the outdoor fireplace for s’mores and conversation, or joining in Friday night neighborhood fun. We find joy in hosting others, opening our home as a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome. The children in our lives grow up surrounded not just by parents, but by a whole network of loving, protective adults who celebrate milestones, offer encouragement, and share in the everyday moments that matter most.

It Takes a Village

We are also surrounded by a close-knit circle of extended family and friends. Jonathan’s brother Dan, who was adopted as an infant, and his family live locally and are central to our lives. Cousins gather often for celebrations, sports, or just a backyard cookout, and our home is often the hub for fun, laughter, and memory-making. Friends have become like family too, and many of them are parents themselves, creating a built-in community of playmates and mentors for our children.

Things to Know About Us

Faith and family guide our lives—we believe in raising children with strong Christian values of kindness and respect for others
Your child will be deeply loved and cherished—by us, by our son Jack, and by extended family and friends around the world. Speaking of global travel, your child will see the world evidenced with plenty of passport stamps😊
We believe in and honor family traditions – from co-ed flag football and a “Parade of Pies” at Thanksgiving to an epic Easter egg hunt, Halloween fun, and a Christmas Eve Italian feast
We will always honor your courage and story—and, if you desire, keep you connected through updates as your child grows

Our Home

Home Sweet Home

We live in Texas in a master-planned community on a quiet cul-de-sac next to a private golf course. Our ~3,900 square-foot home has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a playroom, and a media room. One of our favorite spaces is the large backyard, where we grill, swim, play sports with our son Jack, and toss the ball with our labradoodle, Pino. It’s a safe and family-friendly neighborhood with regular security patrols, excellent schools—including a Blue-Ribbon elementary—and plenty of tree-lined walking trails and private parks just for residents. Children play freely here, watched over not only by parents but also by caring empty nesters who love keeping an eye out for safety.

We’re also members of a nearby country club designed for families, where we can take part in lessons for swimming, tennis, and golf, along with a full calendar of social events. It’s a place where neighbors become friends, and where our family is able to stay active, build community, and create memories together. Our home and neighborhood give us the perfect balance of safety, opportunity, and fun—an environment we are so excited to share with another child.

Final Thoughts

Thank You!

Thank you once again for taking the time to get to know us! We hope this glimpse into our lives has shown you the love, joy, and stability we’re ready to offer. As much as anything, we want you to know how much we admire your strength and heart.

We intend to honor this journey with openness, love, and respect for you and for the precious life you are bringing into the world. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about us, we are at your service.

With deepest gratitude, Jonathan & Ilze

Name

First Last

Phone*

Best time to call

I am an

Comments*