Welcome to our web-page!
We are Gus, Art, and Abbey.  We admire your courage in considering such a difficult decision, and appreciate your thoughtfulness in helping a family, such as ours, to grow in such a loving way.  We are eager to include another child in our wonderful family full of love, respect, and fun.
Gus, Abbey & Art
The Two of Us
When the two of us met ten years ago we recognized the many things we had in common and connected on a deep level.  Soon, we were best of friends, then partners.  The joy we've experienced as parents has motivated us to adopt another child.  We would also like our children to have the companionship of a brother or sister.  We are committed to providing a loving, safe, and nurturing home for our children.
Hiking the Grand Canyon
We are both compassionate and have a deep sense of social responsibility.  Helping others is central to our lives.  Art is a third grade teacher in the inner city (with lots of vacation time to spend with our kids).  Gus is an attorney working as the Director of a legal aid agency that provides free legal services.  The agency is family friendly and has flexible scheduling to accommodate parents.  As we did with Abbey, each of us plans to take an extended parental leave to care for our newest child.
Art reading to his class
Abbey
In 2003 we adopted Abbey, a truly sweet, gentle, and happy little girl.  She greets us with a big smile and a happy dance every morning.  She is especially curious and loves to explore new things and new places. 
At home, she likes to look through her books, have us read to her, or play with her toys.  She loves running around with other kids and playing with bubbles. She will be a great big sister, full of gentle love and support.
Helping make muffins
Abbey loves the slide!
Our Life
We live in the Hollywood Hills surrounding Los Angeles.  Our home overlooks movie studios and city lights, but our neighborhood is secluded, with friendly neighbors, and a real sense of community. We like to take Abbey on walks through the neighborhood, visit the playground nearby or stay home and bake cookies.   One of her favorite activities is to read stories.  We are also adventurous and love hiking in the local mountains.  Abbey really enjoys these trips where she gets to explore the variety of  plants, trees and wildlife, as well as splash around in the small streams.  She will have a great time showing her little brother or sister the fascinating places we visit.
At the park
In the Children's Garden
As our children get older, we look forward to teaching them the ABCs and silly songs, finger painting, spending days at the beach building sandcastles, riding bikes together and exploring California's many wonders and our National Parks.  We want to share all this with Abbey and her brother or sister, both for the joy it will bring us and in the hope that our children will grow up together as friends, confident and secure, well-rounded and happy.
Our Family
We have a large extended family that we see often.  There's always a trip planned or a reunion scheduled.  Our family is an important part of our lives and they are very excited and supportive  about our decision to adopt another child.  Gus grew up in Wisconsin and has two brothers.  Art grew up in Florida and has a sister.  Abbey has 3 cousins so far.  All our parents are eager for another grandchild to love and to spoil.  We are fortunate to have such a supportive extended family.
Out for pizza with Art's family
Abbey with her cousins
Our Values
We feel that everyone should be treated with honesty, integrity, and respect.  We are devoted to each other and our daughter.  We chose open adoption because it honors these values.  We would be glad to have you stay involved with our family, depending on your level of comfort.  We would respect your wishes, of course, with whatever sort of involvement you chose.
We would love to hear from you.  Please contact us using our toll-free number (866-697-5765), through the Independent Adoption Center (800-877-6736) or via e-mail at ArtAndGus@sbcglobal.net.


We look forward to hearing from you!
Gus May & Art Vazquez
To learn more about independent adoption, click here:   Independent Adoption Center