Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. We are Nathan, Meredith, and Violet Tobaben, a family grounded in love, laughter, and gratitude for the life we share in West Michigan.
Our story began at Grand Valley State University, where we met as members of the marching band. Friendship grew into a relationship during Nathan’s junior year and Meredith’s sophomore year. After graduation and several years of dating, Nathan proposed, and we began building the life we had always hoped for together. We’ve now shared 20 wonderful years side by side.
Meredith has been a classroom teacher for children with autism spectrum disorder for 15 years. She is deeply passionate about her work and is committed to helping her students grow and thrive. Outside of school, Meredith enjoys baking, reading, spending time outdoors, and relaxing at her parents’ lake house. She also loves taking her nieces and nephew on fun outings whenever she can.
Nathan holds bachelor’s degrees in Design and Business and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management. After years in graphic design and the restaurant industry, he transitioned into manufacturing, where he enjoys problem-solving and continuous improvement. Nathan loves watching and playing sports, working on home projects, and spending time in the yard with family. He’s also a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.
Our daughter Violet brings incredible joy to our home. She is an energetic, loving toddler who is full of curiosity, words, and cuddles. She adores books, playing with her baby dolls, and spending time with her best buddy—our dog, Ghost. Violet is already excited about the idea of having a sibling to love and grow up with.
Adoption is a deeply meaningful part of our family story. Through Violet’s adoption, we’ve experienced firsthand the beauty and importance of openness. Violet’s birth mother has been an important part of our lives since the day we met. Meredith and Violet’s birth mother stay connected through pictures, messages, and visits, and we are incredibly grateful for the relationship we share and the love that surrounds Violet from every direction.
From the beginning, adoption has been an open and natural conversation in our home. We speak honestly and in age-appropriate ways about Violet’s story, and we will do the same with another child.
We cannot begin to imagine the strength and courage it takes to consider making an adoption plan. Please know that we have deep respect for you and the thoughtful decision you are making. If we are blessed to walk this journey together, we will always see you as an important part of your child’s story.
Our promise is to provide a home filled with unconditional love, stability, laughter, encouragement, and connection. This child will grow up knowing how deeply they are loved—by us and by you.
