Jonathan Tomassi was shocked when he and his wife Jennifer first became parents. This was years before Jennifer got pregnant with the couple’s first biological daughter, Julia, and the Tomassi’s were not looking to adopt.
Instead, Jonathan and Jennifer first became parents when Jennifer surprised her husband with a furry addition to the family.
“It’s a favorite memory I have with her,” Jonathan says now. “Jennifer made me follow clues all around my aunt’s apartment that led me to a yellow Labrador retriever puppy we called Peaches.”
Peaches was the couple’s first child, and the puppy sent Jennifer and Jonathan on a parenthood journey that now involves two dogs, two cats, and three children.
The two Tomassi dogs are named Boomer and Charleigh, and their two cats are Timmy and Nala. Jonathan and Jennifer’s children are Dylan, now a 16-year-old teenager, Julia, who is their 10-year-old daughter, and 7-year-old son Roland.
Jennifer is a wonderful stay-at-home mom to everyone in the household, and Jonathan wants to make sure she knows she is appreciated this Mother’s Day.
“The selfless love she exudes daily for her children and family is inspiring,” Jonathan said. “She dedicated her life to her children, and every minute of every single day Jen pushes me to be the best parent I can be.”
Born in Burbank, Calif., Jennifer grew up in Bloomingdale, Illinois, with her Aunt Darian, Uncle Bill, and cousins Corinne, Michael, and David. She also loves her grandmother dearly, whom she calls Nana.
She met her husband Jonathan at a club in Lodi, New Jersey, when Jonathan was out celebrating his 21st a year after he turned 21. Jennifer saw Jonathan on the dance floor, called him over to dance, and the rest is history.
Jennifer loves live music, going to the gym, and being goofy around the house.
But, most of all, she enjoys being a mother who snuggles and spends quality time with her kids.
“Jen always puts herself second in any situation,” Jonathan said. “Especially when it comes to the kids. Their needs are always above her own.”
Every holiday, Jennifer is happy to go above and beyond to make it special for the family. Creating incredible moments for her kids to remember is very important to her.
“Jen just needs to know her love for her kids is incomparable,” said Jonathan. “Being a mom is what Jen has always wanted to do. She’s aced that test for sure.”
Jonathan’s mom agrees. “Jen is the best mom I’ve ever seen,” she says. “I don’t know anyone that loves their children like she loves hers.”
And it’s been that way since the surprise, furry beginning.