We both hold our Midwestern values very close to our hearts. We believe you should be respectful, humble, kind, hardworking, family-oriented, and honest. The "Golden Rule" of treating others as one wants to be treated guides our pathway through life. We both grew up with hardworking grandparents and parents who have passed down their work ethic to us. Family is vital to both of us, and we try to make our family proud every day. We are very proud of the life we have carved out, but we will never forget where we came from. We were raised to have manners and always respect our elders. We always look for those in need and lend a helping hand whenever possible. We are the first ones to hold the door open, help someone reach the top shelf, change a flat tire, put a bed together, or help someone move across the country. We wear our hearts on our sleeves and remain as friendly as possible. While not everything in either of our lives has always been rainbows and butterflies, the obstacles have shaped us into who we are today.

Todd About Derek: Derek had me at "Hello" and my love for him continues to grow every day. Derek is one of the most hardworking individuals I have ever met. Derek is always lending a helping hand and has a kind heart. He goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is taken care of. Derek is loving, protective, passionate, supportive, and courageous. Derek will make an amazing father, and I know he will help any child grow into a kind, humble, compassionate adult.

Derek About Todd: Todd is a very strong person. He does not bow down to others and will always stand up for what is right. He cares for everyone and is always helping people. Todd truly wants the best for everyone. He is professional in everything he does. He thinks everything through to the end to ensure it is the best decision. He is a very quick thinker and observes everything. Todd will not let anyone take advantage of him or me, and definitely not our future family.

We had our first date on July 27, 2013, but our love story began before we realized it. We both lived at the same apartment in a college town in Missouri from 2010-2011. Todd hung out at a friend's unit above the one Derek was living in. Derek worked the night shift and was unhappy with the constant noise. We first interacted when Derek confronted Todd and his friends about the noise one night. Fast forward two years, Todd was sitting in his office grading papers when he heard a noise from his phone. Todd thought he had deleted all his dating apps but realized he missed one. Instead of deleting it, he decided to see who was on the other side of the message. Our love story started that day in July with a simple, "Hello Todd, how are you?" We could not stop messaging one another that day and every day until we officially met on our first date. We decided to go to an Italian restaurant, Derek had never had wine, and Todd took a wine tasting class in college. We sat in the restaurant for four hours and talked about life. Nothing was off the table. We looked around and noticed they were putting the chairs up and had previously closed 30 minutes earlier. Five days later, we made our relationship official, and what started from a "Hello" grew to 9 years of being together and married for 5 years.

We live in a suburb outside the Atlanta metropolitan area, roughly 30 minutes from the city. Our subdivision consists of 44 homes, each with a unique character. We have a four-bedroom, three-bath house with an unfinished basement (plans for an in-law suite, movie theatre, playroom, and gym), fenced back yard for the corgis, and an entertainment space used for outdoor dining when we have family and friends over for BBQs.

Our neighborhood is diverse, with various ages, races, and ethnicities. On our street, four families in our age group are either pregnant or recently had a baby (including a family with twins).

We live within two miles of top-rated schools (elementary, middle, and high school), pediatrician offices, dining, shopping, movie theatre, and work.

Our city has a cute downtown area where we like to get coffee, grab dinner, watch a concert at the amphitheater, and attend community events.

Our community is also comprised of many parks and trails. We have access to an aquatic center with pools, slides, splash fountains, etc. There is a dog park close by, as well as a large playground for kids.

Family is essential to both of us. Todd is an only child whose parents live less than two hours away in Alabama. When Todd's parents are not visiting, we usually drive to see them at least once a month. We help them around the house with any projects and just relax on the front porch. When they visit, we love trying new restaurants, shopping, attending local speedway events, and watching TV together. Todd's mom recently became a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race, and we were able to take her to her first drag show. Todd's parents go above and beyond with Christmas decorations, so their home is well known among the neighborhood kids. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, you'll find us in Alabama helping install the decorations.

Most of our extended families still live in the Midwest, and we visit 2-3 times a year. Derek has a biological brother, who recently had a baby with his wife, and they have another baby on the way. Derek also has six stepbrothers and stepsisters, all of whom have children. When we visit the Midwest, we spend our time eating, shopping with Derek's mom, attending farmer's markets and festivals, and connecting with family.

Our child will have a loving support system through a network of family and friends. Everyone fully supports our adoption plan and is excited for us to become parents.

Thank you for considering adoption and possibly giving us the opportunity that will change our lives forever. We are very grateful and humbled that you are taking the time to learn more about who we are as people, our personalities, our lifestyle, our support system, and our values. We cannot imagine the difficult decision you are about to make, but we can provide comfort by letting you know we will provide unconditional love for your child. We promise to raise your child in a home filled with love, acceptance, compassion, kindness, and laughter.

We knew we wanted to be parents from the beginning of our relationship. Children have always been an important part of our lives, and we love spending time with our family and friends' children. However, as a same-sex couple, we knew our pathway to parenthood would be filled with many obstacles. We are no strangers to adversity and discrimination, but those obstacles have made us stronger individuals. We have a strong support system of family and friends who have strengthened us to maintain a positive outlook on life. This support system has been there for us and will continue to be there for us as we enter this journey of parenthood. We will always protect, love, cherish, and care for your child.

We discussed the importance of becoming fathers on our first date, and we have not stopped planning our future around a child. We have been together for nine beautiful years and married for five of those years. We spent the past few years ensuring that we are financially and emotionally ready to become parents. We paid off all our debt, moved closer to family, bought a beautiful home in the suburbs, and recently began the adoption journey once we both agreed on the timing.

Our families and friends could not be prouder of us, and they support us in taking this next step in our life. You can feel comfortable knowing your child will grow up with that same support system. We were raised with strong Midwestern values, and we want to raise a child with the same values—kindness, humility, hard work, honesty, and compassion. Although we are from small towns, we have been fortunate enough to travel and experience the world. When the time is right, we also promise that your child will have the same opportunities we have been given.

We will share these experiences with you through photos, letters, and emails. We want you to feel comforted and confident in choosing us to raise your child. We will acknowledge and celebrate you as an individual and ensure that your child knows how much they are loved.

Thank you again for considering us as potential parents for your child. We have been looking forward to this day for many years, and you would be allowing us to grow our family. We promise to respect you, speak highly of you, and ensure your child is always accepted, loved, and protected. Thank you for being courageous, selfless, and considering us to go on this journey with you.

Todd & Derek