In our family, we prioritize connection and shared experiences. Family extends beyond blood ties—it includes our extended family, chosen family, and the child we hope to welcome. We create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and unconditionally loved.

Fun and play are non-negotiable. Life is an adventure, and we're committed to having fun along the way. From impromptu dance parties to board games on rainy afternoons, we believe in laughter, silliness, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Supporting each other is always a priority. Whether it's offering a listening ear, or celebrating achievements, we're each other's biggest fans. We navigate life's challenges together, knowing that we're stronger as a team.

Saying "yes" when someone asks for help is our default response. Whether it's a neighbor needing a hand or a friend seeking advice, we believe in kindness and generosity.

Near and far, we prioritize spending time with friends and family. Whether it's a weekend barbecue with cousins or a video call with friends far away, these connections enrich our lives.

As a family, we eagerly anticipate sharing our favorite activities with a child. Our kitchen is a lively hub of activity. We'll share the joy of planning and creating meals. Whether it's baking cookies or whipping up a delicious soup, cooking together will be a cherished tradition.

Game nights are a highlight in our home. Card games, bags (cornhole), and shuffleboard—these evenings are filled with laughter and friendly competition. We'll gather around the table, strategize, and celebrate victories. Our child will learn sportsmanship and the thrill of a well-played hand.

At our lake house, we enjoy sunset pontoon rides and evenings around a fire. Saturday mornings are for indulgence. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. We love to enjoy the simple pleasures of a leisurely breakfast.

Our dogs are eager companions for walks through the woods. We love to get outside and explore nature. We look forward to welcoming a child into a life of warmth and adventure filled with laughter, love and discovery.

Addressing cultural diversity is essential in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for our family. We commit to educating ourselves and the child about their racial and cultural background. We'll explore books, documentaries, and engage in open conversations to foster understanding.

Our social circle will reflect people from various backgrounds, ensuring that the child grows up surrounded by diverse perspectives and experiences. We'll encourage the child to take pride in their racial and cultural identity. We'll celebrate their uniqueness and provide a safe space for them to express themselves authentically.

We'll actively address stereotypes, prejudice, and bias. The child will learn about historical figures who fought for equality and justice. We'll teach empathy, kindness, and the importance of standing up against discrimination.

We'll introduce the child to role models who share their racial background. Representation matters, and seeing successful individuals who look like them will inspire confidence and ambition.

We'll create an open space for the child to ask questions, express feelings, and share their experiences. We're excited to learn, grow, and celebrate together.

Our cozy home is located on 50 acres in a rural area in Michigan just outside the city – offering the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. The rustling leaves, open skies, and fresh air create an idyllic setting for family life. Just a short drive—less than 10 minutes—brings us to the heart of a vibrant mid-size city. Here, we enjoy family-friendly festivals, live music, and delicious meals at local restaurants.

There are several parks in the area, providing green spaces for picnics, soccer games, and leisurely walks. Nearby schools ensure a seamless transition for a child's education. But our favorite spot? The large, fenced-in backyard with a spacious deck. It's perfect for gatherings, impromptu yard games, and weekend barbecues.

And there's more! Just 20 minutes away lies our lake house—a retreat in a close-knit community. Our neighbors are warm and welcoming, and there are several kids nearby. Summer days by the water, fishing, swimming, and roasting marshmallows—these are the memories we eagerly anticipate sharing with a little one. We can't wait to welcome a child into our nurturing community.

Our family is tightly knit, and many of our loved ones live nearby. Eric's aunt resides just two doors down, and his mom, brother, niece, and nephew are only a short 15-minute drive away. Similarly, Paige's dad, siblings, and nephews are also in the area, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We cherish quality time spent together, especially when it comes to playing cards. Whether it's cribbage, hearts, Uno, SkipBo, or euchre, we relish these moments of friendly competition and laughter. We eagerly anticipate sharing our love for card games with a child, creating lasting memories around the table.

Throughout the year, we uphold cherished family traditions. Cousin week with Eric's cousins is a highlight, as is celebrating St. Patrick's Day and enjoying a summer golf outing with Paige's family. Our Labor Day picnic brings everyone together for good food, laughter, and fun. And when the holiday season arrives, our home becomes the hub for a festive Christmas party, where friends and family gather to celebrate.

Our family has a deep understanding of adoption. We have a couple of nephews who were adopted, and we've also witnessed several step-parent adoptions within our close-knit circle. The excitement and anticipation of welcoming a new child into our family are palpable—our hearts are open, and we can't wait to embrace this little one with love and joy.

As we reflect on the significant people who have shaped our lives, we recognize that everyone experiences pivotal moments - those unexpected events that forever alter our paths. Some of these moments bring joy, while others challenge us deeply. Each of us carries our own unique story, woven together by the remarkable individuals we encounter along the way. We have been so lucky that our paths crossed along with amazing people who have helped us to build a strong community of biological family and chosen family.

Our journey began in 2016 when our paths crossed, and in 2020, we celebrated our marriage. One of the things we've always appreciated about each other are the strong friendships (chosen family!) that we each brought to the relationship and have continued to cultivate. We have known for years, both separate and together, that family extends beyond biology. We live this every day as we share our lives with a strong community of both biological and chosen family. We have been excited for the adoption journey ever since exploring having kids of our own and we've been fortunate to receive unwavering support from our family.

As you read this letter, we understand that you are navigating your own pivotal moment. Your child is about to embark on their life's journey - a story waiting to unfold. We recognize that this moment may be filled with both joy and pain, as you make decisions that will shape your future and theirs. Despite the challenges, we believe that every pivotal moment shapes who we are and can be a step toward a brighter future.

Life's twists and turns offer us valuable perspectives. We learn from both the highs and lows, discovering who we truly are and who we aspire to become. While we cannot alter our past, we can choose the best path forward - a path that aligns with the future we envision.

Should you choose us as your child's family, please know that this decision is not taken lightly. Your child - and you - will be embraced by a large, loving family eagerly awaiting their arrival. We look forward to the day when our lives intersect, creating a new chapter filled with love, laughter, and shared memories.

We recognize the profound impact that a child's well-being has on their life. As prospective parents, we are committed to providing everything within our power to ensure your child receives the best we can offer. Our home will be a stable, secure, and loving environment - a place where they can freely express themselves while benefiting from a thoughtful balance of structure and freedom. We also believe in nurturing their curiosity by offering opportunities to explore the world through education, the arts, and sports.

We understand that your decision is incredibly difficult, and we approach it with deep gratitude. Not only do we want to share your child's growth with you through photos, videos, and updates, but we also eagerly anticipate arranging phone or video calls and in-person visits - whatever works best for everyone involved.

Our family has a special connection to adoption. Having welcomed two nephews from outside the U.S., we've witnessed the joy it brings. When we shared our adoption plans, their dad's reaction was heartwarming. He expressed immense happiness for us, and our extended family shares in this excitement. Your child will find a warm and welcoming home with us, surrounded by our many family members and large support system.

Thank you for considering us as potential parents for your child. We look forward to sharing our lives and creating lasting memories.

Warmly,

Eric & Paige