For us, being parents is all about being beside a child as they grow and figure out the world. It’s guiding them with love, helping them learn what’s right and wrong, and encouraging them to become kind and generous. We want to give them chances to try new things, chase their passions, and feel good about who they are.

It’s about building a home where they feel safe, loved, and supported — with plenty of laughter along the way. It’s about making sure they’re surrounded by family and friends, so they always know they’ve got a strong circle to lean on, like we always have.

We can’t wait to experience life through a child’s eyes—celebrating each stage, cheering them on, and sharing the things we love, while also embracing the passions they introduce us to. Being able to provide similar experiences to what we had as children is one of the things we are most enthusiastic about. Becoming parents together is something we’re so excited about, and we’re looking forward to when that day comes.

Christina

• One of the things I admire most about Riley is how easily he connects with people—he can make friends with anyone and has a way of making everyone feel welcome. He’s outgoing, adventurous, and is always willing to try new things. He has a silly, fun side that keeps our home lighthearted, and he can have a good time no matter what. His laugh is contagious, and people enjoy being around him. He’s incredibly loving, supportive and never misses a chance to celebrate my accomplishments. He’ll be the kind of dad every child wants; cheering them on, encouraging new adventures, and making everyday moments special.

Riley

• One of the qualities that comes to mind when I think about Christina is her compassion for others. She displays empathy even when it’s not easy, consistently shows up for the ones she loves and is willing to go the extra mile to put a smile on someone’s face. I admire her ability to stay organized in all areas of life, whether it is keeping our house like it is ready to be sold or planning a project, she produces a plan and sees it through to completion. I respect her honesty, her independence and supportive nature. Christina is open and honest and always available for someone who wants to chat. She supports my interests, even if it’s not something she loves doing and helps me be the best version of myself.

We’ll always be open and honest with our child about their adoption. From the very start, they’ll know that their story is something special, something to be proud of, and that they were deeply loved before they ever came to us. We’ll explain that adoption means they have two families who care about them. As they grow, we’ll share their story in ways that make sense for their age, making sure they understand that adoption is never a secret, but a beautiful part of who they are. We’ll celebrate their journey with traditions, stories, and little reminders that honor what brought us together. We’ll encourage them to ask questions, to talk about their feelings, and to know that whatever they feel is okay. They’ll be reminded every day that they are cherished—not just by us, but by the bigger circle of people who love them. Most of all, we’ll help them see that adoption adds to their strength and identity.

We live in a three-bedroom home at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in a coastal town in Southern Maine. Our house is cozy, with plenty of space for family and friends. In the spring and summer, we spend as much time as possible outdoors—tending to our vegetable garden, hosting friends for BBQs, gathering around the firepit, or simply relaxing on the front porch. Our dog loves to join in the fun, especially when we’re playing in the yard. When the weather turns cooler, our living room becomes our favorite place. We love enjoying the evening by the fireplace and playing games.

Life here has something special to offer in every season. In the fall, we go apple picking and enjoy the changing leaves. Winter brings skiing and sledding. Summer is filled with trips to the beaches, while spring is perfect for hiking nearby trails. Our town is known for its beautiful beaches, safe neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. The schools are excellent, and there are countless activities for children throughout the year.

We live less than ten minutes from the beach, so evening walks by the water have become routine. Living in a small beach town means we often see familiar faces, which makes the community feel even closer. From the annual Labor Day bonfire to the Halloween parade and holiday light displays, there’s always something to look forward to. It’s a wonderful place to grow up, and we feel so lucky to call it home.

We both come from large extended families and living near our parents and younger brothers means we spend a lot of time together. We’re fortunate to have several cousins nearby—including one of Christina’s cousins, who lives close with his wife and their three young children, who will no doubt be wonderful big cousins to a little one.

Family has always been at the center of our lives. Growing up, our parents made sure holidays, special occasions, and vacations were spent together, creating traditions that shaped who we are. As adults, we’ve carried those values forward, making it a priority to gather with family as often as possible.

Most get-togethers are simple: lunch at our favorite local spot or dinner at Riley’s parents’ house. Every year, we look forward to Holiday dinners, especially the annual Christmas Eve party—complete with the Partridge Family Christmas Album playing and Christina’s mom’s famous chicken wings.

Our families have always been our biggest cheerleaders, and we feel incredibly lucky to have such a strong support system. Our parents already love this child—without even knowing who they are yet—and our brothers are excited to step into their roles as the fun, loving uncles every child deserves. Since beginning this adoption journey, we’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of excitement and encouragement from our families. We know that your child will grow up surrounded by playmates, role models, and a village of people who will celebrate and support them every step of the way.

We want to begin by acknowledging the incredible strength and courage it takes to make this decision for your child. We can’t pretend to understand exactly what you're going through, but please know that if you choose us, you will be met with nothing but support, respect, and love.

We’re Riley and Christina - we met at work, started dating ten years ago and have been married for the past five years. We both grew up in New Hampshire but moved to Maine shortly after our wedding. We share our home with our best friend, our 9-year-old dog Finley. He’s the gentlest soul you’ll ever meet - extremely affectionate, protective and happiest when his “pack” is all together. He’s been amazing with the children in our lives, and we know he’ll be the most loving big brother.

We’re a classic case of opposites attract. Riley is an adventurous spirit, outgoing, energetic, and always chasing the next thrill. He hikes steep trails, skis down snowy mountains, and plays soccer in a men’s league, and the outdoors is where he feels most alive. He works as a Business Consultant, and on weekends, you’ll find him golfing with his family or tackling a new project in the yard. Christina, on the other hand, is a quiet introvert who loves the little things, organizing a messy space, catching up with people she cares about, or just soaking in the calm of the ocean. The beach is her happy place, where she feels most grounded and herself. She works as a Project Manager and loves her workout classes during the week, but believes weekends are for rest and recharging. Though our personalities differ, we’re deeply aligned in the values that matter most to us, including showing up for the people we love. We feel so fortunate to have such supportive families and for the amazing network of friends who have become family.

Not long after our wedding, we began trying to grow our family. After years of fertility treatments, we realized we had a decision to make that would not only affect our lives, but the life of our future child. We realized that what matters most to us is not how our family begins, but being the best and happiest versions of ourselves for that child. We try not to take ourselves too seriously, finding happiness in everyday things, in teasing each other, and making sure laughter and fun are constant in our home. We love to travel and have been lucky enough to experience so many new places, cultures and experiences together. It’s a big part of our lives and we look forward to creating those memories with a family. We know that given the chance, we can offer a child a life full of love, laughter, safety, adventure, and an endless supply of kitchen dance parties.

We’re already dreaming of every stage of their life, from the newborn snuggles to cheering them on at weekend soccer games and eventually sharing dinners with them and their own families someday. If we’re chosen to be your child’s adoptive parents, we promise to give them every opportunity to thrive. We’ll love and celebrate them for who they are and who they want to become, without hesitation. No matter what life brings, they’ll never have to question our love or whether we’ll be there. We’ll be the parents that show up to everything. We’ll be their safe place, the people they can always call no matter what.

We also want you to be a part of that life, in whatever way feels right to you. You are a vital part of their story, and we want them to grow up knowing how deeply loved they are by you. In our opinion, a child can’t have too much love, and we’re committed to showing them just how much they have and honoring the pieces of you that are in them. Whether it’s through letters, photos, updates, or visits, we want to stay connected. You will always be family to us and our door will be open to you whenever you want to use it.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering us.

Riley & Christina