We deeply admire each other’s integrity, thoughtfulness, and ability to approach life with both seriousness and compassion. We respect how each of us listens, reflects, and acts with intention, especially when navigating challenges or uncertainty. Mutual respect is at the foundation of our relationship, and we value the way we communicate openly and honestly with each other, even during difficult conversations.

We appreciate each other’s curiosity and desire to continue to learn more about the world, about people, and about ourselves. We admire the kindness we see in one another, not just in words, but in everyday actions.

We know that being strong parents begins with being strong partners, and the trust, patience, and respect we share form the foundation of the family we hope to build together.

You can frequently find Ola in the kitchen with the music blasting, testing out a new recipe. She finds so much joy in cooking, but even more in seeing everyone enjoy the food afterward. Dinner is always an event, ranging from international classics to "Ola originals." To center herself, Ola makes time for her yoga mat daily, ending every session ready for the day. While life stays busy, she always carves out time for her other passions: getting lost in a book or practicing a new piece on the piano.

Ian appreciates a "slow and steady" approach to life. You’ll often find him in a stream with a fly rod, where he’s learned that patience usually pays off. Sometimes with a catch, and other times with a front-row seat to a passing bald eagle or otter. He brings that same focus to his pottery wheel, where he enjoys the process of creating something useful like a set of plates. Whether he’s mastering a new skill outdoors or diving into Sci-Fi novels, Ian is someone who shows up, stays patient, and genuinely enjoys the world.

As a couple, we love to stay active, whether we’re traveling to a new destination or practicing our footwork in dance class. However, we’re just as happy at home playing with our three dogs or settling in for a movie night. We value the balance of adventure and home life, and we believe in showing up for the people (and pets) we love with a big smile and a whole lot of heart.

To us, being parents means doing everything we can to help this child have the life they dream up for themselves. It means providing the support, confidence, and security they need so they feel equipped to succeed on their own terms. Parenting to us is not about shaping a child into who we want them to be, but about helping them become fully themselves.

We believe parenting means raising respectful, compassionate people who understand the power of kindness and who take pride in the positive effect their actions can have on the world. We will love guiding this child as they discover who they are, supporting their interests, and celebrating both their wins and losses.

We also understand that parenting involves advocacy, standing up for this child, especially when others may not understand the story of their family. We embrace that responsibility with seriousness and care, knowing that love, presence, and consistency are what truly allow children to thrive.

Our extended family is spread out, with branches reaching all across the world. Since we aren't exactly neighbors, we don't do the weekly Sunday dinners, but that just makes our holiday reunions and "just because" visits feel like high-energy events. Our parents are counting down the days until they can officially start their new roles as grandparents. They are tripping over each other to be the first to hold the baby and are clearly ready to start the tradition of spoiling their new grandchild.

When we do finally manage to get everyone together, relaxing isn't often on the menu. We love to stay moving, whether we’re trekking through the Blue Ridge Mountains or hiking trails as far away as Poland. You’ll usually find us hunting through antique shops or losing our voices at hockey games. That competitive streak really shines at the kitchen table, especially during our annual Christmas poker game. We even have a dedicated trophy that comes out for the winner, and the battle to take it home is always a blast. Whether our family is cheering from across the country or visiting us here at home, the child will grow up surrounded by a community that values adventure, laughter, and a healthy dose of competition.

We live in a quiet Georgia mountain community that is incredibly beautiful, welcoming, and supportive of families. Neighbors know one another, children grow up surrounded by familiar faces, and there is an abundant amount of community events throughout the year that bring people together. There are nearby national parks, incredible wildlife, and a lake with a beach area where families can swim, picnic, and enjoy the afternoons. Our nearby school is just a short 10 minutes away making daily life simple and close to home. It’s easy to imagine all the kids growing up together, playing outside, riding bikes, and forming life-long friendships.

Our home is cozy and inviting, with two bedrooms and a large shared living space. The heart of our home is the kitchen. It’s where we cook meals, play games, talk, and bump into each other while sneaking some midnight snacks. We spend a lot of our time outside on our wrap-around deck where we lounge, read, and enjoy the fresh air. Our home feels calm, comfortable, and full of warmth, a place where a child can feel safe, loved, and truly at home.

Hello to the wonderful soul this letter reaches.

We know this is an incredibly emotional, overwhelming, and deeply personal time in your life. There may be a thousand thoughts moving through your heart and mind, and we want you to know that wherever you are in this moment; uncertain, hopeful, scared, brave, tired, or all of the above, your feelings are completely valid. Before anything else, we simply want to say thank you for the strength and care you are showing during this time in your life. The fact that you are here, reading letters like this, speaks volumes about your thoughtfulness and love.

We are already so incredibly grateful for the life you are carrying and for the way you are giving this baby a beginning filled with possibility. We wish you could take a peek inside our hearts, because we truly believe it would ease any worries and remind you that this child would be stepping into a home built on patience, stability, and a deep love. We hope you are beaming with pride at having chosen adoption for this tiny treasure. Of course, we will share updates and moments along the way, so you can always know how this little one is growing and how cherished they are.

We met in 2017, and in 2021 we tied the knot! From the very beginning, something about our connection felt steady and true. Even before meeting one another, we both carried the hope of becoming parents someday. When our paths crossed, that became a shared dream. Over the years, our relationship has grown through laughter, late-night talks, quiet mornings, challenges, and countless small moments that taught us how to love more fully. This love grew so much, we realized we needed another set of hands, a child’s hands, to help hold it all.

Our home is a place of warmth, creativity, conversation, and comfort. We love cooking together, exploring new places, curling up with books and music, and finding joy in the simple rhythms of everyday life. We imagine family dinners filled with stories from the day, bedtime routines with favorite books, weekend adventures, holiday traditions, and a home where curiosity is encouraged and every feeling is safe to share. We believe children thrive when they are seen, heard, supported, and deeply loved, and we are committed to always providing that kind of environment. If we are lucky enough to welcome this child into our family, we promise a childhood rooted in safety, stability, laughter, and opportunity. We promise to encourage dreams, celebrate individuality, offer guidance through every stage of life, and stand beside them in both their brightest and hardest moments. We promise to teach kindness, compassion, resilience, and the value of loving others. And just as importantly, we promise to always celebrate you. Your story will always be part of this child’s story. We will speak of you with respect, gratitude, and openness. We will make sure they know how deeply you care, how brave you are, and how much love surrounded them from the very beginning. We believe adoption is built on connection, honesty, and trust, and we would cherish the opportunity to build that with you.

We know this decision is not easy. It carries enormous weight and emotion. There is no right or wrong path, only the one that feels true in your heart. If our family feels like a place your heart could rest, if something in these words feels right or comforting, we would be profoundly honored to walk this road with you. No matter where your journey leads, we wish you peace, strength, and confidence in the care you are already showing.

With deep respect, gratitude, and hope.

Ian & Ola