We met during high school at a summer event at church. After realizing we went to the same high school, we fell into the same friend group and were friends for a couple of years before starting to date at 16 and 17 years old! We worked our first job together and enjoyed the extra time together after school. Early in our relationship, we would play disc golf, go to parks, watch movies, and play board games.

We've been together ever since, through (close) long distance as Caleb finished high school and then (farther) long distance as we went to different colleges. Caleb proposed as we were finishing up college and we got married shortly after graduating and starting our big kid jobs. We've been in the same city ever since and have built a good community of friends both with and without children. Our friends and family that love us are excited to have the opportunity to love our family.

Currently in our leisure time, we like to play board games, hang out with our friends, watch football, Survivor, go to coffee shops, and walk our dog. We each have hobbies independent of our spouse. Kirsten likes to read and hang out with her book club, workout at Orange Theory, and surprise others with homemade goodies. Caleb likes to watch movies, play golf, ride his road bike or mountain bike, and watch YouTube. In addition to our hobbies, we also really love a good day at home where we can rest and recuperate.

When we get to start sharing experiences with a child, we are looking forward to playing with toys, going to parks, hanging out with our friends and their kids, and taking them to the many kid oriented things that our city has to offer. We have a great zoo, science center, and other fun kid centered activities.

To us, being a parent means developing a secure and trusting relationship with a little human. We look forward to mixing our experiences during our childhood to create a fun and loving household. We want to help raise a good human that cares for others and has a strong sense of values. We also know that being a parent is going to be very hard; Telling them "No", having difficult conversations, and even having disagreements amongst ourselves. We're ready to face this rewarding challenge together.

Beyond the serious aspects of raising a child, we're really looking forward to the joy we can bring to a child as well as the joy the child can bring to us. Hearing the child's laugh, seeing their smiling face, and watching them learn about the world is going to be so rewarding.

Kirsten is most looking forward to reading lots of books, playing outside, and nurturing a child. As a teacher, Kirsten is looking forward to helping a child accomplish milestones.

Caleb is most looking forward to making a child laugh, building a relationship and common interests, and watching Kirsten flourish as a mom.

We live in the state of Kansas. We live in a very family friendly community. The community has many parks, lots of kids around, and several amenities for kids. There are weekly farmers markets in our little downtown area, lots of trick or treaters each year, and lots of festivities to celebrate each season. We are lucky enough to be a couple blocks from some of our best friends. We look forward to raising kids together, taking all the kids to neighborhood parks, and playing together outside!

Our house is a one story cottage home. It has been renovated (a lot of the work done by Caleb!). We have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Kirsten loves the reading room off of the primary bedroom. It is cozy and perfect for diving into a good book. Caleb's favorite room is the mud room because it stores his tools and bikes! There are several neighborhood parks within walking distance that are well maintained, and we cannot wait to make them a part of our weekend routine! There are also a handful of pools and splash parks that will provide a lot of fun.

Caleb is from the Kansas City area (Independence) and Kirsten moved around a lot as a kid until she settled in the Kansas City area in high school. Caleb's family lives in St. Louis and Kirsten's dad lives in Wichita.

Kirsten's mom passed away in 2020 and is deeply missed everyday in all the family traditions. Kirsten and her mom were best friends and talked everyday on the phone. We each have one brother. While we live a couple hours away from both sides of our families, we take weekend road trips to have quality time every couple months. When we are with our families we are playing cards, playing board games, watching sports, and eating delicious food.

When it comes to family traditions, we love matching Christmas pajamas and decorating cookies! Our families are so excited for us to adopt and are so excited to have a little addition to our family! They are invested in the journey, and are keeping up with all that is happening and all we are learning!

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter and learn a little bit about us. As we sit down to write this, we’re filled with admiration for the courage and love it takes to consider adoption. We can only imagine the weight of the choices before you, and we want you to know that we see your strength, your heart, and your love for your child. No matter where your journey leads, we hope you feel supported, respected, and surrounded by peace.

We’re Kirsten and Caleb Gorman, high school sweethearts who have been together for sixteen years and married for ten. Our life together is filled with laughter, adventure, and love?"both the quiet, everyday kind and the big, joyful kind that comes from building a life side by side. We live in a warm and welcoming home surrounded by friends, family, and a wonderful community that can’t wait to embrace a little one.

Kirsten is an elementary school teacher, and Caleb is an engineer. We both love what we do and find joy in helping others, solving problems, and learning new things. Outside of work, we love spending time together doing our favorite things?"playing board games, kayaking, or camping. On weekends, you’ll often find us grabbing coffee at our favorite local spot before heading outdoors, visiting friends, or cheering on our favorite teams (Go Chiefs!). Kirsten is an avid reader who always has a stack of books nearby, and Caleb loves mountain biking and exploring new trails. We also share our home with three pets?"two cats and a very lovable dog?"who bring constant energy, snuggles, and love to our days!

Family and friendship mean everything to us. Many of our closest friends have young children, and we’re so excited to imagine raising our future child alongside them?"backyard playdates, birthday parties, and countless adventures together. We look forward to days at the park, cozy nights at home, traveling to new places, and spending quality family time during our weekend routine. Our dream is to raise a child in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. We believe that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and deeply loved for who they are. We will encourage curiosity, creativity, and kindness, helping our child grow into someone who is confident, compassionate, and true to themselves. We want to nurture their interests?"whether that means building Lego towers, learning an instrument, or playing sports?"and be there to celebrate every milestone, big and small. Our home will always be a place where they can ask questions, make mistakes, dream big, and know they are loved beyond measure.

We also understand that adoption begins with incredible courage and love on your part. If you choose us, we want you to know that your story and your place in our child’s life will always be honored. We will make sure they grow up knowing how deeply loved they were from the very beginning?"by you and by us. Your love will always be part of their story, and we are open to sharing that connection in whatever way feels right for you. We believe that an open adoption is best for you, the child, and us. We think it will be great for the child to learn about their history. We are open to making this process work together, whether that is through email, phone calls or visits!

Thank you, truly, for considering us. We don’t take this opportunity lightly, and we’re humbled to even be part of your consideration. Your courage inspires us, and your love gives us hope. We wish you strength, comfort, and peace as you make the best decision for you and your baby. Whatever path you choose, please know that you will always have our deepest respect and gratitude.

Best,

Caleb & Kirsten