We each bring different strengths to parenting, and together we create a balance of structure, care, and fun. Aaron has a calm and steady presence that naturally helps people feel safe and supported. He will be the dad making sure our child heads to school with a healthy lunch, sitting at the table to help with homework, assembling new toys, and teaching them how to throw a football or ride a bike. His patience and thoughtful nature help create the consistency children need to grow, learn, and explore the world around them.

Zack brings creativity, energy, and a sense of play to parenting. He loves creating moments that feel special for kids—whether that’s sledding down a hill, movie nights with popcorn on the couch, or building blanket forts in the living room. Zack believes in meeting a child where they are emotionally and helping them feel understood. He connects easily with kids through imagination, encouragement, and a little humor.

Together, our strengths complement each other and help us create a loving and balanced home where a child can feel secure, supported, and free to be themselves.

Our nephew, Jackson, was adopted by Aaron’s sister as a newborn in 2023. She invited us to the hospital in Virginia shortly after he was born, which was a very special moment for our family. While we didn’t meet Jackson’s birth mother, we were able to see how Aaron’s sister thoughtfully approaches and maintains that relationship. We understand that every adoption journey is unique and that our experience with our child’s birth parents will be different. Still, witnessing the process firsthand gave us a meaningful introduction to adoption and helped us better appreciate the journey.

Aaron’s family welcomed Jackson with open arms, and Zack’s family has been just as supportive. Zack’s nieces and nephews refer to Jackson as their cousin and love spending time with him! From the beginning of our relationship, we both knew adoption was something we hoped would be part of our future, and that shared hope has helped us grow together.

Our lifestyle is active, joyful, and full of love. We’re very much a “couple on the move”—literally. We’re runners who have built our life side by side over the eight years we’ve been together. We even got married in running shoes, which feels like a perfect reflection of us. Our days are a blend of simple routines and little adventures: weekend mornings often start with cinnamon buns, then spontaneous ice cream stops around Pittsburgh, and yes—strategic Costco sample runs that justify all the miles we log. We also love exploring new cities through running, whether that’s along the waterfront in San Diego or through historic neighborhoods in Baltimore. Our work lives reflect our shared values of people, learning, and community. Aaron teaches swim lessons at a local YMCA. Zack works in executive recruiting for a local, family-owned company, where he enjoys learning people's stories, skills, and motivations. We’re both fortunate to have flexible schedules, supportive colleagues, and short commutes, which allow us to be present and engaged at home. We share our home with two cats, Jaspur and Huxley, who bring daily laughter and comfort. Huxley is energetic and playful, while Jaspur prefers quiet cuddles and chin scratches. They’re both relaxed around children and will happily welcome a new little "cub" into our growing pride.

We are fortunate to be very close with our families and to spend time together often, whether that’s for everyday moments or special milestones.

Aaron’s parents live nearby, and his sister and our adopted nephew, Jackson, are just a short drive away. We were deeply honored to be present at the hospital when Jackson was born and to witness part of his adoption story—an experience that left a lasting impression on our hearts. Zack’s parents, sister, brother-in-law, niece, and two nephews live in Maryland, and despite the distance, we see them at least once a month. Zack’s brother also lives in the Pittsburgh area, making regular family dinners a favorite tradition.

Our nieces and nephews—who affectionately call us Uncle Aaron and Acky (Z’s are hard) keep us busy and laughing. We love being involved in their lives, from going to their soccer games and reading bedtime stories (complete with voices) to visiting them at school and planning backyard Easter egg hunts. We are no strangers to diapers, buckling car seats, or figuring out how to make those chicken nuggets just right.

Beyond our immediate families, we share close relationships with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends across the country. Our entire community is excited to support us on this adoption journey and can’t wait to help welcome and love a child into our home.

Our home is located on a quiet, safe street in a welcoming suburb of Pittsburgh. We are conveniently close to the airport and just a short drive from downtown, making it easy to stay connected while still enjoying a peaceful neighborhood setting. Our house has four bedrooms, two living spaces, and three bathrooms, offering plenty of space for family, visitors, and everyday life to unfold comfortably.

One of our favorite features of our home is the backyard, which opens directly to a neighborhood park. From our deck, we often hear children laughing on the jungle gym or playing ball. The neighborhood is ideal for family traditions—whether it’s evening walks, trick-or-treating in the fall, or enjoying festive light displays during the holidays. We love hosting family and friends for weekends and gatherings, and there’s always room for everyone to feel at home. Our cats certainly enjoy the space too, racing through the house and soaking up sunny spots by the windows.

We chose this home very intentionally, with a strong local school system and a diverse, supportive community in mind. Education is deeply important to us, and we wanted a place where a child could grow, learn, and feel supported both inside our home and throughout the neighborhood.

First, we would like to thank you for considering us as adoptive parents of your baby. Whether you are reading this with anxiety, curiosity, fear, or a combination of many emotions, please come as you are. There is room in our hearts for you, too. We don’t believe that a birth family is forfeiting a child. Instead, we see adoption as lives being thoughtfully woven together. Your story and your child’s story will always matter. If you choose an adoption plan, we hope you know that the love you have for your child will always be respected and honored in our home.

We are Zack and Aaron, a married couple who have been together for eight years and have built a loving, supportive partnership. Early in our relationship, we talked about the future and quickly realized that we both shared the same dream of becoming dads through adoption. Over time, that dream has only grown stronger. Watching each other step into the role of involved uncles - playing on the floor with toys, going to their sporting events, and celebrating birthdays and holidays - has made us even more excited about the idea of raising a child together. We truly believe our personalities complement each other and will help us create a home where a child feels supported, understood, and encouraged to be themselves.

Our families are also a very important part of our lives. Our parents and sisters have been wonderful examples of love, patience, and dedication as parents. They are incredibly excited about the possibility of welcoming another child into the family. This baby will grow up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who are eager to celebrate milestones and create lasting memories together.

Adoption is something that will always be celebrated and respected in our home. From the very beginning, our child will know their adoption story and understand that they were deeply loved by many people who wanted the very best for them. We hope to create traditions that celebrate their story and help them feel pride in who they are and where they came from.

We are committed to maintaining a connection with you. We will send letters and pictures so you can see how this child is growing and thriving. We believe those updates can be meaningful for everyone involved, especially as the child reaches new milestones and experiences life’s special moments. In addition to letters and photos, we are also open to more communication if that feels right for you. This could include exchanging emails, phone calls, and periodic visits. We hope to create a relationship that feels respectful, supportive, and centered around what is best for the child.

Our home is ready for the everyday joys of childhood. We look forward to first steps across the living room floor, bedtime stories before sleep, and walking down to the neighborhood park to the jungle gym. We imagine holidays filled with laughter, cousins visiting and playing, and family traditions that make a house feel like home. We even have two fun and comforting cats who will welcome a new playmate.

More importantly, our hearts are ready. We are prepared to give this child patience, stability, encouragement, and unconditional love every single day. Thank you for taking the time to read our letter and consider us as part of your journey. Whatever path you choose, we wish you peace, strength, and happiness.

Zack & Aaron