We met in a way that still makes us smile. A former manager of Jess’s job, where she worked as a registered nurse, thought we would be a great match and offered to introduce us. It was during the COVID season, when the world felt uncertain and restaurants and typical date nights weren’t really an option. So instead of meeting out somewhere, Sam invited Jess over for a home-cooked dinner.

Sam prepared grilled chicken, bacon-wrapped green beans, and mashed potatoes. Everything was going perfectly—until the potatoes were accidentally overcooked and turned into soup. We still laugh about that meal. It broke any awkwardness immediately and set the tone for us: real, imperfect, and full of humor.

After that first date, we kept talking and seeing each other as much as we could. We traveled back and forth to spend time together, learning more about each other with every visit. What started as a blind date during an unusual time in the world slowly became something steady and meaningful, and eventually, we knew we wanted to build a home together.

In our free time, we enjoy hobbies that let us slow down, create, and connect. Sam has developed a love for woodworking — a skill he taught himself through patience and practice. There’s something meaningful about building with his hands and seeing a project come to life. Jess enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors, especially caring for our animals. On our six-acre property, we’ve dedicated about an acre to our chickens, geese, and turkeys. A lot of time is spent tending to them, along with caring for our indoor pets, including our dog Maddie, who is primarily Great Pyrenees and has a gentle, protective nature. Maddie’s best friend prior to his passing was a small bunny rabbit named Cookie.

Together, we love watching cinematic movies — especially horror, thrillers, and comedies — and we enjoy unwinding with a great story. We also spend time walking at local state parks and exploring nature. Family is central to our lives, and many weekends include visiting loved ones, enjoying lakes and local ponds, and learning new things — like when Jess’s father began teaching Sam how to fish. Those simple, shared moments mean the most to us.

Our backgrounds are something we’re proud of and grateful for. Sam’s heritage is Danish, German, and English, while Jess’s roots are Polish and Scottish. Growing up, Jess especially experienced her Polish culture in hands-on ways — learning family recipes, spending time in the kitchen, and helping prepare traditional dishes like pierogies and halupki. Food has always been one of the ways our family have stay connected across generations. We both value where we come from, but we also deeply appreciate the diversity around us. Our circle of friends includes people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Sharing meals, traditions, holidays, and conversations with them has broadened our perspectives and strengthened our appreciation for cultures beyond our own.

We believe heritage is something to celebrate — not only our own, but that of others as well. We would be intentional about honoring and learning about our child’s cultural background and ensuring they grow up with a strong sense of identity, pride, and belonging. Our home is one where differences are embraced, traditions are shared, and everyone has a seat at the table.

Family is at the heart of Jess and Sam’s life. Jess’s family lives about an hour and a half away in South Carolina and loves spending time outdoors—at the beach, walking nature trails, and fishing. Jess also has a brother in Maine, where he recently built a home in the mountains, and visits there are filled with fresh air, long walks, and quiet time together.

Sam’s father and stepmother live a few hours away in South Carolina, and Sam’s mom will soon be just 15 minutes down the road, which makes family dinners and visits easy and frequent. Sam also has a brother in Portland, Oregon, who hopes to relocate to the South in the future, bringing even more family closer together.

Every other year between Christmas and New Year’s, we travel to Massachusetts to visit Sam’s extended family, a tradition we deeply treasure. Originally from the Northeast and now settled in the South, we love blending those roots by spending time outside, visiting parks, and taking long trail walks together.

Some of our favorite traditions include baking cookies together each year and gathering around the holidays to make homemade pierogies, a joyful family tradition full of laughter and stories. Holidays are always spent together, with everyone bringing their favorite dishes and sharing time around the table. Our family is warm, close-knit, and deeply connected, and we are excited to share that love and support with a child.

We live in Georgia in a peaceful, rural community surrounded by farmland, livestock, and families who are deeply rooted and supportive of one another. Our neighbors come together through church and local gatherings, and nearby towns host summer festivals and family-friendly events with food, games, and activities where children and families connect and enjoy time together.

Our home is a single-family, ranch-style house with three bedrooms and just over 2,200 square feet, situated on a little under six acres. Our favorite room is the family room, where we gather on our large sectional sofa to watch movies by the fireplace—it’s our favorite place to relax and spend time together. Outside, part of our property is gated for chickens, geese, and turkeys, and we have an enclosed pole barn that serves as a home gym, workshop, and space for vehicles and projects.

We’re surrounded by beautiful forestry and nature, with several parks nearby and a drive-through safari park not far from our home. We have friends in the area with young children, and Sam’s company often hosts family-friendly gatherings where kids and parents spend time together. We look forward to one day adding a swimming pool and creating even more space for family fun. Our home is calm, welcoming, and full of room to grow and play.

We want to start by saying that we respect and honor any choice you make for your child. We understand that this is a deeply personal and emotional decision, and we feel gratitude for the thought and love that guides your heart. We hope you feel supported knowing that whatever decision you make, we understand comes from a place of love and intention.

Adoption has always been important to us, as it is our path to starting a family. From the beginning, we have built a lifestyle centered on love, stability, and connection — a home where a child can feel safe, supported, and celebrated every single day. Our hope is to bring a child into our lives to learn, grow, and experience everything the world has to offer, surrounded by encouragement, laughter, and care.

We have been together since 2020 and are married partners who are loyal, committed, and deeply in love. We support each other through life’s ups and downs, always listening, encouraging, and celebrating one another. Whether we’re cooking dinner, caring for our pets, or planning our weekends, we do it as a team. These qualities are the foundation of our relationship and guide the way we nurture our home. Sam’s military background has given him a protective nature and the ability to bond deeply with others, while his loyalty and ingenuity create stability and guidance for our family. Jess’s career as a registered nurse reflects her compassion, empathy, and commitment to caring for others — qualities that extend into our home and daily life. Together, we balance each other and create an environment filled with trust, patience, and warmth.

Our home is full of family, pets, hobbies, and community. Maddie, our Great Pyrenees mix, and our indoor and outdoor animals — from chickens and geese to a parrot, bearded dragon, and ball python — teach patience, responsibility, and empathy. We love spending time outdoors, walking trails, kayaking, exploring rivers, or simply enjoying a campfire with friends and family. Holidays are special moments in our home, baking cookies, sharing meals, and celebrating traditions, including Polish foods and cultural heritage, to give a child a sense of identity and pride.

Adoption will be a part of our child’s life from the very beginning. We are committed to teaching them about adoption, helping them understand that they are loved deeply by their families. If open to it, we would love to maintain a connection through letters, pictures, emails, phone calls, texts, and or even visits in the future. We deeply respect your role in your child’s life and want to honor the love that you already have for them.

Our vision for our family is one filled with warmth, encouragement, and experiences that create lasting memories. We hope to share our love of nature, cultural traditions, and family milestones with a child, giving them a home where they can thrive and grow into their full potential.

We are so excited by the possibility of welcoming a child into our lives and sharing our hearts, home, and family with them.

Samuel & Jessica