Faith, marriage, family, friends, and community take priority in our life.

As we cope with the realities of an ever-changing and stressful world, we take great console in turning to our faith and marriage as foundational elements to happiness. We strive to "be the change we want to see" but also take time to appreciate positives within each stage of life.

Our family and friends are big priorities and we're so excited to share them with our future child.

We also believe in supporting our local community. We are involved in local charities and support groups, including prenatal care for those without insurance.

Additional priorities include seeking balance in our day-to-day dealings, and prioritizing our love for each other, and time well-spent, over the pursuit of tangible things.

Matt: Matt is the first-born American of a Cuban refugee family who immigrated from Cuba in 1970. Matt's mother came with her family of seven to the United States, penniless and destitute from the horrors of the Cuban communist revolution. They made their home in North Florida and became proud naturalized Americans who love their new home but take great joy in celebrating their Cuban heritage and history. Vestiges of their past can be seen in annual Cuban Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) celebrations, as well as the frequent family gatherings and traditional Cuban faire served. Matt grew up in a Spanish speaking home and still exercises his Spanish with family. He still has numerous family members in Spain, with whom he maintains communication and a loving relationship. Matt channeled his love of culture and ethnicity in his formal studies, attaining his degree in Anthropology; this highlights his endeavors to keep his family's heritage alive and well through stories and traditions. Matt's military service as a Marine pilot additionally highlights his love for America and thankfulness to a great and hospitable land of opportunity and refuge.

Nicky: Nicky's family consists of mainly eastern and western Europeans that came to America around the 1700's. Nicky was born in Champaign, Illinois. Their family considers themselves diverse Americans, comprised of multiple ethnic/racial backgrounds including white, Latin, and possible Native American. (Her family isn't exactly sure but her great grandfather's name was Green Grass).

Nicky: Since a child, I knew I was going to adopt. Surprisingly, when a child myself, my parents can recall me telling them that adoption was how I was going to have kids. And all during my childhood, young adult years, and now very much an adult, I've always been in situations caring for people. From YMCA camps as a kid, taking care of kids, to being a registered nurse with cancer patients, I've always received joy taking care of others.

The desire to adopt also came from my stepdad, who I consider as much a dad as my biological dad. Both dads were/are involved in my life. Both my dads are my superheroes and I know there is no difference in the genetic tie versus the environmentally acquired one.

Now, I did not know that I would also be infertile. After being married at 26 and trying for a few years, it did not bother me once diagnosed with unexplained infertility. The physicians suggested IVF, but both Matt and I knew adoption was the choice for us. We are both extremely excited to grow our family through adoption.

We live in beautiful coastal North Carolina. We have a historical beach cottage located by the sound. Our house has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open floor plan with a newly added kitchen, and two lounge areas. We have a large backyard with a kayak for the sound.

Less than a block away, there is a beach everyone calls "kids beach." It's called this since the sound does not have the big waves and rip currents the ocean has. It's calm and easy to swim there. In the summer, parents and kids will tie up floats and relax in the water.

There is also a lighthouse and sailing themed water park about four streets down from our home. The city just put this in and it's a hit. Half of the park are your typical swings, structures to climb, and puzzles, and the other half is a water park.

Every July 4th, we have a neighborhood parade and barbecue. The kids dress up their pets, bikes, and golf carts and parade down our street.

Our neighbors across the street have two little girls that are always coming over and very excited about a new child. Two other neighbors just had babies, one a baby boy and the other a baby girl. Two of the three neighbors mentioned are kindergarten teachers.

Our neighborhood is family centered and safe for children. We look forward to sharing it all with a child!

We both come from a large family. Nicky has four parents, her mom, Sheri; stepdad, Rick; biological dad, Tom; and stepmom, Stayce. Tom and Stayce live in Florida. While visiting, we hike, play golf, and have grandparents, over for dinner. Sheri and Rick, along with Nicky's brother, David, his wife and little girl Eva, live in the mountains of North Carolina. When we visit them we like to hike around their property, play card and board games, cook, and relax on their porch.

Matt has his mom, Vicki, and dad, Phil. Phil was adopted as a child and Vicki is the first generation to live in the United States from Cuba. Both live in Florida. Matt has two sisters named Alex and Christina. When we visit Matt's family, we get together with extended family members, aunts, uncles, and friends. We love to be with each other and catch up. We play board games, talk, and visit historical areas and nature trials. They enjoy history and love discussing with those around. We've gone on cruises and many fun vacations with each other.

Other traditions include birthday celebrations with the "you are special plate." Everyone says one thing that makes the other special on this day.

Our families place importance on faith, family, love, and respect for each other. They are all super excited about this child and can't wait to meet him or her.

Hello, let us start by sending you our warmest greetings from North Carolina. As you read this letter, we excitedly think of all the wonderful possibilities that exist in the future. Writing this letter has been the most challenging and exciting letter we've ever written. We write this to you bearing our hearts, and we hope that you'll see us for who we are, two people just like you, with challenges, hopes, and a story to tell.

We have been married for 10 wonderful years and are fortunate enough to live in a peaceful neighborhood, with friends, family, and neighbors with whom we love and find support through.

We have always placed the highest care and priority in our marriage and family. Despite our most sincere efforts, bearing a child has never been in the cards for us. Call it biology, chance, fate, or whatever you may; we were infertile. Which was not the end of the world but a challenge for sure since we absolutely were excited to start a family.

Thankfully, before the infertility issues were known, we had always wanted to adopt. Nicky's stepdad raised her, and Matt's dad was also adopted. Because we've had these experiences, and our Christian faith, we first-hand understand that love is deeper than lineage; Love can be found anywhere there are people with good hearts.

We cannot imagine how you must feel. We know that you must have so much on your mind right now, and that is absolutely to be expected. Know, that we are thinking of you this very moment and want nothing more than for you to be blessed and healthy. We know that life has its challenges for all of us, and the only way through them is with love and persistence. We know that there are so many factors affecting your decision in this incredibly important process and understand that it is for you and only you to decide the outcome.

We want to tell you what we can offer you and the child you are bearing. We can offer a loving home where two parents live for this child and will sacrifice everything for its health and well-being. We can offer a refuge for this child from the troubles of the world, with unconditional love and understanding. We can offer the greatest family and friends as a support structure that will outlast any challenges that world can put up. We can offer a safe and idyllic neighborhood where the kids walk to school, and everyone knows everyone. We can offer a lifetime of commitment and encouragement, that extend far past the typical goals of school and achievement. We can offer adventure and opportunities where we together explore nature and places, building the child's perception and understanding of the world. We can offer unconditional, unstoppable, and immovable love.

Depending on what you are comfortable with, we would love for you to keep in contact with the child. If you're comfortable. We do not want to keep the adoption a secret and would consider you part of the family. Phone calls, emails, visits, are all welcome and desired. You are the one bringing this child into the world and we would never hide that. Please, again, whatever you are comfortable with. Of course, we would send letters and pictures throughout the child's life.

We have been excitedly waiting for this moment and believe that we are destined to be a part of your story. We send our absolute best to you and ask for your trust and confidence in providing not just a home, but a life of love to the beautiful and perfect child you are bearing. As the angels watch over you, know that we are thinking of and are praying for you and your child.

Lovingly,

Matt & Nicky