In one word, we would describe our lifestyle as "balanced." We thrive on our deep relationships with family and friends, and we also recharge when we have quiet time to ourselves. We spend a lot of weekends doing a healthy combination of both!

For example, a typical Saturday includes a relaxing morning run or cycling class at the gym to get energized for the day. This is followed by some "veg" time as we barbecue, have "pool-time" with friends (weather permitting), or turn on a sports game for background while reading, crafting (Erin loves to crochet), or catching up on phone and text conversations.

Justin works as a supply chain engineer and sometimes travels for work – usually for 3-4 days at a time. Erin will spend extra time with her friends, and with our dog, while he travels. Erin currently works at the local university designing courses, but she will be a stay-at-home mom full-time when we adopt our child. We believe that a child needs our undivided attention and care and we will provide a secure, nurturing and loving environment for the child.

On Sundays we always attend church. Erin teaches the nursery class and Justin teaches the older children's class several times each year. Our child will grow up learning what the Bible teaches and will be surrounded with a very loving and supportive church community.

Every year we drive to the beach. We vacation there in the summer and in the winter seasons and usually go with friends who have young children. Our child will have many opportunities to grow deep friendships with children who are similar ages as we continue this vacation tradition after adopting.

The beach is special for us because we both grew up near beaches (Erin grew up near the Oregon coast, and Justin grew up in southern California). We each have shared precious beach memories with our families as children and hope to create our own "beach days" with our child.

The condos we normally stay at are situated on bluffs overlooking the ocean. The views are spectacular. We sometimes stay on an ocean front property where we see the sun set every night on the horizon. While on the beach, we enjoy reading, relaxing and occasionally, boogie boarding! We've spotted whales, seals, and lots of dolphins.

We often plan a day trip to Justin's hometown and go to a baseball game, which is one of our favorite pastimes. Erin loves cooking and baking, and Justin enjoys grilling, so we make lots of special vacation food. Some of these include Belgian waffles, grilled salmon, and homemade ice cream.

Erin About Justin: If a stranger saw Justin interacting with a child, they would think he is already a father. He is comfortable around children of all ages (he loves holding babies and playing games and talking with young children). Justin makes them laugh with his playful personality. I sometimes hear him asking our friends' children, "What do you like better – cake or ice cream?" and listening to the ensuing conversation.

Justin is a talented storyteller and will even do voice impressions! He does impressions of several of the Muppets, Star Wars characters, Forrest Gump, Sean Connery… and even me! I love listening and laughing.

Justin is incredibly loyal in all of his relationships. He is compassionate, loves unconditionally, and always puts others before himself. I know he will be a wonderful father.

Justin About Erin: The first qualities I noticed about Erin, are her "quiet strength," and her sweetness, which became apparent to me from day one. She carries a gentleness about her that stands out, and she is a perfect complement to my personality! Erin genuinely cares about people, treasures deep friendships with others, and is an easy person to build trust with.

Quality time is one of the most important things to Erin. When I come home from work, the first thing she wants to do is hear the details of my day, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's a blessing to have a wife who cares so deeply for her husband, and it drives me to do my best to return the favor. Around the house, she loves to cook as a mechanism to relax and decompress – and I sure love to indulge her in this hobby! She makes so many fantastic meals that it's hard to keep track of what is my favorite!

Our home is located in Arizona where we have five seasons instead of four! The fifth season is "monsoon season" and begins in July when southern Arizona has huge rainstorms with lightning and thunder. They are incredible to watch and experience (from inside of course)! We don't mind the hot summers here because the monsoon rains bring cooler temperatures and provide incredible light shows!

Our house is in a cul-de-sac where we see neighbors walking their dogs and children riding bicycles every day. The land across the street is protected land so we know we will always have the wonderful view of the mountains.

The neighborhood has a large grassy park area with a play structure, benches, and a ramada with a picnic table. Even closer to our house is another recreation area with a swing set, sand box, and another ramada and picnic table.

Our three-bedroom, three-bathroom house has a large kitchen with granite countertops, a dining area and living room all downstairs. A large upstairs loft will make a wonderful playroom someday (in addition to our office area). We have a gated pool and jacuzzi as well as a built-in fire pit that we often enjoy with friends and family.

We care deeply about family.

Erin's parents live close by and we love golfing together in the beautiful weather. Erin's mom even scored a hole-in-one and framed the lucky golf ball she used that day. Erin's dad taught her how to golf and has tutored Justin on his golf game as well.

Our favorite tradition with them is going to their house after church on Easter Sunday and spending the day barbecuing tenderloin cuts, and swimming in their beautiful back yard. Erin's Dad has always affectionately called her "Shortcake" after a character in the show "Happy Days," and the nickname lives on! We know they will shower their first grandchild with so much love.

We visit Justin's parents at least once a year and they come visit us at least yearly. Justin and his dad are usually occupied doing outdoor activities like fly fishing and golfing, while his mom and Erin do crafts like crochet projects or taking a glass fusing class.

Justin has three siblings (twin brothers and a sister) who all enjoy playing lively board games or card games which usually end up turning into some form of friendly rivalry.

Our families love one another unconditionally, and we know this child will be loved by our families beyond measure!

We are humbled that you would consider us to be the adoptive parents of your child. This must be one of the most challenging decisions you have ever faced. We are praying that God is protecting you and this child throughout this tremendous journey.

Our story may sound a little different from others. We have been married for 9 years, but we were friends for 7 years before we even started dating. Because of our long friendship and how well we knew one another before we began dating, we only dated for 5 weeks before getting engaged. So, our relationship actually spans 16 years!

We have a strong marriage that is set on a solid foundation of love, respect, and trust. Justin is loyal and leads with clear direction and vision. He is also playful and funny, and always knows when to bring humor into a situation. Erin is sweet and gentle, and her quietness brings peace into situations. Like Justin, she is also playful and feeds off of Justin's humor.

We want you to know that this child will have every need met - there will never be a lack. We believe that providing for a child goes well beyond finances. Providing this child with love, adventure, security, protection, education, and simply put - our time - are all high on our list of priorities. When we adopt, Erin will be a stay-at-home mom, and will devote 100% of her time to caring for and nurturing our child. Justin is an engineer and currently works 9-hour days, but every other weekend is a 3-day weekend, giving him extra time at home. He regularly travels for work, but usually only 3-4 days at a time and never over the weekends.

Vacations are a regular part of our life - we would call it our biggest tradition. Every year we go to the beach and we also go to the mountains. Vacations allow us to recharge from hard work, spend quality time together, and dream about the year ahead. They are also full of adventure. We play baseball with friends and their children, we go hiking, we go to baseball games, we go boogie boarding at the beach, and we visit some of our favorite restaurants.

Holidays are also important. We celebrate Thanksgiving by going to the mountains and deep frying a turkey with friends. We celebrate Christmas in town with Erin's parents where we have a big meal and spend time giving and opening gifts. Our Easter tradition is to go swimming at Erin's parents' house.

Our families are incredibly supportive of our decision to adopt. This child will be loved and cared for in every aspect and from every relationship. Erin's parents will become grandparents for the first time and they are so excited! Justin's parents currently have one grandchild and are also thrilled to become grandparents another time!

We have many trusted friends who have young children and some who are just starting families themselves. Every week we spend time with these friends on Sundays at church. We also go on vacation with many of them, and we get together often for dinners and social events. Some of these friends are just like family to us. These close-knit relationships will be an important part of the child's life.

When we adopt a child, we will send pictures and write letters each year. If desired, we will gladly set up a private Instagram account to share pictures of milestones like birthdays or first steps.

The excitement and anticipation associated with adopting a baby into our family is hard to describe. We eagerly anticipate the day when we will hold this baby in our arms for the first time. Thank you for considering us for this great adventure.

With Love,

Justin & Erin