We met in college, Courtney's freshman year and Davie's Junior year. Courtney took an advanced history class, against the advice of her counselor, and was in class with all upperclassmen. Not knowing anyone else in the class, she found herself laughing at a joke at the same time as a guy sitting behind her and decided to wait for him after class and introduce herself. After that we discovered we had mutual friends and started hanging out outside of class. We were friends for a long time before we became more, which is why we think we have worked so well.

Having friendship as our foundation has really helped us through these past 15 years together and is the glue that keeps us together during hard times. While Courtney was in law school, she studied abroad in Europe to study European Union law. Davie flew out to meet her at the end of her semester and that's where he proposed. We were married in July 2010 and had a son in 2015. The love and laughter that started out as a great friendship in college continues to this day and we wish to continue to grow our family on top of that solid foundation.

Throughout our lives the adoption topic just kept coming up. Davie's grandparents initially believed that they couldn't have kids of their own and as a result adopted 2 siblings. The world works in funny ways because after these children were placed 3 biological miracles happened and their family grew to 5 kids. So Davie learned from his father about the dynamics of adoption on a family. We also saw the love and admiration that family had for each other as they grew up. Then we were lucky enough to have a few friends that have gone through the adoption process multiple times.

This gave us some insight into the process from start to finish. On top of that, we have discussed adoption as a path we wanted to take even before we were married. We've seen the joy that adoption brings and understand some of the challenges and hurdles associated with this process. All of these experiences have prepared us for this moment. We know that we are ready to shower your child with the love he or she deserves.

1. We love music and dancing, we have dance parties at the house all the time.

2. We've been together for over 15 years and married for 10 years.

3. Courtney is the youngest of five siblings who all live within 20 minutes of each other.

4. We live in a lake community so we swim and fish a lot when it's warm.

5. We sometimes set up forts in the basement or put our tent up outside to have a fun slumber party adventure.

6. Our #1 family choice for takeout is Chipotle.

7. We have two sets of Grandparents: Courtney's parents; Grandma & Papa, and Davie's parents; Gaga & Papa.

8. We have two dogs named Linus and Louie.

9. Davie plays guitar.

10. We all love chocolates filled with caramel, whenever we have any in the house they get eaten super fast. 

The best example of our extended family is a vacation we took in the summer to the beaches of the great lakes in Michigan City, Indiana. We rented a condo just a block from the beach with 8 bedrooms! Each day we would wake up, eat breakfast together as a family, and walk to the beach and play in the sand and the lake. At night we'd go back to the house and cook dinner as the kids would play together in the house. It was the perfect getaway. We didn't have to do anything complicated to have a great time.

We simply enjoyed the ability to be together, talk and laugh. The 6 cousins create enough excitement on their own to keep the family busy. While we took this trip away we have roughly 20 family members that live less than 15 minutes from us with the closest cousins, brothers and sisters living in the same neighborhood. There's never a dull moment with this large amount of people, but what makes our family unique is how supportive and loving the whole group is. We function as a unit together always pitching in and helping each other out. Like us, our entire family stands ready, willing, and able to give their own version of love and support to your child as they become a part of our big family.

The neighborhood we live in is more than just houses together, it's part of a very active and connected community here in Missouri. There are all sorts of regular events specifically designed to get children out and moving and connected to each other like scavenger hunts and group activities.

On top of that the community has 3 pools, a golf course, several parks, and our own neighborhood lake where our family shares a boat for fishing and swimming. The children can join neighborhood swim and tennis teams as well. We have 5-6 children in our cul-de-sac right now with dozens of new families still growing their families too.

Our house is a blessing. It was built only 5 years ago and has 5 bedrooms and 2 kitchens. Our favorite thing about it is the basement. We spend a lot of time there watching movies, sporting events, and playing. We can't wait for the summer seasons here to go to the pool or one of the many docks and hop on the boat with family and friends.

First, we want to say that you are incredibly brave to be doing what you're doing. Because we have our own child, we know the love that you have for your child and that the decision you are making comes completely from that love. So it is important to us that you know we think you are amazing and strong for even considering this path for your child.

Second, we want you to know that we are ready and willing and able to love your child with all that we have and always put them first in a warm, trusting, and safe family environment. Family is everything to us, and it is our mission in life to build a family that is strong and happy and one where every member of that family feels seen and heard and valued.

Your child will be seen and heard and valued and will be a part of what makes our family beautiful. We have been together over 15 years and have been married for 10, so we know each other well and trust each other deeply. Davie is an incredibly kind and attentive father who takes his time to teach and play with children. And Courtney is a loving mother who is always showering children with affection and praise and letting them know they are the most special and precious thing in this world. We know that together we are going to be the best parents we can be to your child, and even through the hard times, which there will inevitably be plenty of hard times, we will always work through those times from a place of love and respect.

Your child will know that they are loved and respected in this house, and will be a part of a family that functions like a team. We're all on the same team here and have each other's backs, and that includes yours if the circumstances permit. We will send letters and pictures to you so you can see the various milestones reached and growth of your child, as well as know what we are all up to. You will know that your child is well taken care of and a key member of our family unit. If we get to know each other and we want to have more contact than just the photos and letters, we are open to those options as well.

We know that this is not an easy thing to do and we want to do what we can to support you through this process so that you can be confident in your decision. We will always have the best interests of your child in mind as we make any and all decisions as we go through life and are raising this little one into adulthood. I hope that provides you with some comfort as you work through this choice. Thank you for thinking of us as you make this decision. Your strength is admirable and if nothing else, we hope these words helped you in some way, even if you don't choose us.

Davie & Courtney