Adoption has already touched our lives in the most wonderful way. Our 1-year-old son, Ramsey, brings joy to our lives on a daily basis. From the start, he has proven to be quite sweet and loving. He is playful, strong, curious, and he loves to laugh! One time he played so hard that he fell asleep standing up in his hopper! From story time to bath time, meal time to bed time, Ramsey shows us how smart and fearless he is. Ramsey recently had a great time splashing and playing in his pool out in the yard. He likes to play with his toys (sometimes all at once!), and he already has an extensive library of his favorite books (like anything by author Sandra Boynton.) Ramsey likes to explore colors, shapes, and the sounds that different animals make - sometimes all the animals "moo" like the cow, but that's OK! It's easy for him to make friends wherever we go because of his beautiful smile and the fact that he loves to wave "Hello!"

As gay men with a black son, we already find ourselves in the margin of society. In our own lives and as a married couple, we've navigated the terrain of being outside the norm. We understand what it's like to be different. We also understand what it's like to be misunderstood and not accepted because of it. However, we have surrounded ourselves with like-minded friends and family who support us and celebrate our differences. Our guide for sharing cultural diversity with a child can be our own journey towards acceptance and understanding. As the child grows older, we can share more regarding the nature of families with two dads, two moms, a dad, a mom, or a mom and dad. We can also be open and honest about the fact that a family can be strong, nurturing and normal - no matter the color of our skin, where we came from, or who makes up our family.

We live in a metropolitan area in Iowa close to a world renowned zoo. Luke's employer hosts a few free events each year that encourage family participation in a fun atmosphere; the back to school picnic includes bouncy houses, yard games, barbecue, and music. The holiday party has face-painting, raffles, cookie decorating, and an array of delicious foods.

Over the course of the past year we have grown close with the staff and families at our in-home daycare, where children age 5 and under receive lots of love and attention.

We live in an updated, split level house with four bedrooms. We have a spacious back yard, perfect for playing outside. Matthew's favorite room is the kitchen (where he cooks and bakes almost every day), while Luke loves the downstairs family room (where his piano and treadmill are located.)

The neighborhood pool is only a few blocks away from our house and is a lot of fun in the summer months. We also have an outdoor splash park and playgrounds close by. Our local children's museum is popular, and our town's art museum is always hosting classes and events for kids and their families. The local elementary is an International Baccalaureate School, where kids learn about global cultures and various languages.

Our chosen family has grown to include the children of many of our close friends. Also, we visit with our niece and nephews regularly. We love taking them to the zoo, neighborhood pool, movies, game night, and out for ice cream. Bed time stories are a must with our family and friends!

This summer we had a great time with Matthew's brother and his family celebrating grandma and grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary. We also had some fun afternoons playing at the park with Luke's sister's family.

Though both sets of grandparents live further away, weekly phone calls and frequent visits keep them engaged in our lives. Both Luke and Matthew's parents love grandchildren and have been very supportive in our journey so far.

Our friends play a major role in supporting us as well. "Grandma Kathi" is our fairy godmother; "Aunt April" is always sharing her talents; "Uncles" Adam and Camilo have a special bond with our son, Ramsey; and countless others who shower us with love, advice, and a bite to eat!

Hi! This may be a strange way to start a letter, but since we don't know your name, we'll just begin this way... You're looking for a wonderful home and future for your baby, and we're looking to share our love and lives with a child. Perhaps we're looking for each other? We understand that this is a difficult time for you. We also understand the wide range of emotions that you must be feeling with the adoption process. We too have experienced the ups and downs of the journey towards adoption. Once we connect and get to know each other a little, it will become more real and less scary. Please know that we are good people with only the best intentions for both you and your baby. It is our aim and goal to stay connected with birth parents who choose us in their adoption plan. We will send letters, updates, and pictures on a semi-annual basis so you are content and blissfully aware of how the little one is doing.

We'd like to share a little of our story with you. We have been married for three years and together for five years. Like so many couples these days, we met online. A three hour first date over breakfast led to constant conversation, texting, and further dates. It was adjacent to love at first sight, maybe extreme like at first sight? Only a few short months led us to our engagement where we were well on our way to our "forever." One of our earliest conversation starters was whether or not we wanted children. We both discovered a need and a desire to bring children into our family fold. We love each other deeply and have so enjoyed building traditions as a couple. We are also excited and hopeful for continuing those traditions and seeing them evolve as our family expands.

Our families are loving and supportive of our adoption journey. They all look forward to supporting us as our family grows. From far and near, we are and will continue to be connected to them through this great time in our lives.

We have many friends and family that have children. We have three nephews and a niece that bring us great joy. We love spending time with them during visits, holidays, and vacations. Each of the kids have their own special bond with us that we have come to treasure greatly every time we are together. Of course, we also have our son, Ramsey. There isn't a single aspect of raising him that we have not enjoyed. Meals, bed time, play time, bath time-we love it all (probably because Ramsey is so adventurous and smiley!) Everything is fun with a little cuddle bug!

As a gay couple, we have many close friends who have become our chosen family. Many of their children have become like surrogate nieces and nephews to us as well. We get our fair share of birthday parties, music programs, athletic events, and other momentous gatherings that keep us connected as friend families do.

This is just a small window into our lives, but we hope to continue to share more when the time is right and hope you'll consider us during this incredibly emotional and selfless decision you are contemplating right now. Thank you so much for your time.

Best,

Matthew & Lucas