Our lifestyle focuses on spending time together and being outdoors. We enjoy quiet time with movies and home improvement projects at our house just as much as getting outside and exploring. One of our favorite things to do is visit the national forest just ten minutes from our home. We hike there often and love having such easy access to nature. Being outdoors helps us slow down, stay active, and appreciate time together.

In the winter, we look forward to skiing and other outdoor winter activities. During warmer months, camping is a favorite tradition. We've found that being outdoors is an incredible way for us to bond as a couple and hopefully with our future child.

Family is also a big part of our lives. We make time to be with our families and truly value those relationships. Overall, we live a simple, steady life that focuses on connection, time together, and shared experiences. We also enjoy concerts and music and make time at least once a month to see live music at both major concert venues and at our local park. We look forward to sharing these activities and values with a child and building memories as a family.

To us, being parents means taking on a responsibility that matters more than anything else we will do. It means putting a child’s well being first in a realistic and healthy way, while continuing to be thoughtful and present adults. Parenting is about showing up, being consistent, and building a life together over time. We expect our priorities to change, and we see that as a positive shift. We look forward to creating routines, sharing everyday experiences, and providing stability as our child grows. We also see parenting as helping a child feel connected to something larger than our immediate family. That includes building strong relationships with extended family and helping our child feel a sense of belonging in the town and community where we live.

We also expect to find a lot of joy and meaning in watching our child become their own person. Seeing them develop their interests, personality, and sense of independence is something we truly look forward to. We imagine happiness in sharing their excitement about the world, discovering new things, feeling proud of themselves, and enjoying life. For us, being parents means supporting who our child is and everything he or she will become.

What takes priority in our life is our family. While serving in the military is a major part of who we are and how we live, it will never come before our children or each other. Military service is not a typical job. It affects where we live, how often we move, and how much time we spend away from home. As a military family, our units and the military community play a significant role in our daily lives, often providing support during both challenging and joyful moments. That sense of community is one of the strengths of military life.

At the same time, we are intentional about keeping our family at the center of every decision. Our children’s stability, safety, and emotional well being come first. When faced with a change of station or a new assignment, we will carefully consider how that move affects our family and ensure their needs are met before moving forward. We understand that many military children experience frequent moves, and we are committed to minimizing disruption whenever possible. Our priority is raising children who feel secure, supported, and loved. No matter where the military takes us, our family will always come first, and every decision we make will reflect that commitment.

We live in California, in a newer, gated neighborhood in the foothills of a mountain range that is great for families. Our neighborhood has many bike paths, walking trails, and a nearby park. A large playground is just a few minutes past the gate. The neighborhood is home to many families with children, and it is common to see kids riding bikes and neighbors gathering outdoors.

The community hosts many annual events that bring everyone together, including Fourth of July fireworks, trick or treat celebrations, and Christmas holiday parties. There are also many smaller events throughout the year that help build a sense of community and friendship among neighbors.

Our house is a single story, four bedroom, three bathroom home located on a quiet cul de sac. One of our favorite features is the large backyard and covered porch, which is perfect for relaxing, hosting gatherings, and enjoying the beautiful mountain views. The setting feels peaceful and safe, while still being part of an active, engaged neighborhood.

We love imagining a child growing up here, surrounded by nature and community.

Family time for us usually means shared meals, and conversation around the table. On both sides of our family, game nights are a favorite way to connect, especially as younger cousins and nieces and nephews join in. We both spend time with our brothers, and our families often talk about how excited they are to have a new child in the family.

Although our families live throughout the country, we stay connected. We travel often to see them, and they regularly come to visit us as well. Distance has never felt like a barrier because everyone makes time for one another, whether for a weekend visit or a longer stay.

We have many family traditions that keep us grounded. Tim’s side of the family gathers annually for reunions where longtime recipes from his grandmothers are shared and favorite holiday movies are watched. With Tom’s side of the family, annual ski trips are a highlight, along with summer camping and full day gatherings centered around smoking a brisket and enjoying each other’s company. What makes our family unique is how close and supportive everyone remains despite living far apart. Our families are incredibly excited about our adoption plan and cannot wait to welcome a new child with love, pride, and joy.

We want to begin by saying how much respect we have for you and for the decision you are facing. We know that choosing adoption for your child is an incredibly loving and thoughtful act, and we do not take that lightly. We understand that this choice comes with deep emotion, reflection, and care, and we want you to know that we are truly honored to be considered as adoptive parents.

We are a married couple who have been together for over four years and married for two and a half years. We met while both serving in the military and our shared desire to serve others. From early on in our relationship, we talked openly about our shared desire to become parents. Adoption has always been part of that conversation. Over many evenings and long talks, we reflected on what kind of parents we hoped to be and how we wanted to build our family. Our decision to pursue adoption was made out of a shared commitment to this lifelong endeavor of parenthood.

Our marriage is steady, supportive, and built on trust and communication. We value showing up for one another, especially during challenging moments, and we carry those same values into how we hope to parent. We are excited about the everyday parts of raising a child as well as the responsibility that comes with it. We see parenting as a lifelong commitment rooted in care, consistency, and love.

Family is very important to us, and we are fortunate to have strong relationships with our own brothers (we both have two brothers, each) and parents. Through adoption, your child would be welcomed not only by us, but by a larger circle of people who are eager to love and support them. This includes cousins, aunts, uncles, and four very loving grandparents. Our hope is that our child grows up knowing they are surrounded by people who care deeply about them and take joy in being part of their life.

We also believe it is important to honor and respect your place in this story. We will always speak about you with kindness and gratitude, and we are committed to being open with our child about their adoption. We want them to understand that their story began with love and intention.

We are committed to sending letters and pictures so you can see how your child is growing and thriving. We are also open to additional contact, including phone calls, emails, and periodic visits, if that is something you would like. We believe openness can be meaningful and supportive when it is built on mutual respect and shared care for the child. We are willing to talk together about what level of contact feels right and healthy.

Above all, we want you to know that this child would be deeply loved and cared for, not just today but for a lifetime. We see adoption not as a single moment, but as a lifelong relationship and commitment. We are grateful that you are taking the time to read our story, and we appreciate the trust it takes to consider us as parents for your child. No matter what you decide, we wish you peace, support, and care as you move forward.

With sincere gratitude,

Tim & Tom