From the very beginning, we want our child to know that adoption is simply part of their story. It won't be one big conversation someday—it will be something they grow up knowing, with conversations that naturally evolve as they get older and begin asking new questions. We'll tell them they are deeply loved by so many people. We'll talk openly about the person who brought them into the world and the thoughtful, incredibly difficult decisions that were made because they were loved. We want them to know where they came from, to feel proud of every part of their story, and to never feel like adoption is something that shouldn't be talked about.

We know we won't always have every answer, and that's okay. As they grow, we'll answer their questions honestly, encourage their curiosity, and make space for whatever thoughts or emotions they may have. More than anything, we want them to know they can always come to us with questions and that we'll walk through those conversations together. Our hope is that they grow up knowing they have always been loved, that every part of their story matters, and that they never have to choose between loving their birth family and loving ours.

When we think about becoming parents, what excites us most is getting to share the life we've built with a child. To teach them the things that matter to us, learn from them along the way, and have a front row seat to watching them grow into their own person. We're excited to introduce a child to the things that have brought us happiness over the years, whether that's teaching them how to fish, taking them hiking, traveling somewhere new, cheering at a Phillies game, or simply cooking dinner together after a busy day. At the same time, we know they'll have interests that are completely their own, and we're just as excited to jump into those too. We don't expect our child to become a reflection of us. We look forward to discovering who they are and supporting whatever path they choose.

We also think parenthood has a way of changing how you experience the world. We're looking forward to slowing down a little more, seeing familiar places through fresh eyes, answering endless questions, laughing at unexpected moments, and remembering how much fun it is to simply play and be curious again. More than anything, we hope our child grows up in a home where they feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves. We want them to know the importance of kindness, the value of showing up for the people you love, and that no matter where life takes them, they'll always have a family cheering them on.

One thing we both grew up with was the importance of spending time with family. Vacations, birthdays, holidays, and milestone celebrations were never things you missed. They were simply where everyone showed up. That's something we've always wanted to carry into our own family. One of Adam's favorite traditions is an annual trip to a fishing lodge in Wisconsin that's been part of his family for years. Every summer, multiple generations gather for a week of fishing, card games, campfires, and time together. Adam introduced Erin to the tradition years ago, and now it's the week we both look forward to most. We already imagine the day we get to help a child catch their very first fish there.

For Erin, one of the highlights of the holiday season is a "Christmas in the City" tradition with her sisters, nieces, and nephews. We spend the day exploring Philadelphia's Christmas Village and holiday lights before everyone gathers back at our home for food, games, and time together. As we've built a life together, we've started traditions of our own. Friendsgiving has become one of our favorites. Every year we open our home to old friends, new friends, and anyone who doesn't have somewhere else to celebrate. Whether it's a holiday meal, a Fourth of July barbecue, or an Eagles game on Sunday, our hope is that our home will always be a place where people feel welcome, connected, and loved.

We currently live in a two-bedroom, three-bath townhouse in the Pennsport section of Philadelphia. As we've transitioned back to Philly to be closer to family, it's been the perfect place for this chapter of our lives. It has plenty of space for us right now, and while we're actively searching for our forever home, we've fallen in love with this neighborhood and hope to stay nearby. One of our favorite parts of living here is that we're just one block from a community park, Dickinson Square. Throughout the year, it hosts farmers markets, craft fairs, outdoor concerts, and community events that bring the neighborhood together.

We also share our home with our sweet senior dog, Jazzy. She's become a bit of a neighborhood celebrity and knows exactly which local coffee shops and businesses keep treats behind the counter for her daily walks. Watching her make friends wherever she goes is one of our favorite parts of living here. We love that we can walk almost everywhere. Whether we're grabbing a morning coffee, trying a new restaurant, riding our bikes through the city, or hopping on public transit to explore a different neighborhood, there's always something new to experience. We love spending weekend mornings exploring the Italian Market, catching a Phillies game, visiting the zoo, or simply wandering through one of Philadelphia's many neighborhoods. It’s a neighborhood where we see families out and about all the time, and we look forward to sharing those everyday moments with a child.

Family has always been at the center of our lives, and one of the biggest reasons we were excited to move back to Philadelphia was to be closer to the people we love most. Whether it's celebrating birthdays, cheering from the sidelines at flag football games, or gathering for Sunday dinners, we make it a priority to be together. Adam grew up alongside his younger brother, Christian, who has always been much more than a brother—he's one of his best friends. We also visit Adam's mom every week, and whenever his dad is in from Seattle, we love planning adventures and making the most of our time together.

Erin is the youngest of five, so there's never a shortage of family gatherings or kids running around. Her parents live just minutes from the beach, making summer beach days one of our favorite traditions. We also love being the "cool aunt and uncle," hosting impromptu sleepovers, playing games, exploring the city, and making memories with our nieces and nephews. Beyond family, we've built a close-knit group of lifelong friends who truly feel like an extension of our family. Whether we're hosting dinners, celebrating milestones, or simply spending time together, community is an important part of our lives. Our families and friends have been incredibly supportive of our adoption journey, and we know this child will grow up surrounded by people who will love, encourage, and cheer them on every step of the way.

Dear Expectant Parent,

First, thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us. We know that if you're reading this, you're facing an incredibly difficult decision. While we can't fully understand what you're experiencing, we want you to know that we have a tremendous amount of respect for you and for the love that has brought you to this point. We don't take that for granted.

We've been together since we were 17 years old and have now shared more than 22 years together as best friends  and now husband and wife. Growing up together has given us the opportunity to build a relationship based on trust, laughter, and the confidence that no matter what life brings, we'll face it together. Becoming parents has always been part of the future we imagined.

That journey didn't unfold the way we expected. After years of trying to grow our family and going through unsuccessful fertility treatments, we stepped back and took time to heal. Looking back, we're proud of the work we did to support one another through that chapter. It wasn't always easy, but it strengthened our marriage and reaffirmed that, more than anything, we simply want the opportunity to love and raise a child.

As we've prepared for adoption, we've spent a lot of time talking about the kind of parents we hope to be. We don't expect to have all the answers, and we know there will be plenty of moments where we're learning right alongside our child. We look forward to sharing the life we've built, introducing them to the people who mean so much to us, and creating traditions that become uniquely ours. We're just as excited to discover the things they'll love that we never expected.

One thing we are certain of is that your child will grow up surrounded by people who love them. Family is a huge part of our lives. We recently moved back to Philadelphia to be closer to our family and lifelong friends because that's the community we wanted to build our family in. We hope to raise a child who feels supported, encouraged, and confident to become whoever they are meant to be.

We don't believe there is one "right" way to be a family. We hope to create a home where a child feels safe to ask questions, make mistakes, discover new interests, and always knows they are deeply loved. We want them to grow up knowing their adoption story from an early age and understanding that it began with someone who cared deeply about them.

Should you choose us, we would love to build a relationship that feels comfortable for everyone involved. We are committed to sending letters and photos so you can watch your child grow, and we are open to ongoing communication and visits in whatever way feels right for you. We understand that every adoption is different, and we're committed to approaching that relationship with honesty, flexibility, and respect for what is best for your child.

No matter what you decide, we truly hope you find peace and confidence in the path that is right for you. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and for considering us as part of your journey. We would be honored to love, support, and encourage your child every single day.

With gratitude,

Adam & Erin