Our journey has been filled with laughter, learning, and dreaming about the future. We are excited to grow our family through adoption and to create a nurturing home where a child can thrive. Thank you for considering us as potential parents. We hope that as you read our story, you can picture the life your child would have with us: one filled with joy, adventure, and unconditional love.

With Love,

Emily + Andrew

We have a lot of love to give.

Emily has a rare genetic disease that has a 50% chance of being passed down. Even though she is healthy, if we were to have a boy and he got the disease, it would mean our child would need a kidney transplant early in life. We both agreed that we did not want to pass that burden on to our child. We also did not want Emily to attempt to carry a child due to the likely complications. But then one of our best friends came to us and volunteered to carry our child. She is the mother of our godchildren, and we felt like it would bond our families even more. Due to her generosity, we decided to try IVF. After four rounds, we ended up with two embryos, both male; one had Emily’s disease, and the other was missing a chromosome. We decided we no longer wanted to pursue IVF due to the strain it was putting on Emily’s physical and mental health. We determined adoption was the right path for us. I think we both knew it even before IVF, as we had discussed it many times, but closing the chapter on IVF helped us move forward.

We’re fully committed to bringing a child into our lives and their birth family as well. We want our child to have a connection to their roots and to know where they came from. We are eager to share our lives, our dreams, and our love with them. We know this path will be filled with learning and growth, and we are ready to embrace every moment of it.

We both went to the University of Maryland, College Park. Emily was playing club field hockey, and Andrew was playing club ice hockey. We met at a social event, and sparks started to fly. After a few dates, Andrew invited Emily to Away Weekend, which is where you go on a getaway before finals. To Andrew’s surprise, Emily said yes!

We were both very nervous about the three-hour car ride we were about to share. But we never had an awkward moment; we chatted like we were old friends, and the laughs never stopped. After that, we both knew this was something special. We dated through college, and then Andrew graduated the year before Emily. He stayed committed to her, visiting frequently and even coming to save the day when her computer broke the night before her final presentation.

Once Emily graduated, she moved in with Andrew and his brother Jon. Then, after living together for six months, we had planned a vacation to the Dominican Republic for our birthdays in November. Andrew scheduled a photoshoot on the beach and popped the question! We celebrated by climbing waterfalls and riding horses through the rainforest. We’ve been together since 2012, got engaged in 2015, and married in July of 2016. Our wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and laughter, surrounded by our closest family and friends.

Since then, our journey has been full of adventures, both big and small. From exploring new countries to discovering hidden gems in our hometown, we cherish every moment spent together. Whether we’re hiking up a mountain, trying out a new recipe in the kitchen, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, we find joy in each other’s company and look forward to all the new memories we will create in the years to come.

Our Lifestyle

• We love to Netflix and Chill on our big Love Sac sectional at home.

• We go to the gym together five time a week. We motivate one another and are a bit competitive.

• We tackle lots of home improvement projects together.

By Andrew

Creative, Nurturing, Giving

Emily is the most caring and dedicated person I know. She’s the heart of our family, the one who holds us together, lifts us up, and quietly, consistently makes life better just by being herself. She’s our rock; strong when we need strength, gentle when we need comfort, and always reminding us to grow, to do better, and to be better.

What’s always stood out to me is the way Emily interacts with children. She has this effortless way of connecting with them, getting down on their level, truly listening, and making them feel understood. Kids naturally gravitate toward her because she treats them with both warmth and respect. She knows how to make them laugh, how to comfort them when they’re upset, and how to gently guide them without ever making them feel small. Watching her with our nieces, nephews, and friends’ children, I’ve already seen glimpses of the incredible mother she will be. Emily has a way of making people feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. She listens with her whole heart, gives without expecting anything in return, and shows up for the big things, the small things, and everything in between.

I know, without a doubt, that she will be an incredible mother. She already has everything a child could ever need, including patience, strength, compassion, and a love that never runs out. Watching her become a mom will be the greatest privilege of my life.

By Emily

Hardworking, Funny, Supportive

Andrew is my best friend, and I have no doubt he will be an extraordinary father. I find life so much brighter with him around. His patience and kindness are unmatched, making every situation feel manageable. Andrew is easygoing and loves a good adventure, whether it’s tackling a new home improvement project or setting sail on the open seas, he’s always ready to dive in.

Andrew’s sense of humor is infectious. He can make me laugh until my sides ache, and this ability to bring joy will make him a fun and loving father. He is incredibly supportive, always there to offer me comfort and reassurance during tough times. His calming presence is a perfect balance, providing a stable and nurturing environment.

Andrew’s loyalty is unwavering. He will drop anything to be there for those he loves, including me, making him the kind of husband and father you can always rely on. His dedication to his family and passion for his work at the family business, where he’s now the Vice President, shows his commitment to providing for his loved ones. His affection for our godchildren, nieces, and nephews is heartwarming. Uncle Andrew holds a special place in their hearts, and I admire how he’s always ready to spend time with them and make them feel cherished. This genuine love and dedication will undoubtedly make him an amazing father.

Lance and Leo are our adorable fur babies! Lance, our 9-year-old tuxedo cat, is the epitome of elegance and charm. We adopted him right after we got married, and it felt like destiny when Emily had the exact amount of cash for the adoption fee in her wallet. From the moment we laid eyes on him, we were smitten.

Then there’s Leo, our lively 5-year-old yellow lab, who adds a burst of joy to our lives. He was a delightful surprise, rehomed with us after Andrew’s aunt realized her son couldn’t keep him. Leo is a bundle of energy, always ready for an adventure, and his love for swimming and playing is contagious! Both Lance and Leo are the ultimate snugglers, ready to melt your heart with their affectionate cuddles. They’re not just pets; they’re pure love on four paws.

Our promise is forever.

We will forever provide a safe, loving home for your child. We will love your child with all of our hearts. You will never have any doubts that you have picked a family that will be there for your child. We promise to nurture, protect, and support your child. We will encourage their dreams and celebrate their achievements, big or small. Education and exploration will be at the heart of their journey, as we foster a curious and open­minded spirit. In our home, laughter will be abundant, and kindness will be our guiding principle. We will teach them the importance of empathy and compassion, helping them grow into a person who values and respects others. We are committed to being there every step of the way, through every triumph and challenge, ensuring they always feel loved, valued, and understood.

We promise forever.

With love,

Emily + Andrew