We have always wanted to expand our family through adoption. Growing up, Erin used to think she’d have 4 biological children (2 boys and 2 girls) and then adopt a 5th child. Though as we know, life doesn’t care what plans you have for it. After struggling with infertility and finally welcoming our daughter, we are excited to continue to grow our family through adoption.

We promise to provide a safe and loving home for your child.

We promise to provide them with opportunities and experiences to learn and grow in their own way.

We promise to support them in developing their own identity.

We promise to encourage them to be themselves. To be unique and weird and passionate.

We promise to speak of you often.

We promise to include you and your family in their life as much as you are comfortable with.

We promise they will be loved.

We promise this is not goodbye.

Paul and Erin have been married since 2019. We met at work in 2014 and were new hires in training together. For our first date Paul suggested we have a scary movie marathon for Halloween. It wasn’t until a few years later Erin learned Paul doesn’t even like scary movies.

Paul proposed on Super Bowl Sunday in 2018. Paul challenged Erin to a bet to pick the winning team. Paul chose the Patriots because of Tom Brady and Erin chose the Eagles because of “It’s Always Sunny” and “Silver Linings Playbook”. After the Eagles won we all gathered around the fire pit and Paul popped the question.

We were married on Star Wars day, which Erin picked so that Paul would never forget his anniversary date. Though we did not originally intend to have a Star Wars themed wedding, it was so much fun to be non-traditional and make the event our own by embracing our true weird and nerdy selves.

By Paul: Erin is quirky in her own right. A little contradictory if you ask me. She loves doing things like puzzles and DIY projects but then immediately complains 5 minutes in that its boring or too much work. That doesn’t stop her from finishing though.

My favorite thing to do with Erin is eating together… who doesn’t right? She is always open to try new foods which is great cause then I get to share that experience of trying something new for the first time and see her eyes light up at the deliciousness she has just tasted. Now here is where the contradictory part comes in. I was today years old when I learned that pineapple was one of her favorite fruits… but she refuses to even try pineapple on pizza. The blasphemy! I still love her to death cause that just means more pizza for me.

By Erin: Paul is incredibly generous. He can always be counted on for a favor, such as watching a friend’s kids or driving his parents to the airport. I’ve also seen this trait amongst his entire family. They’re always willing to lend a hand to loved ones.

Perhaps the thing I love the most about Paul is how much he loves to cook for friends and family! He goes into “host mode” and cooks a ton of different dishes even if there are only a few of us and then sends everyone home with a box of leftovers. I’m always amazed at how easily he is able to whip up something out of nothing. I can look in the fridge and there’s nothing but a few stalks of celery and a bell pepper but somehow he’s able to turn it into a delicious meal. I don’t even know how I ate before I met him.

Gates is named after the actress who plays Dr. Beverly Crusher in Star Trek TNG, Gates McFadden. She is our little miracle baby. After several years in the IVF trenches we finally had a successful pregnancy. But that didn’t mean our trauma was over. During the pregnancy we found out Gates had a neural tube defect, which caused her to have a hole at the back of her head. She was also diagnosed with Dandy Walker while in utero, a condition that typically causes issues with motor and coordination. When Gates was just 5 weeks old she had surgery to repair the hole in her skull. Since then she has been crushing all her milestones with no noticeable delays.

Gates is the goofiest little baby. She loves laughing and smiling and is extremely ticklish. She loves watching Teletubbies and Ms. Rachel and squeals with excitement during her favorite parts. We know she will be an incredible big sister with her big heart and joyful personality.