In our family, we love to take advantage of all that Colorado has to offer. During the summer months, we enjoy hiking, repelling or taking a relaxing ride on our E-bikes. Every year, we look forward to a trip to the mountains for the 4th of July. In addition to exploring, we love to sit on the balcony and listen to the river or soak up some sun. When winter comes, we make our way back to the mountains for some skiing. Serena's dad works at one of the ski resorts, so we take full advantage of this opportunity.

When at home, we find great joy in relaxing and being together as a family. We may sit out back around the fire pit or curl up on the couch to watch a movie. Cory has a background in construction, so we also have fun working on home projects inside and outside together.

As we raise a child, we can't wait to share all these hobbies with them but also partake in and find new hobbies as a family. We are most eager to attend any sporting events, recitals, or plays our child might be part of. Even the mundane tasks of helping with schoolwork are something we cannot wait to build into our daily routines.

Meet Mia, our little princess and our pride and joy. She is a 13-year-old Shihtzu Poodle mix who has us wrapped around her finger. Mia is not just our dog; she is our family. She is our adventure buddy and goes everywhere with us. When we are away at work, Serena drops her off for doggy day care at Grandpaw's house. She spends her day with Serena's dad, who is retired and adores having his sidekick around.

For 13 years, Mia has been an only child and is over the moon to have a sibling, who can share the never-ending affection she receives from her mom and dad. Mia adores the humans in her inner circle, and we know she will love her brother or sister just as much, if not more.

Cory About Serena: From the moment we met, I knew there was something special about Serena. By our second date, she had me hooked. We quickly connected through our many commonalities, and the rest was history.

There are a thousand things I admire about Serena. I admire her strength when we are facing difficult times and the ability to guide and push us through it. She is a selfless individual who will always put others before herself. She cares deeply, and she shows it day in and day out with me, with family, and especially with our little pup. And her laughter and smile can turn ordinary days into beautiful ones.

Serena has shown me what true love is, and I cannot wait to see that shared with a child. Whether it be her passion for adventure, her joy in experiencing new things, or just being a mom, I have no doubt in my mind and heart that she will be amazing.

Serena About Cory: Cory still amazes me, after almost 8 years together. He shows up for me, he supports and encourages my goals, and most of all, he makes me laugh. His love and devotion are evident in all that he does. It's often the little things that are most appreciated. Without a second thought, he helps keep our home clean, makes dinner for us after a long day or carries our 13-year-old pup downstairs in the middle of the night for a potty break.

Cory puts his family above all else and for this, I know he will be an outstanding father. There is nothing he wouldn't do for his family or a child. At any family gathering, Cory can be found hanging out with the children. He is the "fun uncle" and the one they know will always play with them. I cannot wait to see him fulfill his best role yet, as Dad.

We are both born and raised in Colorado, and have been living in Castle Rock for 3.5 years. The town is very family oriented, with limitless opportunities to enjoy activities together. During the summer months, there are weekly farmers markets, a county fair each year, and regular concerts in the park downtown. We're grateful to have amazing parks, bike paths, and hiking trails within minutes of our home. Castlewood Canyon State Park is located just 10 minutes from us and offers many trails, as well as rock climbing or repelling routes.

Our neighborhood has multiple parks and two community pools available to families. Additionally, nearby, we also have a town recreation center and an outdoor adventure park. Here, there is an indoor recreation center, as well as outdoor activities, such as zip lining and a ropes course.

One of our favorite events is the annual star lighting just before the holidays. This tradition is celebrated by an all-day family festival, with a petting zoo and chance to visit Santa. At dusk, they put on a great fireworks display and light the town's star. We are eager to share these experiences and memories with a child someday.

At home, we appreciate spending time in our backyard oasis or curled up watching a movie during the colder months. Our home has room for growth, and we hope to someday finish the basement, giving a child a sanctuary of their own.

Family is the most important thing to us, and we are fortunate enough to have both our families nearby. Our parents and all siblings are within an hour drive from our home. During the holidays and throughout the year, we spend a lot of quality family time with everyone. We would not be where we are today without our families. They are our biggest supporters and will spoil a child with endless love and affection.

Serena's parents are over the moon with excitement to welcome their first grandchild into the family. Grandma is looking forward to a new puzzle buddy and Grandpa can't wait to pass on his sense of adventure. Each year, we enjoy multiple trips to places like Moab UT or Breckenridge CO for hiking, biking, rock climbing, or repelling with Serena's family. There is a never a dull moment or lack of excitement.

Cory's family does an annual trip to Lake of the Ozarks every summer. We all look forward to a relaxing week away, spending time with each other and appreciating boat life. At night, things can be competitive over a fun game of cards or heads up. With two grandchildren already, Cory's parents are thrilled by the chance for a third. Cory's mom is an avid baker, who is looking forward to having an assistant in the kitchen. His dad is retired and spends his days with a fishing pole in hand or on a relaxing bike ride.

We cannot imagine how hard this decision is for you and want you to know that we are here for you. We hope to build a foundation with you and support you in whatever capacity you need us to. This selfless decision you're considering means the world to us and should you choose us, we promise to honor you in all that we do.

Our relationship as a couple is stronger than ever and we are more than ready to open our hearts and home to a child. We are truly best friends, who after nearly 8 years together still laugh often and love one another deeply. Being fur-parents to our dog Mia is our greatest treasure. She brings us endless joy, and we know raising a child will be an even better reward.

We both grew up with parents who so obviously loved us. We were supported and encouraged to follow our dreams. Our parents are our role models for a strong marriage and the best examples of what remarkable parenting looks like. Cory's parents are still happily married after 50 years and Serena's are nearing 40 years married, still happier than ever as well. We are both filled with so many amazing childhood memories that deeply drive the goals we have for a child. We were provided with opportunities to play sports, experience the outdoors, play a musical instrument, and attend college. We were fortunate enough to enjoy vacations annually and cherish the time we spent with our families. These types of opportunities and vacations are something we are committed to offering to our child as well.

To this day, family is still our #1 priority. With both our families nearby, we are grateful to see all of them often. We gather to celebrate all holidays, birthdays, and accomplishments and we enjoy spontaneous BBQs or gatherings just to see one another. Our child will be lucky enough to build a close relationship with all their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. They will have an expansive support system and so many people who love them endlessly.

Through this journey, to allow you to see your child flourish, we are committed to sharing letters and pictures regularly. In the future, should you wish to meet, we are also open to arranging visits. We want you to know your child. Know what they like or dislike, know what they are learning, and know their many accomplishments. We want you to know the incredible person they have become. Additionally, we want them to know you. It is important to us that the child knows how much you love them and understand the sacrifice you made in their best interest. In our home, you will be spoken of frequently and always positively.

Becoming parents is a dream come true for us. We know we can give a child an extraordinary life of opportunity, adventure, and most importantly, infinite love. As you navigate this choice, please know that we'd be glad to meet through emails, phone calls, or video calls. The weight of this decision is not lost on us, and we want to help ensure you're confident in picking the best path for both you and your child.

You are in our thoughts and we thank you for considering us.

Cory & Serena