Adventure has always been a big part of our lives, and it's something we can't wait to share with our child. For us, adventure doesn't always mean something extreme, it can be as simple as trying something new, exploring a place we've never been, or enjoying the beauty of nature close to home. We find joy in hiking, kayaking, fishing, chasing waterfalls, and discovering new views that remind us how much there is to see in the world. Even the smaller adventures, like a walk on a new trail or finding a hidden spot in our city, feel meaningful when we're experiencing them together. We always say we're not "beach people." A day or two in the at the beach is fun, but we're happiest when a trip ends with mountains, hiking, or something that gives us a new perspective.

One of our favorite adventures together was hiking Sky Pond in Colorado. The nine-mile trail with 1,800 feet of elevation gain pushed us to our limits, but the views were worth every step. We laughed and maybe cried a little about how sore we were afterward (yes, we booked massages the next day because we could barely walk), but it was worth it.

Whether big or small, adventures bring us closer together, fill us with gratitude, and give us stories we'll treasure forever. We look forward to creating new ones with our child.

Kristin About Andrew: Andrew is steady and supportive. No matter what is going on, I know I can count on him. Andrew had a hard childhood, and while it could have made him bitter, it made him strong instead. He works hard, is resilient, and never gives up on the people he loves. He's the serious one in our relationship, while I'm usually the funny one, and I think that balance makes us work so well together. When I'm having a tough day, he knows how to ground me, and when he's carrying a lot, I know how to bring some lightness or at least some comedic relief to the moment. He has always encouraged me to chase my dreams. He's the kind of partner who shows up every day, and I know he will be there to support our child the same way.

Andrew About Kristin: Kristin is the most loving and genuine person I know. She naturally sees the best in others and always offers her full support. No matter what life has brought our way, from moving across the country to spending a year apart during deployment, she has been there for me. Her creativity has turned our house into a warm and welcoming home. She is my safe place and my greatest blessing. She is kind and nurturing, and I know she will be an incredible mother to our child.

One of the things that makes Kristin unique is her creativity. She can look at almost anything and find a way to recreate it or put her own spin on it. She loves the challenge of trying new things, whether it's with art or home projects. Give her a Cricut, a laser engraver, or some wood, and she'll figure out how to make something out of it. She actually built our fireplace mantle and has made much of the wall art hanging in our home. Kristin also loves making gifts for people, such as diaper cakes and wreaths for baby showers, pressed flower art, and even a highland cow piñata for a gender reveal (amazing what you can do with folding cardboard, hot glue, and tissue paper). It's something she looks forward to sharing with a child letting them explore, make things, and discover their own creativity.

Andrew's uniqueness comes from his curiosity and sense of adventure. He enjoys trying new things and finding joy in both big and small experiences. He's also someone people can count on—steady and dependable no matter what life brings. Those qualities have carried him through life's challenges and are ones he looks forward to sharing with our child: teaching them to explore with wonder, face obstacles with resilience, and always know they have a safe place to come home to.

We always wanted the perfect mix of country and city, and we feel like we found it here. Our home sits on two acres of flat land, giving us plenty of space to spread out while still being close to everything we need. The neighborhood has that classic community feel—you'll often see kids riding bikes or playing catch in the street—but the homes aren't right on top of each other, so there's also a nice sense of privacy.

One of our favorite parts of our home is the pool and big back deck. It's where we spend a lot of summer afternoons, and our niece Charlize has even been learning to swim here, which has been so fun to watch. Inside, the house had great bones when we bought it, and we've slowly been making it our own with projects that reflect both of our strengths. We hope to give a child the same freedom to be creative and explore their own style. When family or friends visit, they stay upstairs in their own private space with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a living area, which makes it easy to host.

Our town is very family-friendly, with Christmas parades, lightings, fireworks shows, and even airshows. It's a place where neighbors look out for each other, and we love knowing a child would grow up safe, supported, and surrounded by fun traditions.

Our extended family means the world to us, and whenever we're together, there's usually a lot of laughter, games, and plenty of food. Kristin's parents, Wendy and Charlie, live about twenty minutes away, so we see them often for dinners or quick visits. Her brother Chad, his wife Mardel, and our 4-year-old niece Charlize "Charlie" live a few hours away, but we make sure to see them about once a month. Mardel is always encouraging us to try new foods, which has become one of our favorite parts of getting together.

When Charlize is around, the day usually revolves around kid-friendly adventures; trips to the farm, the aquarium, or playgrounds where we all end up acting like kids, too. When she naps, the adults shift into Skip-Bo battles (the girls almost always win) or we binge shows like The Great British Bake Off and just enjoy hanging out.

Holidays are big in our family. We do gingerbread house contests, puzzle challenges, Easter egg hunts, and even a "crack the egg" game that Andrew introduced us to for Easter. Andrew's family mostly lives in North Carolina, and when we visit, the traditions are just as fun. We have nights around the fire pit, going to hockey games, or teaming up for trivia. Both sides of the family love to make memories together, and we never miss a chance to enjoy life and act like big kids at heart.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and consider us as parents for your child. We can only imagine how many emotions you are experiencing as you make this decision, and we want to begin by saying how deeply we respect your courage, strength, and love. The choice you are facing is not an easy one, and we admire the thoughtfulness and bravery it takes to even explore adoption.

We are Andrew and Kristin, a married couple who have been together for more than ten years. Our relationship is built on love, trust, and a shared sense of adventure, and over the years we have grown stronger through both life's joys and its challenges. From moving across the country to spending time apart during Andrew's military deployment, we have always found that facing challenges together brings us closer. We are best friends, partners, and teammates in every sense, and we are ready to bring that same commitment and love into our roles as parents.

Family has always been at the heart of who we are. Our home is filled with love, laughter, and traditions; movie nights, holiday decorating, and family dinners that remind us of what matters most. Kristin's creativity shows up everywhere, from the mantle she built to the handmade gifts she creates for loved ones. Andrew's curiosity and dependability show in the way he approaches new experiences with energy while always being someone others can count on. Together, we balance each other in ways that make our lives not only stable but joyful. We are excited to create a home where our child feels safe, loved, and encouraged to be exactly who they are.

We know that if you choose adoption, this decision will always be part of your child's story. We want to honor that story and honor you. We promise to send letters and pictures so you can see your child growing and thriving. We are also open to exploring other forms of contact, such as emails, phone calls, or future visits if that feels right for everyone. Our hope is to work with you to find the level of openness that is comfortable for all of us, keeping your child's well-being at the center.

As you learn about us, we hope you see two people who are ready to open our hearts and home fully to our child. We look forward to teaching them, encouraging them, and giving them every opportunity to grow into a kind, confident person. We also look forward to sharing life's adventures, whether that means hiking through the mountains, exploring new places, or curling up with our child to read and learn together. Most of all, we want our child to know they are deeply loved, not only by us, but by you, too.

We know this is not just our journey; it is yours as well. If you choose us, your child will grow up surrounded by love, supported by family and friends, and raised in a home where laughter, creativity, and adventure are part of everyday life. We will be forever grateful for the gift of parenthood, and we will never take for granted the trust you place in us.

Thank you again for considering us. We are holding you in our hearts as you make this important decision, and we hope you feel peace in whatever choice you make.

With love and respect,

Andrew & Kristin