Adoption has shaped our lives in profound and personal ways. Sophia was in the foster care system for four years as a child and was adopted at the age of seven, and her adoption story has always been a part of her identity. There was never a day she didn't know she was adopted—it was something spoken about openly and honestly in her family. For her, adoption is a keystone part of who she is, but not the only defining piece. That experience has given her a deep desire to adopt.

Adoption was always part of our family vision. Early in our relationship, we decided we weren't called to have biological children. While we left space for our feelings to change, thirteen years later we remain just as committed. Our journey has not included infertility, so adoption isn't a backup plan—it is our first and only choice.

We believe a child born through adoption is no less ours than if they shared our DNA. What matters most is giving a child a safe, loving, and joyful home where they feel fully seen and celebrated.

We love spending our free time in ways that keep us connected to each other, our community, and the outdoors. One of our favorite simple joys is walking our dogs—wandering through the park near our house, or just enjoying the fresh air together. Camping is another activity we both love. Packing up the car, cooking over a campfire, and sleeping under the stars gives us a chance to slow down and connect. Travel is another joy we share, especially international trips with our families. We can't wait to share those traditions with a child and watch them bond with their grandparents while exploring a new place together.

Closer to home, we enjoy small but meaningful routines like grabbing ice cream from our local shop, checking out neighborhood events like the annual one-mile family walk, and going to concerts whenever we can. Music has always been a big part of our lives, and we look forward to introducing a child to the joy of live music, dancing, and singing along.

We also make time to volunteer each week, distributing farm-fresh produce at a free farmers market in a neighboring community with limited access to fresh food. Sophia also serves on the board of a nonprofit that provides services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Giving back is an important part of our lives, and we hope to model that spirit of service for our children.

We are open to adopting a child of any racial or ethnic background, and we've thought a lot about what that really means. As two white parents, we know love alone won't be enough. Race and culture are part of a child's identity, and we will make sure our child feels proud of and connected to who they are.

We know adoption already brings questions of identity, and a transracial adoption adds more layers. Our plan is to make sure our child has role models and relationships with people who share their background. That might mean being part of cultural communities, learning a new language, or even moving to a different city if we need to. Whatever it takes, we'll do it.

We do happen to have a lot of diversity in our lives already. Jack's brother-in-law is Spanish, and Sophia has close Rwandan and Congolese friends from her time living overseas. Many of the people we care about and spend time with don't look like us, and we are comfortable and at home in spaces where we are not the majority. That makes us even more confident about raising a child in a way that honors their heritage.

Above all, we will listen to our child. We'll be honest about their story, we'll validate their feelings, and we'll adapt our lives so they always feel seen, loved, and connected—not just to us, but to their culture too.

We live in Pennsylvania, about 20 minutes from our city's downtown. We bought our two-story house in 2021, and from the start it has felt like home. Our street is lined with trees and sidewalks, and it's the kind of place where neighbors wave hello and kids ride bikes. We are across the street from a middle school that's always abuzz with youth activities like sports and cheer practice in the afternoons and the farmers market on weekends. Several families nearby have young children, and we look forward to our child growing up with friends just a few doors down. The neighborhood is diverse and multigenerational, which we believe makes it a wonderful place to raise children. Our street is also a key location for community events like the one-mile family race and Halloween parade, allowing us to watch these activities right from our front porch.

We are also lucky to live just half a mile from our city's largest park. We spend time there walking the trails, biking, watching families hike together, or cheering on a pickup soccer game. It's a place we can already imagine bringing a child to explore and play. A smaller park just two blocks away has a playground and baseball fields always buzzing with activity.

Our home has three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, cozy living spaces, and a flat backyard garden full of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It's warm, welcoming, and safe—filled with love, laughter, and plenty of room to grow.

Family is everything to us. Even though we don't live in the same state as our parents or siblings, we make it a priority to see them often and spend long stretches of time together. Every December, one of our favorite traditions is splitting the holidays between our families—half with Sophia's mom and two older brothers, and half with Jack's parents, sister, and brother-in-law. With Sophia's family, that usually means heading to the movies, playing games, and laughing until our sides hurt. With Jack's family, we spend more time outdoors—hiking, biking, or taking long walks together. Because Jack's sister and brother-in-law live in Europe, holidays spent with them feel especially meaningful.

This year is especially exciting, as Jack's sister is expecting her first baby right as we are looking to adopt. We are thrilled at the thought of raising children together and building a new generation of family memories side by side.

Both of our families are overjoyed about our adoption plan. Sophia's family has always known adoption would be part of her story, and Jack's family is equally excited to welcome a new member. Any child who joins our family will be surrounded by love.

First and most importantly - thank you. Thank you for your courage, for your love, and for even taking a moment to consider us as part of your child's future. We know this decision must feel fragile and overwhelming at times, and while we can't imagine all the emotions you are feeling, please know that you are not "outside" of this story. You are central to it. You will always be honored as the reason this child exists and as the beginning of their story.

Adoption is not a backup plan for us - it is our only plan. From the earliest days of our relationship, we knew we weren't called to have biological children. For us, adoption has always been the first and only way we imagined growing our family. That decision reflects just how deeply we believe in it, and how ready we are to raise a child who was born into adoption with all the love, respect, and joy they deserve.

We want you to know that if you choose us, we are committed to walking this road alongside you with openness and honesty. We will send letters and pictures regularly, so you never wonder how your child is doing. If you'd like more contact, we are open to emails, phone calls, or even visits in the future. Our door will always be open to the relationship you feel comfortable with. Regardless of how much contact there is, your child will always know about you, will hear your story told with love and gratitude, and will grow up celebrating the strength and sacrifice that shaped their beginnings.

Sophia's own story as an adoptee has taught us how important that openness is. She was adopted out of foster care at seven years old, and her birth mother has remained a part of her life ever since. Her birth mom attended her high school graduation and was welcomed at family milestones. That honesty and continued presence helped Sophia understand her identity and never left her feeling like she had to choose between her families. We see that as a rare gift, and we hope to offer the same to your child - knowing they are doubly loved and supported, by us and by you.

We have been together for thirteen years and married for five, and our relationship is built on a foundation of friendship, laughter, and deep respect. We balance each other well - Sophia is quick-witted and creative, with a background in education and youth work, while Jack is steady, thoughtful, and quick to make you laugh. Together, we create a home filled with love, joy, and stability. Our families are equally excited about adoption. Sophia's adoption has always made it clear to her that this would be part of her story one day, and Jack's family was thrilled when we shared our plans. Both sides of our family are overjoyed to welcome a child with open arms and can't wait to surround them with love, support, and laughter.

We also know that it's likely our child may not look like either of us - and that is something we embrace fully. When they ask, "Who do I look like?" we will tell them about you so they can see the familiarity in your smile, your eyes, your laugh, and to know that those connections matter. Their story will always include the truth of where they came from, and the pride of knowing they are deeply loved by both you and us.

This decision is not easy, but please hear our hearts: if you choose us, your child will be safe, cherished, and celebrated. They will grow up knowing their adoption is not something to hide, but something to be proud of. And they will always know you as an important, irreplaceable part of their story.

With gratitude and love,

Jack & Sophia