We met online during the COVID pandemic while we were both working in healthcare. Because of the nature of our jobs, we were being especially careful and spending a lot of time self-isolating. Our relationship started with many video chats and long conversations. What could have been a difficult time to meet someone actually allowed us to really get to know each other without distractions.

We talked about our families, our work, our values, and what we hoped for in the future. Those early conversations built a strong foundation of communication and honesty. By the time we met in person, it felt comfortable and easy because we had already formed such a solid connection.

When we finally met face-to-face, it felt natural. There wasn’t pressure or awkwardness — just a sense that we genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. From that point on, we have pretty much been together ever since.

Looking back, we’re grateful that our relationship began the way it did. Starting with so much communication helped us build trust and understanding from the beginning. It set the tone for the partnership we have today — one rooted in respect, teamwork, and shared goals for the future.

It’s hard for us to choose just one favorite vacation spot because so many of the places we visit are connected to family. During the winters, we love visiting Ellie’s uncle in Maine. There’s something special about slowing down, enjoying the quiet, and spending intentional time together. We also visit Andrew’s dad in Florida, where we enjoy the sunshine and relaxed time with family. Andrew’s mom lives at the Jersey Shore, which gives us the chance to enjoy beach walks and familiar traditions close to home. Ellie’s grandparents live in Arizona, and her stepdad is from England, so from time to time we travel there to visit extended family as well. What makes these places meaningful isn’t just the destination — it’s the connection. We value staying close to our families and making time for multiple generations to be together. Beyond visiting family, we genuinely love exploring new places. We enjoy road trips, discovering small towns, and traveling internationally whenever we can. Experiencing different cultures, foods, and ways of life is something we both value deeply. We look forward to sharing that curiosity and sense of adventure with a child — showing them both the comfort of family traditions and the excitement of discovering somewhere new. For us, travel is about connection, learning, and creating lasting memories together.

Animals have always been central to our lives. We currently share our home with four cats and a dog, and they truly are part of our family. Our connection with them is just as important to us as our relationships with friends and extended family. They are woven into our daily routines, our quiet evenings, and our happiest moments.

We also love fostering whenever we are able. Providing a temporary safe and loving home to animals in transition is incredibly meaningful to us. It reflects our belief in offering stability, patience, and compassion when it’s needed most.

Our pets bring warmth, laughter, and comfort into our home every day. They’ve taught us responsibility, empathy, and the importance of routine and consistency. We look forward to raising a child in a home where animals are respected and loved, and where kindness toward all living beings is modeled daily.

For us, our pets aren’t just companions — they are part of the foundation of our home.

Our family might be even more excited than us and the proof is in the already prepared nursery courtesy of grandma. Our families are and will continue to be essential to our success as future parents. Andrew grew up in a large and very close family. His mother a special educator and fantastic co parent to his father. Andrews stepfather recently retired as a pediatrician. We spend most holidays at Andrews family home in New Jersey as it is the only house with a large enough table to fit their lively family of 15+. His sister Julie is also in the process of family planning, so imagining the cousins getting to grow together is ideal.

Ellens' family may be a bit smaller, but this diversity in family structures is what makes us so open minded and accepting of what families can look like. Ellens grandfather grew up in state run facilities for homeless children, never being adopted and going into the military directly from the orphanage. Her biological father is out of the picture and has been since she was very little. However her mother, sister, and step father remain extremely close. Ellens' sister is her best friend and in the process of IVF. Most weekends are spent with her family 15 minutes down the road, and they are thrilled to be available for the baby. Everyone is just excited, I think the adoption part is the least of anyone's concerns; just excited to have a baby in the family.

We are obsessed with our neighborhood! A lot of research went into choosing the perfect blend of school districts, career opportunities, creativity and a strong sense of community. On Saturdays we go to the Clark Park farmers market and pick up the weeks odds and ends and enjoy the many many dogs in the park. In the winter this turns into a "snow bowl" where families come and sled.

Our home is bursting with life, warmth and art and we proudly boast the best house on the block to visit for Halloween. We share a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home with four cats and an oaf of a dog. Our favorite room is typically the living room. We both have very demanding careers and coming home from a hard day at the hospital and enjoying the fire place and chatting while one of us (usually Andrew) cooks dinner is the highlight of our days.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and to consider us as potential parents for your child. While we do not know your story, and we cannot fully understand all that you may be carrying right now, we want to begin by saying how much gratitude we have for you. We know this is a deeply personal decision, and we recognize the strength, love, and selflessness it takes to consider an adoption plan.

We have been together for six years, married for 4 and during that time we have built a strong and loving partnership. We have shared many meaningful life adventures together good and bad; Traveling the world, celebrating weddings, the loss of loved ones and the growing pains of family. These moments have strengthened our bond and deepened our commitment to each other, our community and to the family we hope to grow.

Adoption is not a second choice for us; it is our first choice. It is the path we have always felt drawn to, and one we have prepared for with intention and excitement. I (Ellen) watched my mother go through a miscarriage at age 38, and my sister at age 36. Because of this I accepted very early on that adoption was my only safe route to motherhood. I felt at the time this might not happen for me as this untraditional family plan is not for everyone. Then meeting Andrew changed everything. He was so thrilled to build a family that it took him very little time to wrap his head around adoption and we started planning that very week, 5 years ago. We have spent years building a home filled with fun and warmth, and we are ready to welcome a child into that space with open hearts.

If you choose us, your child will be raised in a home filled with love, stability, laughter, art and acceptance. They will be cherished for exactly who they are. We want to give a child not only safety and opportunity, but also a deep sense of belonging. We are genuinely excited to learn who your child is. Their personality, their interests, their passions, and to support them as they grow into the person they are meant to be. We believe every child deserves to be seen, heard and respected and we are committed to nurturing that sense of self with encouragement, curiosity, and unconditional love.

If you choose us, your child will grow up surrounded by a deep sense of belonging. They will also grow up knowing about you. We hope to maintain as much contact with you as you are comfortable with and able to have. We believe that openness can be a meaningful and positive part of a child’s life, and research shows that, when possible, maintaining connections with birth family can support a child’s identity and emotional wellbeing. We understand this may or may not be an option for you and regardless of how involved you are able to be, your child will share the love, respect, and gratefulness that we feel towards you. We will approach that relationship with respect, flexibility, and honesty. Whether that means letters, photos, visits, or another form of connection that feels right to you. We understand that needs and boundaries can change over time, and we would always center the child’s wellbeing while honoring your comfort and wishes. We are also familiar with untraditional family structures. We believe that family is defined by love, not by a single shape or expectation. The more people who genuinely love a child and want the best for them, the stronger that child’s foundation can be. Having been raised by my mother and non-biological father I hope to have a slight insight into your child’s experience. We will always speak of you with respect and gratitude, and your place in your child’s story would be honored.

Thank you again for considering us during such an important time, it would be the greatest privilege of our lives to love and raise your child.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Andrew & Ellen