Being parents has been the most life-changing and grounding experience for us. It has taught us patience, humility, and how much joy can live in the ordinary parts of a day. To us, parenting means creating a home where a child knows that no matter what happens outside, they always have a home filled with unconditional love and support. A place where they are understood, celebrated, and deeply valued.

Our favorite part of parenting has been watching Avery grow into her own little person. She is curious, funny, and full of love. We have learned to slow down and see the world the way she does, through wonder and humor, and sometimes through sticky hands!

We cannot wait to experience all of that again with our next child, giving Avery a sibling and both of them a built in playmate/friend for life. We want to learn who they are, meet them where they are, and build a life filled with laughter, consistency, and unconditional love.

Steve grew up in southern New Jersey as the youngest of three and has always been surrounded by strong family connections. His kindness, loyalty, and natural charisma have helped him build lifelong friendships, with many dating back to elementary school. He’s the kind of person who remembers birthdays, shows up when someone needs help, and finds joy in making others laugh. Professionally, Steve has built a successful career in new home construction through hard work and humility. He is driven and focused, but never loses sight of what matters most: family, laughter, and gratitude.

Zac, the oldest of four, grew up in a close-knit rural community where everyone looked out for each other. Being a big brother shaped his nurturing nature early on, and that same instinct shows up in every part of his life today. He has a natural ability to bring people together, to encourage others, and to make any space feel warm and welcoming. His love of learning and sense of curiosity have led him into a career where he helps others grow and succeed. Together, we complement each other perfectly—Steve’s sense of humor and Zac’s steadiness make our home both grounded and full of life.

We met while living in Virginia, near Zac’s hometown. Steve was working there temporarily, and one night we both happened to end up at the same restaurant. What started as casual conversation turned into hours of talking and laughing, and by the end of the evening it felt like we had known each other for years. There was an immediate ease between us that neither of us expected but both instantly recognized as something rare. Within hours of meeting, we found ourselves talking about the kind of lives we wanted to build—our goals, the importance of family, and the values that guide us. It wasn’t a “perfect on paper” kind of connection; it was the kind that just felt right. We discovered that we shared the same sense of humor, the same hopes for the future, and the same belief that love should feel like home.

From that day forward, our lives started to intertwine naturally. What began as a chance meeting turned into a lasting partnership built on mutual respect, laughter, and trust. We still look back on that night as the moment everything began, and we both feel incredibly lucky that our paths crossed when they did. Every day since has been proof that timing really can be everything.

Family is at the center of our world, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by so many loved ones who live close by. Steve’s parents, “Nana and Gramps”, are woven into our everyday life. Whether we're playing games, sharing meals, or just spending quiet time together, we treasure every moment with them. Zac’s parents, “Grammy and Poppie,” bring a burst of energy wherever they go. They have a magical way of turning ordinary afternoons into little adventures, from backyard treasure hunts to pool games that end in laughter.

When our whole family gathers, it’s pure, joyful chaos in the best way. Board games somehow turn into running jokes, cousins race around the yard, and the house fills with that unmistakable feeling of love. Some of our favorite traditions include our “Silly Santa” gift exchange at Christmas, over-the-top birthday celebrations where everyone feels special, and our annual beach trips full of kite flying, sandy snacks, and memories that last long after summer ends.

Both of our families have been endlessly supportive as we grow through adoption again. They already see our next child as part of the family, and they’re waiting with open arms and open hearts.

When we started thinking about where to build our life, we knew we wanted a home and neighborhood that would be perfect for our growing family. So we built our house from scratch, literally. It took a year of patience and teamwork, but it gave us the chance to live in one of New Jersey’s highest-ranked school districts, surrounded by a community we love. Our neighborhood is full of young families (eight just on our street), and two sets of our closest friends live right on the block. Most evenings, you’ll see bikes in the yard, parents chatting in driveways, and someone organizing a quick ice cream run. Our home has five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms, so there’s plenty of room to grow. Our basement is home to all the forts, puzzles, and movie nights, and the kitchen is where everyone always ends up gathering. We love hosting neighbors and friends for birthdays and celebrations. Across the street is a recreation field where the kids play, flash light tag occurs, and in the summer the community pool is only a few minutes away.

It’s a place full of warmth, connection, and comfort. It's a safe, welcoming neighborhood where we can already picture our next child joining the bike rides, making friends, and becoming part of the joyful community we are blessed to be apart of.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our family. We know this is not an easy path, and we have so much respect for the strength, thought, and love it takes to make decisions like the one you’re considering. We don’t pretend to understand everything you’re feeling, but we want you to know that we see your courage and honor it deeply.

We’re Zac and Steve, and we’ve been together for almost ten years and married for seven. From the start, our relationship has been grounded in humor, honesty, and support. We’ve built a home that values connection and communication, and we try to focus on what really matters: showing up for one another every day.

When our daughter, Avery, joined our family through adoption in 2020, our lives changed in the best way possible. She’s five now - curious, imaginative, and full of big ideas about the world. Every day with her reminds us why we wanted to build a family in the first place. She’s already talking about all the things she’ll teach a little brother or sister and has a knack for turning even ordinary days into something special. Becoming parents through adoption showed us how love, when chosen with intention, can create a bond as deep as anything in life. It’s that experience that makes us ready and excited to grow our family again.

We can easily picture this next child growing up right here with us in our New Jersey neighborhood. It’s a close community where kids ride bikes up and down the street, parents talk in the driveways, and laughter carries through the evenings. Our home feels warm and lived-in, the kind of place where there’s always a half-finished art project on the table and at least one pair of tiny shoes by the door. Our dog, Makita, is never far away - she’s been part of our lives for ten years and seems to think it’s her job to keep everyone together. It’s a simple, happy life, but one that’s built around love, connection, and a sense of belonging we can’t wait to share again.

More than anything, we want you to know how much we value openness and honesty in adoption. We believe every child deserves to know where they came from and to grow up understanding the love and courage that shaped their story. If you’re open to ongoing contact, we would welcome that wholeheartedly - through letters, photos, emails, phone calls, or visits. We believe that kind of connection can be a gift for everyone involved and can help a child grow with a strong sense of identity and belonging.

At the same time, we completely understand that not everyone wants or feels ready for that level of connection, and that is okay too. We will always follow your lead and respect your comfort. Our hope is that, whatever the level of contact, you will always feel confident that your child is loved, safe, and thriving. We promise to honor your wishes with care and compassion and to ensure that your child knows their story began with your strength and love.

Our promise is love. We will provide a stable and nurturing home filled with laughter, opportunity, and support. Your child will grow up surrounded by family and friends who will celebrate them, guide them, and cheer for them every step of the way. We will raise them to be kind, confident, and proud of who they are and where they come from.

We know this decision takes incredible strength and heart, and we want to thank you sincerely for taking the time to learn about us. If you choose us, please know that your child will always be safe, cherished, and loved beyond measure. We would be honored to be part of their story.

With love and gratitude,

Zac & Steve