Parenting is one of the greatest responsibilities and privileges in life. We recognize that in raising a child, we are shaping a future adult—someone who will grow into their own person, form relationships, and perhaps even become a parent themselves one day. With that in mind, we believe a child thrives in a nurturing environment filled with love, laughter, joy, and patience.

We both look back on our childhoods with deep gratitude, cherishing the lessons and values instilled in us. Our parents were our biggest cheerleaders, encouraging us every step of the way while ensuring we remained grounded. They taught us the importance of respect, kindness, and thoughtfulness—values we wholeheartedly plan to pass down to our child.

Our home is filled with love, and we are eager to expand our family. We can't wait to experience the magic of all the "firsts"—first words, first steps, first conversations, first vacations, first movies, first day of school, and the first time our parents get to babysit. While it's still a long way off, the thought of one day becoming grandparents fills us with joy and anticipation.

There are countless moments ahead that we can't wait to share as a family, and we are ready to embrace every one of them with open hearts.

We bring out the best in each other, and our love is a testament to kindness, shared passions, and an unshakable bond.

Ali About Ryan: I love Ryan for so many reasons. He has the biggest heart and cares deeply for those he loves. He goes above and beyond for the people in his life, making them feel seen, valued, and cherished. His unwavering loyalty, responsibility, and work ethic are qualities that I deeply admire. I love that he is unapologetically nerdy, embracing his passions with enthusiasm and joy. His love for animals rivals my own, and his nurturing nature will undoubtedly extend to our future child. Ryan is one of the best people I know, and I am endlessly grateful to share my life with him.

Ryan About Ali: Ali's greatest strength is her heart—her selflessness and ability to put others before herself is something truly remarkable. Her love for animals is something we both share, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Ali is an incredibly hard worker, often needing a gentle nudge to take a break. She's a meticulous planner, always thinking three steps ahead, and her protective nature ensures the people she loves feel safe and supported. Her gift for making people laugh and feel welcome is something I deeply admire.

We fully embrace the possibility of parenting a child from a different racial or cultural background than our own. With open hearts and minds, we welcome this opportunity and acknowledge the unique challenges it may bring. While we cannot predict the future or foresee every obstacle, we are committed to facing them head-on with love, understanding, and resilience. We are fortunate to have a strong, diverse support network of individuals from various backgrounds who we can turn to for guidance and encouragement.

As first-time parents, we recognize that raising a child will be a learning experience, but we are confident in our ability to provide the resources, love, and support necessary for their growth and well-being. No matter what their needs may be, we will do everything in our power to nurture and uplift them.

Our family is already a beautiful blend of cultures, spanning American, Canadian, Indian, European, and Asian influences. This diversity enriches our lives and will offer our future child a strong foundation of inclusivity, understanding, and celebration of differences.

We believe that when the time is right, our child will find their way into our lives in the most meaningful way. Our family and friends share in our excitement and are eagerly awaiting the moment when we can welcome and cherish our future little one together.

In April 2023, we moved into our home with excitement and purpose, knowing this would be the place where we would start our family. Nestled in a fantastic neighborhood filled with young families and children, our home sits in one of Ohio's top school districts. An elementary school is conveniently within walking distance, while the middle and high schools are just a short drive—less than four miles away—ensuring easy access to great education.

With five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, our home provides plenty of space for our growing family. Our bedroom and the future baby's room are on the main floor, making it easy for us to be close—something that was really important to us. Ryan's favorite spot is the basement, fully equipped with a big screen, gym, pool table, and kitchen setup, while Ali enjoys the cozy comfort of the living room. Our fur babies, Ash and Vivian, adore the screened-in porch, while Lex remains Ryan's shadow, typically hanging out in the basement alongside him.

Just down the road, Alum Creek State Park offers endless outdoor adventures, with trails perfect for walking, hiking, and biking. The park also boasts a beach, boat ramp, and fishing areas, making it a true haven for nature lovers. We love that we live so close to protected green space, knowing it will always remain a beautiful retreat for our family to enjoy.

Our families are wonderfully unique and beautifully interconnected. Ali's parents currently live in South Carolina, and she has a large, lively group of cousins in Cleveland, Ohio. But soon enough, Mimi and Papaya will be moving north once they step into their roles as grandparents, making our family even closer. Meanwhile, Ryan's extended family is spread across Canada and The Netherlands, though his immediate family remains near us, offering love and support nearby.

As an only child, Ali has always embraced her friends as family, and this little one will be surrounded by an incredible circle of love. Her closest friends—Auntie Jess and Auntie Nicci—are beyond thrilled to celebrate and cherish this new addition.

Ryan grew up with his older brother, Russ, and, following the passing of his mother in 2021, we discovered a new branch of our family—his older sibling, Jason, who was placed for adoption. Meeting Jason and his son, Oscar, has been a truly special experience, allowing us to welcome them with open arms. Through heartfelt conversations, Jason has shared valuable insights about adoption, helping us understand the unique challenges and perspectives that may arise as we navigate our own journey.

We are beyond grateful for your consideration in choosing us as potential adoptive parents. Adoption is an incredibly meaningful journey-one that comes with a complex range of emotions for everyone involved. We recognize the depth of this process and wholeheartedly view birth parents as an essential part of our team. Our hope is to walk this path together, offering support, understanding, and mutual respect as we navigate this experience.

Our story began more than 15 years ago. We started dating in 2020 and married in 2023, embracing the beauty of finding one another later in life. While the future is never certain, we want to assure you that our commitment to each other is unwavering. For us, marriage is a lifelong promise, and divorce is not an option.

We both feel that we are at a place in our lives where we can wholeheartedly and successfully parent a child. We are fortunate to have a strong support system of family and friends who are just as excited as we are to welcome a little one into our lives. We are also grateful to be financially stable, understanding the responsibilities that come with raising a child. It fills us with pride to hear from parents in our circle that they believe we would make wonderful parents-and even more touching, the children themselves have encouraged us to grow our family, expressing that we are fun and kind. Their words and encouragement mean the world to us.

Our relationship is built on love, laughter, and a deep sense of joy, and we cannot wait to share that with a child. While adoption is an exciting journey, we acknowledge that it also comes with uncertainty, but we firmly believe in our hearts that our child will find us when the time is right. With a solid foundation in our relationship and within ourselves, we feel confident that we will raise a child in a home filled with warmth, stability, and unwavering love.

We deeply value a healthy work-life balance and believe in the importance of creating lasting family memories. We plan to take annual family vacations, giving us the opportunity to explore, relax, and grow together. In addition, we look forward to traveling to Canada and Europe to spend meaningful time with our extended families, strengthening our connections across generations and cultures.

Ali's parents, who currently live in South Carolina, are eagerly preparing to move closer when they become Mimi and Papaya, ensuring they can be a hands-on part of our child's life. Ryan's dad is thrilled to become an Opa, and Ryan's brother, Russ, is beyond excited to embrace his role as an uncle!

Our approach to education is rooted in flexibility and a commitment to fostering a love of learning. With our own diverse educational backgrounds-Ali having attended Catholic school and Ryan having attended public school-we remain open to whatever schooling option best suits our child and family. Ali earned a bachelor's degree, while Ryan pursued community college and holds an associate's degree, so we strongly believe in supporting our child in finding their own unique path.

We understand that the level of contact and communication may evolve throughout our child's life. While we are open to setting initial expectations, we wholeheartedly respect that both our child and you may have changing needs over time. Our priority is ensuring that everyone feels secure, respected, and heard, and we want you to feel comfortable coming to us if adjustments are needed. We are committed to sending not only letters but pictures as well at our agreed upon frequency.

Ryan & Ali