We have a daughter named Sophie, and we feel so lucky to be her parents. Sophie is 5 years old and full of energy, curiosity, and joy. She's a thoughtful and imaginative girl who loves riding her bike, playing outside, making art, and spending time with family.

Our journey to adoption began with our deep desire to grow our family. After having our daughter, we dreamed of giving her a sibling and becoming parents again. When we faced unexpected challenges with infertility, it was a difficult and emotional season. But through it, we gained clarity: what we truly long for is not another pregnancy, but the chance to love and raise another child. Adoption has always held a special place in our lives. Friends and family who have adopted have shown us the beauty, strength, and love that come from adoption, and their experiences helped affirm that this is the right path for us. We've come to believe even more strongly that love, not biology, is what makes a family.

From the very beginning of our journey to grow our family, Sophie has been involved in the conversation. We've talked about what it might be like to have another child, and she's already referring to "the baby" with excitement and love. She often talks about how she'll help give the baby bottles, show them her books, or sing songs to help them fall asleep. Our hope is that their bond will be one of friendship, laughter, and unconditional support. We are excited to watch them learn from one another and grow up side by side.

Our family loves to spend time together in ways that are playful, creative, and meaningful. On weekends, we often go on walks through our neighborhood or visit local parks, usually with our daughter, Sophie, leading the way on her scooter and our dog, Hazel, trotting alongside. We also enjoy baking together — holidays often involve some kind of themed baking day with sprinkles, frosting, and lots of laughter (and sometimes a mess!) in the kitchen.

Kristina enjoys creative hobbies like painting, candle-making, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. She also finds joy in decorating our home for every season and holiday, turning simple routines into celebrations. Patrick enjoys working out (he lifts weights and runs regularly) and finds peace in being active. He also stays connected to a close group of military friends, and they keep in touch through group chats and the occasional meet-up.

Leisure time for us is about slowing down, connecting with one another, and making the most of the simple, joy-filled moments we share as a family.

Patrick about Kristina: Kristina is the most thoughtful and nurturing person I know. She has an incredible ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued — whether it's our daughter, a friend, or a stranger. As a mom, she is creative, intentional, and fully present. She finds joy in the little moments and makes everyday life magical for our family, whether it's decorating the house for each holiday, planning baking days with Sophie, or planting a vegetable garden. I deeply admire her emotional intelligence and the way she communicates with honesty, empathy, and grace.

Kristina about Patrick: Patrick brings so much warmth, fun, and steadiness into our family. He is the kind of person who makes up silly songs for our daughter and dances around the kitchen just to make her laugh. As a dad, Patrick is patient, gentle, and joyful. What I admire most is his loyalty and quiet strength. He listens to understand, not just to respond, and he always makes me feel safe and supported. Patrick is incredibly hardworking and devoted. He gives his best to our family, not just through providing but through presence. He shows up every day with love and intention. Watching him be a dad to Sophie fills me with so much pride, and I can't wait to see him parent another child with the same joy, compassion, and care.

We live in a two-story home with four bedrooms, and it's full of spaces that bring us together. The dining room is where we gather for meals and celebrations, and our cozy living room is the heart of our home, whether we're watching a movie or playing a board game as a family. We also have a fenced backyard and patio, where we enjoy dinner on warm evenings, let our dog Hazel run and play, and tend to our garden filled with flowers and vegetables.

Our neighborhood is incredibly family-friendly and full of kids. We live in a double cul-de-sac, so there's no through traffic, which makes it a safe and fun place for children to play. On most days, you'll find kids outside riding bikes, playing on backyard swings, or making chalk art together. On nice days, neighbors often gather outside while the kids play, chatting, sharing snacks, or even putting a game on the TV to watch together from a driveway or garage. There's a strong sense of community here, and we all look out for one another.

We also have a community pool that we love visiting in the summertime, and our neighborhood hosts fun events throughout the year. One of our favorites is the 4th of July celebration, when the fire truck comes to spray water for the kids to play in, and food and coffee trucks stop by. It's a joyful, welcoming community, one we're excited to share with another child.

Our extended families are a joyful, grounding part of our lives, and we're so thankful for their deep love and support. Kristina's family lives nearby, which gives us the gift of regular, meaningful time together, especially with her mom, "Memaw," who lives just 10 minutes away and is one of Sophie's favorite people. Memaw is always up for a slumber party, a Saturday of games and crafts, or a special baking day with Sophie. Kristina's brother and his wife also live close by with their two daughters, and our kids love to spend time together. We enjoy having playdates, grilling out in the warmer months, watching football in the fall, and visiting local favorites like the zoo, aquarium, and neighborhood pool as one big, happy crew.

Patrick's extended family is more spread out, but the bond remains strong. His dad was in the Army and stationed in Germany for 15 years, where he met and married Patrick's mom. Because of that, Patrick's family is a unique blend of cultures, with relatives across the U.S. and Germany. We also make time for visits to Maryland with Patrick's parents and his brother's family, whose two boys are always excited for cousin time.

Family is the heart of our lives—and both of our families are ready and excited to welcome a child through adoption with open arms and overflowing love.

Before anything else, thank you - for taking the time to read our words and for carrying the weight of a decision that we imagine must be incredibly emotional. We can only imagine how much love, strength, and reflection has led you to this moment. We see you, we respect you, and we are holding space in our hearts for whatever you may be feeling right now.

We're Kristina and Patrick, and we've been together for 10 years and married for 8. We're the proud parents of our 5-year-old daughter, Sophie; she is inquisitive, spunky, and kind. She won the "Devoted Buddy Award" at her Pre-K graduation because of how loyal and supportive she is to her friends and family. She can't wait to be a big sister. We know she will be gentle, supportive, and ready to share her big heart with a new sibling.

Our journey to adoption has been shaped by both longing and love. After growing our family once, we faced unexpected struggles in trying to do so again. Though the path hasn't been easy, it has prepared us and deepened our understanding of what it means to open our hearts fully. Through friends and family, we've seen adoption up close and know what a beautiful, meaningful path it can be. Choosing adoption was not an afterthought for us; it is a decision we made with purpose, hope, and deep intention.

Our home is a place of laughter, gentle rhythms, and strong connections. We love slow Saturday mornings with pancakes, walks with our dog, Hazel, and silly dance parties in the living room. Whether it's bedtime stories or backyard adventures, we treasure the simple moments that make everyday life feel magical.

Most of all, we believe in parenting with love and intention. We're not perfect, but we are committed to creating a home where our children can feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. We encourage independence, embrace the big feelings, and show up for the hard conversations with open hearts. Kristina is a creative, nurturing mom who finds beauty in the smallest moments. Patrick brings fun, steadiness, and strength to our home. We support each other fully and are deeply committed to growing together in our marriage and as parents.

If we are lucky enough to be chosen by you, we want you to know this: your presence in this story will never be forgotten or hidden. We will speak of you with gratitude and tenderness, making sure your child grows up knowing that their life began with deep love - from you and from us. We will always share how your strength shaped the beautiful life they're living, and how your selflessness changed our lives forever.

We will send you letters and photos throughout the years, sharing the milestones, the quiet moments, and the memories we make along the way. We are also open to phone calls and a visit when the time feels right. We understand that life has seasons, and we will always meet you with compassion, whether you're seeking more connection or needing space. Our goal is to create a relationship rooted in trust and openness, and to always meet you with flexibility, empathy, and gentle kindness.

We don't take lightly the decision you are making. You are considering entrusting us with the most precious gift imaginable. We can't promise to be perfect parents, but we can promise to love your child with every piece of our hearts, to give them a life full of safety and support, to help them grow into whoever they're meant to be, and to always honor their beginnings. If you choose us, your child will grow up surrounded by love, laughter, and support-from us, from their big sister, and from everyone in our circle.

Thank you for seeing us. Thank you for considering us. And no matter where your journey leads, we wish you clarity, comfort, and connection on your path forward. We are holding your heart close to ours.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Patrick & Kristina