Family traditions and spending time together hold a special place in our hearts. AJ grew up in a close-knit Italian household where family, food, and tradition were central to everything. Sunday dinners at his Nonna and Nonno's house were a cherished staple, and even after they passed away when he was young, AJ continued to uphold this tradition with his family. His favorite childhood memory and holiday is Christmas Eve, particularly the feast of the seven fishes, which remains a treasured celebration.

Similarly, Karl has a profound sense of family. Every Wednesday evening, he would have dinner at his grandparents' house. Which are some of Karl's fondest memories. One of his most beloved traditions was cutting down their own Christmas tree each year at a tree farm in New Jersey, a custom that began in the late 1980s. When we first met, we embraced this tradition by cutting down our own Christmas tree and even getting engaged at the farm. The joy of these moments is something we eagerly anticipate sharing with our child, from the festive Christmas Eve celebrations to the annual tree cutting at our dear farm.

For us, the essence of tradition extends beyond the holidays or specific events; it is about being together, experiencing the warmth of family, and creating lasting memories. These moments of togetherness and the joy they bring are what truly matter, and we are excited to continue these cherished traditions with our growing family.

We are a powerful balance of drive and depth, each bringing unique strengths that complement and elevate one another. AJ is driven and highly motivated, always setting ambitious goals and pursuing them with precision. His quick thinking and calculated approach allow him to assess situations rapidly and respond with clarity and confidence. Yet, what sets AJ apart is not just his sharp mind, but his deep empathy. He leads with heart, understanding people's needs intuitively and always considering the emotional layers beneath any challenge. His combination of intellect and compassion makes him both a strategic thinker and a truly supportive presence.

Karl, on the other hand, grounds the duo with his sincerity and thoughtfulness. He is a deep thinker who approaches life with curiosity and care, never rushing through moments or relationships. His quiet strength lies in his ability to connect on a meaningful level—listening deeply, offering wise insight, and showing genuine compassion. People trust Karl because he is authentic to his core, always showing up with kindness and integrity.

Together, we create a synergy of action and reflection. AJ moves forward with focus and energy, while Karl brings intention and emotional wisdom to every step. Our strengths don't just balance—they enhance one another, forming a partnership rooted in ambition, empathy, and deep human connection. Whether navigating challenges or sharing life's joys, we are better together—each bringing out the very best in the other.

AJ earned his Bachelor's degree in Nursing in 2015 and kicked off his career as an ICU nurse specializing in open-heart surgeries. Thanks to AJ's dedication and expertise, he was promoted to Assistant Nurse Manager. During this time, AJ also pursued a dual master's degree in executive nursing leadership and healthcare administration. Today, AJ is the Nurse Manager of a 38-bed surgical orthopedic unit, where he is deeply committed to the well-being of both his staff and patients.

Karl completed his Bachelor's degree in kinesiology in 2016 and earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019. Karl currently specializes in general orthopedics and Parkinson's care and has built a loyal following thanks to his calm and empathetic demeanor. Karl takes great pride in helping Parkinson's patients regain their functional independence in which he now has a strong referral base. Karl continues to develop strong bonds with his patients, which significantly enhances their recovery as Karl listens to understand and not listen to respond.

We are both dedicated professionals who genuinely enjoy helping others recover. Our flexible work schedules will allow us to actively participate in our child's activities, ensuring we are always our child's number one fan. For us, being present for our child is non-negotiable, and we are grateful our professions accommodate this.

We have loved living about 10 miles outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the past six years. Even though we're Jersey boys at heart, Pennsylvania has been our home since 2011. The amazing sense of community and the fantastic friends we've made here are what keep us grounded. We have great relationships with our immediate neighbors and often enjoy hosting delightful dinner parties together.

Our cozy single-family home sits on a quarter-acre lot and is about 1,700 square feet. It has four bedrooms, two full baths, and a finished basement. Out back, AJ has a big garden where he grows a variety of fruits and vegetables every year. Plus, there's plenty of room for our child to run and play.

But the real gem of our community is the people. Our township is a diverse suburban area with a mix of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, including African American, White, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino residents. This diversity is a huge strength and a big reason why so many people choose to live here. Being part of a community where everyone is treated with respect and kindness is super important to us. We know this is the perfect place to raise our child, teaching them to appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness of those around them. A place where they can grow up and be their true selves.

Family is everything to us. AJ comes from a large family with two older brothers and both parents still alive. On his dad's side, he has three aunts and 12 cousins, while on his mom's side, there's one aunt, one uncle, and four cousins. AJ's mother, who is 100% Italian, immigrated to the U.S. when she was three, and Italian traditions, especially during Easter and Christmas Eve, played a significant role in AJ's upbringing. Family gatherings always centered around food, with Sunday pasta dinners at Nonna and Nonno's being a cherished tradition that continues today. Most of AJ's family resides in New Jersey, within a 45-minute to two-hour drive.

Karl's family story is more poignant. He had one brother who, sadly, passed away due to cerebral palsy complications, and his father also passed away from stomach cancer. However, Karl's mother remains a central figure in their lives. She is an incredibly strong, warm, and kind person who always makes time to help others and brightens any room she enters. On Karl's father's side, there are two uncles and seven cousins, while his mother's side includes two aunts and five cousins. Most of Karl's family lives in New Jersey, approximately 45 minutes away, with one uncle in Boston and another in Seattle.

Together, we treasure our family bonds and the traditions that have shaped their lives, ensuring these legacies continue for generations to come.

Adoption is a profound and beautiful gift - rooted in love, courage, and selflessness. For us, it's not only a way to grow our family but an opportunity to offer a child a life full of unconditional love, meaningful experiences, and unwavering support. At the heart of our home is a belief in the values that make life beautiful: kindness, respect, compassion, and acceptance. These are the principles we live by and hope to pass on to a child who joins our family.

We've been together for over 11 wonderful years, and married for six of them. Our relationship is built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared dreams. We've grown not only as partners but as best friends - supporting one another through life's challenges and celebrating even the smallest joys. The love we've cultivated is steady, secure, and full of laughter - and we're ready to share that love with a child.

Our lives are deeply enriched by the diversity of the people around us. We welcome and embrace individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and we plan to raise our child with that same openness. In our home, differences are celebrated, and curiosity is encouraged. We want our child to see the beauty in others and understand that they are part of a broader, inclusive community.

From day one, we promise to love, support, and guide our child with our whole hearts. We are committed to helping them grow into their most authentic self, always being be by their side - encouraging them every step of the way. We believe in giving our child access to a wide range of experiences - through travel, music, the arts, sports, and community engagement - so they can explore what brings them joy and confidence in who they are.

We're fortunate to have a strong and loving circle of family and lifelong friends who are eager to walk this journey with us. These relationships are the foundation of our lives and will be a powerful support system for our child. We cherish our family traditions - Easter egg hunts, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas mornings full of joy, and ringing in the New Year with loved ones. Our weekly Sunday dinners are a tradition we hold dear - a time when friends and family gather, share stories, and connect. These are the moments we look forward to sharing with our child, helping them feel rooted in a home filled with love, stability, and warmth.

We are also fully committed to an open adoption and hold deep respect for the birth mother's role in her child's life. We understand the courage it takes to make this choice and promise to honor that by remaining open, communicative, and collaborative. We are committed to exchanging emails and phone numbers, providing quarterly updates, and remaining flexible with in-person visits when the time feels right. We want to build a relationship based on mutual trust, always putting the child's needs first.

We also recognize that open adoption is a journey - one that can evolve over time. We may not have all the answers from the beginning, but we will always give our full effort to find the best path forward with love, patience, and compassion. Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where the child knows they are deeply loved by everyone in their life.

At our core, we are committed to raising a child in a safe, joyful, and loving home. A home where they are accepted for who they are, and who they are meant to be. We will celebrate their uniqueness, teach them empathy, and model compassion in our everyday lives. We want our child to grow up knowing they are cherished - not for what they do, but for who they are. And we will teach them this simple truth: in a world where you can be anything, be kind.

What sets us apart is not just our readiness to be parents, but our commitment to parenting with open hearts, strong values, and enduring love. We are honored to be considered and are grateful for the possibility of sharing this journey with you. Adoption is a gift - and we will cherish it every breath we take.

AJ & Karl