We have always had a desire to adopt a child, it was one of the things we bonded over throughout our relationship. The privilege of parenthood and getting to raise a family together has always been something we both aspired to. We were lucky to be blessed with an amazing daughter named Arya early in our marriage. However, we always kept the idea of adoption open. The idea became a reality after dealing with unexplained infertility after our daughter was born. We had tried for years with no luck, went to specialists and in that process got pregnant. Soon after finding out, we miscarried and decided to try again when we could. We were lucky enough to get pregnant again 8 months later, but ultimately lost that baby, too. After our losses, we talked it over and decided that it was the universes way of telling us it was time to approach adoption.

Arya is eleven years old and is extremely excited to be a big sister! She has been dreaming of having a sibling for years to teach things to and play with. She is most looking forward to being able to share her love of reading and having a built-in best friend for life. She is currently exploring her musical strengths through learning to play the flute in school. She gets her artistic ability from Zachary, and they enjoy drawing and painting together. Arya also is a very talented crafter, like Amanda. She loves to crochet, knit and make things with clay. She has already been crocheting "lovies" for her future sibling.

As a family we love to explore our area, finding new places to eat, and fun things to do. We love spending time outdoors. We love to hike, go for walks in our neighborhood with our dogs, play at parks, visit beaches and theme parks in the area. As a family, we love to entertain family and friends for game nights, board games, video games, interactive/role playing games - anything for a laugh and fun. We also enjoy quiet days in, reading a good book, having a movie night, learning to cook a new recipe and crafting together. In particular, we like to find new craft shops to inspire our various hobbies. Zachary loves to paint miniatures, play BattleTech, and draw. He also participates in Kendo, a type of Japanese "fencing" that he has been enjoying for the past six years. Amanda enjoys reading, crocheting, rewatches of Gilmore Girls and Lego builds. When Arya isn't out playing with her friends, she is constantly creating something. Either through crochet, sketching, clay making or beading. We love that we have interests in common but we also enjoy celebrating our unique talents.

We are lucky enough to have welcomed our nephew into our family by adoption. Carter is currently nine years old and is one of the best things to have happened to our family. He and our daughter are extremely close and love each other very much. It has been fulfilling to watch them grow up together and become best friends. Amanda adores being "Auntie Pie" while Zachary is affectionately known as "Uncle Z." Carter has enriched our lives beyond measure and we are grateful every day that adoption made his existence in our family possible. Amanda's sister and brother in-law have been a huge source of knowledge going through this process. Their journey has shown our family that it doesn't matter where you come from, family is family. We know that it's a long process but have seen it be successful and cannot wait to welcome our own child through adoption.

We live in a welcoming community in Virginia that truly feels like home. Our neighborhood has a community pool, parks and plenty of open space for kids to play with friends. Throughout the year our community hosts wonderful events like, summer movie nights at the pool, trunk or treating in the fall, National Night Out events and holiday parties at the pool house. It's a close, supportive place with many families and children of all ages. We have friends in the area that have children and are excited to meet and include our future child.

Our home is a two-story single-family home with five bedrooms, including one we turned into a cozy craft room and library, that is a family favorite. The main living area is open and spacious, perfect for family time. We also converted a formal dining room into the perfect room for game nights and arts and crafts. Our back yard is fenced in with plenty of room to play.

Our neighborhood backs up to a large park with playgrounds, a dog park, running trails and baseball and soccer fields, offering endless opportunities for outdoor fun. We really love our community and cannot wait to share it with another child!

We love having friends and family over for game nights. Amanda's family lives close by and we see them frequently for family dinners and outings to theme parks. Jen, Amanda's sister, and Bryan, her brother in law adopted our nephew and he's looking forward to having an adopted cousin. We usually go to Christmas Town, a tradition for the past 15 years, in December to enjoy holiday lights and festive shows. Amanda's family is extremely supportive of the adoption plan as we have been through it as a family already. We are looking forward to expanding our family in a unique and meaningful way. Our daughter Arya has been excited about this journey so much so that she's making crocheted items for her new sibling.

Zachary's family lives about three hours away so we see them often for holidays and long weekends. In particular, his youngest brother Connor owns a small plane he uses to train with to fly and come see us for weekend visits. Zachary's mother, Kathy, makes frequent visits down to continue to connect with Arya. One of our favorite memories was when we went to Walt Disney World following Zachary returning home from a deployment. After a year-long absence, we reconnected over rides, food and fireworks as well as Arya getting to visit Mickey and the Magic Kingdom for the first time. They are 100% onboard with the adoption and can't wait to meet the newest member of the family.

First, we want to thank you. Considering adoption is one of the most selfless and courageous acts imaginable. We understand that this decision is not easy, no matter how much love is behind it. We hope this letter helps you get to know us and offers comfort as you consider what's best for your child.

Most evenings in our home end the same way - our daughter's laughter echoing down the hall, yarn and stuffing spread across the couch, and the smell of dinner still in the air while our dogs curl up nearby. It's in these moments that we often look at each other and think, this is what family feels like, and as we sit together we imagine sharing it with another child.

We're Amanda and Zachary, we've been together for fourteen years. Our relationship is built on laughter, trust, and teamwork. We've grown through every season of life - from cross-country moves and military transitions to late-night newborn feedings and weekend adventures - always together. We balance each other well: Amanda brings creativity and warmth, while Zachary brings steadiness and calm. We genuinely enjoy being together, whether we're cooking, tackling a home project, or sitting on the porch after a long day. We've learned that love isn't just in big gestures - it's showing up for each other every day. From the very beginning, we've dreamed of raising a family built on love, laughter, and shared moments like these.

Our daughter is beyond excited to become a big sister. She's kind, imaginative, and always creating, helping in the kitchen, or setting aside plushies she plans to share with "the baby." Watching her grow these past eleven years has been the greatest joy of our lives, and we can't wait to see her step into this new role with the same love and compassion she already carries for a sibling she hasn't even met yet.

Amanda is creative, nurturing, and the heart of our home. She loves crocheting, reading, and turning everyday moments into something special - baking cookies on a rainy day or planning a spontaneous family adventure. Being a mom is one of her greatest joys, and she can't wait to bring another child into her heart.

Zachary is steady, loyal, and full of laughter. After nearly twenty years in the Navy and now working in the defense field, he's built on hard work, dedication, and compassion. He's someone who always finds time to listen, teach, or make us laugh when we need it most. Being a dad is something he takes great pride in, and he's eager to bring his guidance and love to another child.

As parents, we want our children to feel seen, supported, and loved for exactly who they are. We believe in communication, patience, and kindness - in letting kids explore who they want to become while knowing they always have a safe place to land. Whether it's bedtime stories, park days, or late-night talks, we want to give them a life full of love, laughter, and stability.

We also want your child to know their story - to grow up understanding that their life began with your courage and love. We promise to honor you by speaking about you with respect, love, and gratitude, and to keep you connected through letters, pictures, and, if you wish, ongoing contact through texts, calls, or emails.

No matter what you decide, please know that we hold you in our hearts with deep respect and empathy. If you choose us, your child will grow up surrounded by family, warmth, creativity, and endless love - always knowing they were wanted, cherished, and loved by both us and by you.

With love, respect, and gratitude,

Zachary & Amanda