Adoption has been on our hearts for as long as we’ve been together. We talked about it even before we were married; we admired the diversity, love, and uniqueness of the families our friends built through adoption.

After trying on our own for several years we turned to a fertility doctor for help. Our journey brought both joy and heartbreak. We welcomed our daughter with the help of a fertility specialist through IUI, and we were overjoyed to finally become parents just weeks after our 10-year wedding anniversary. When she turned one, we were excited to grow our family again and returned to treatment with optimism, but this time the path was much harder. After multiple failed IUIs and IVF rounds, we eventually decided to stop treatment.

We took time off to mourn and regroup. Even during that time, adoption was something we talked about. At the time we were unsure if the timing was right - but the desire never left us. After some time, adoption rose to the surface again; not as a last resort, but as something that had always felt meaningful and right for us. We are genuinely excited to grow our family through adoption and to welcome a child with open arms and open hearts.

Our lifestyle is built around adventure and spending as much time outdoors as we can. We love hiking near our home; sometimes along the bluffs overlooking the ocean, other times in the mountains where the trail rewards us with sweeping views at the top. Before we had kids, we went backpacking often with our dogs, and those trips hold some of our favorite memories as a couple. Now that we have Ellie, we’ve scaled back the distance to keep things fun and encouraging for her, and when she was little, we carried her in a backpack so she could be part of every adventure.

Christine grew up skiing, and Allen grew up snowboarding, so going to the mountains is another fun adventure to both of us. We recently took Ellie to a ski resort for the first time, and she absolutely loved it! Allen even decided to learn to ski so they could share the experience together. We made the sweetest memories on the bunny slope; taking lessons, cheering each other on, and practicing our new skills as a family. Outdoor adventures, big or small, are a huge part of our life.

Every year, we spend the 4th of July at a family timeshare with Christine’s side of the family, a tradition everyone looks forward to all year long. The resort sits near the beach and has everything kids (and adults!) could dream of: several pools, a putting green, tetherball, pickleball and tennis courts, and even waterslides that the cousins race down again and again.

The cousins talk about this trip constantly, planning what swimsuits to pack, which pool they’ll jump into first, and which games they’ll play together. The whole place comes alive with red, white, and blue decorations, matching patriotic outfits, and the happy chaos of kids running between activities. Evenings are spent watching fireworks together, snuggled up on blankets with glow sticks and sparklers in hand.

It’s one of our most cherished traditions, filled with sunshine, laughter, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.

We live in California, in a cozy four‑bedroom home tucked into a family‑friendly neighborhood between the beach and the mountains. On any given day, we can decide whether we want to go for a walk at the beach or a quick hike in the hills - both are just minutes away.

One of our favorite things about where we live is being within walking distance from the elementary school. Our daughter goes there, and in the evenings we often wander over to play on the playground or ride scooters on the blacktop. The school is surrounded by young families, so there are always kids outside playing, riding bikes, and growing up together. Our home is colorful, cozy, and inviting. The backyard is our favorite place to hang out; we have a small garden, a playhouse, and a firepit where we love making s’mores in the evenings. It’s a space that feels lived‑in, loved, and ready for more little footsteps.

We're also surrounded by wonderful outdoor spaces, including several parks within walking distance, a bike path perfect for family bike rides, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. We have a small local zoo and several children's museums that we love to explore. Our community celebrates traditions like the Old Spanish Days festival with flamenco dancing, authentic Mexican food, and parades; events we look forward to sharing with another child. This is a place filled with joy, stability, and adventure.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have such close, supportive relationships with our extended families. Christine’s parents, Bapa and Gram Gram, and her brother live in the same town, just a quick drive away. Most Friday nights you’ll find them at our house for dinner, games, and catching up. Christine’s two sisters live a little farther but still close enough that holidays and spontaneous weekend visits are easy. With four energetic nephews between them, there’s always plenty of noise, laughter, and activity. When everyone is together, we’re usually gathered around the table at Bapa and Gram Gram’s, out playing pickleball, or in the backyard pushing kids on the swings.

Allen’s family is spread across a few states, but we stay closely connected and make it a priority to see them at least once a year. He has two sisters and six nieces and nephews, so gatherings are full of excitement and energy. His parents, Papa and Grammy, are the kind of people who show up ready to help with anything. We joke that we always need a “project list” when they visit because they love being put to work, whether it’s fixing something or cooking a big meal. Our family traditions are simple but meaningful: making gingerbread houses every Christmas, spending the 4th of July at the timeshare, and celebrating each birthday with a special plate for the birthday kid. Both of our families are incredibly excited about our adoption journey and can’t wait to welcome a child into the family.

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter. We know you are facing an incredibly important and emotional decision, and we want you to know that we see your strength, your courage, and the love behind every step you are taking. No matter what you choose, we hold deep respect for you.

We are Christine and Allen. We have been together for more than 20 years and married for 17, and our commitment to each other has always been “until death do we part.” Our relationship has grown through every season of life: the joyful ones, the challenging ones, and the quiet, ordinary days in between. We are best friends, true partners, and a team in every sense of the word. Our home is filled with laughter, support, and a deep sense of steadiness that comes from years of choosing each other again and again.

Becoming parents to our daughter has been one of the most rewarding privileges of our lives. She is curious, joyful, imaginative, and full of sunshine. Watching her grow has taught us so much about patience, wonder, and the beauty of slowing down to notice the little things. She has been asking for a sibling for quite a while, and we know she will be a loving, gentle big sister. She talks about reading bedtime stories together, sharing her favorite toys, and showing a sibling all her favorite places - especially the beach and the school playground.

Adoption has been on our hearts for a long time. Even before we were married, we talked about how meaningful it would be to grow our family through adoption one day. At the time, we were a little afraid and unsure if the timing was right, but the desire never left us. Over the years, as we watched friends build beautiful, diverse families through adoption, our admiration only grew. After our long fertility journey - filled with both joy and heartbreak - we took time to reflect, heal, and listen to our hearts. It became clear that adoption wasn’t just an option; it was the path we were meant to take. Today, we feel excited, ready, and deeply grateful to be on this journey.

A child will grow up in a home where they are cherished, supported, and surrounded by love. We love cooking dinner side by side, walking to the playground after dinner, building forts in the living room, and ending the day with snuggles and stories. We believe in kindness, curiosity, and celebrating the small moments that make life meaningful. We want our children to feel safe being exactly who they are and to know they are loved unconditionally.

We also want you to know that you will always be honored in our home. We are committed to sending letters and pictures so you can see your child growing, learning, and experiencing life’s joys. If you are open to more contact, such as exchanging emails, phone calls, or even future visits, we would welcome that and build a relationship at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We believe openness can be a beautiful gift for a child, giving them a fuller understanding of their story and the love that surrounds them.

We know this is a deeply personal decision, and we want you to feel supported and never pressured. Whatever you choose, we hope you find peace and clarity in your path. And if you feel that our family might be the right place for your child, we would be honored to walk this journey with you.

With love, respect, and open hearts,

Allen & Christine