We have a diverse cultural heritage. Andy grew up in Argentina, Taiwan, El Salvador and Nicaragua, before moving to the U.S. for college (and since then he has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, Nashville, St. Louis, and Chicago). Josh grew up in Pittsburgh and moved to Chicago after college. Andy's family is Taiwanese, and his upbringing is heavily shaped by Taiwanese culture. Taiwanese culture is, in turn, rooted in Chinese heritage as well as Japanese influence (as Taiwan was a former colony of Japan). There is a huge emphasis on family, doing things for the good and harmony of the community (rather than for the individual self), and respect—for parents, elders in the family, teachers, leaders, and other authority figures. Andy's time in Latin America during his formative years (early childhood, middle school and high school) was also influential in the development of his cultural identity. In our home, we bring together all of these rich cultural heritages—honoring the values, celebrating the traditions, and embracing our collective diversity.

In our leisure time, we love going on adventures, exploring different places, and trying delicious foods from around the world.

On weekends, you'll find us hanging out by the pool, calling to check in and chat with our parents, and having dinner with friends. We also enjoy cooking together, trying out new recipes, and taking turns making tasty meals.

When the weather is nice, our dog, Shiba, joins us for fun times at the dog park, playing with other furry pals. We also love going to the lakefront for picnics – it's a great spot!

Staying active is important to us. Andy likes swimming, and Josh enjoys going for a jog. These activities not only keep us healthy but also make our leisure time super enjoyable!

One of our most fond traditions that we celebrate dates back to our first year of marriage. The most amazing part of our honeymoon was trying delicious meals from different places. We enjoyed them so much that for our fist New Year's Eve together as a married couple, we decided to bring back those memories from our honeymoon by creating a 10-course dinner honoring our favorite meals from the trip leading up to midnight. It became our special tradition we enjoy celebrating while ringing in the new year. Every year, we make a menu inspired by the tasty dishes we discovered that year while traveling.

As for our extended family, Josh's family has an annual tradition called the 'Feast of the 7 Fish'. It's an Italian Christmas Eve tradition where they have 7 types of fish incorporated into different courses. Josh has a lot of great memories spending the day with his family, cooking and getting ready for the Christmas Eve dinner. Since we both love cooking, we want to keep this tradition going with our own family. It's not just about the food; it's about making special memories together, and we're exciting to pass these traditions on to our future family!

We live in a great, friendly neighborhood that's diverse, safe, and a fun place to be!

Our home is located within walking distance of Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan, filled with playgrounds, beautiful parks, and beaches along Lakefront Trail. The Lakefront Trail leads us right to Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and Museum Campus, putting us at close proximity to the free public zoo, Centennial Wheel (which is our famous Ferris Wheel), the Field Museum, Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium.

There is also a pool, basketball and tennis court, grills, and a children's play area inside our building.

There seems to be something new and exciting happening all the time in our community; themed festivals, block parties, cultural celebrations, concerts, or sporting events.

Finally, we love taking advantage of our nearby restaurants and enjoying different cuisines throughout the city. Andy also works at the University of Chicago, which allows faculty access to their Laboratory Schools, a private, co-educational school affiliated with the University.

We love our community and feel it's a great place to live and raise a family.

Andy's parents and brother reside in Taiwan, but we try to visit whenever we get the opportunity, otherwise we stay connected through FaceTime. Alex (Andy's brother) and his wife have three children.

Josh, on the other hand, had four siblings: two brothers in Pennsylvania, who live near his parents, and a sister who lives in Denver, Colorado. Josh's sister (Jennifer) has four boys who have all reached adolescence, while his brother (Christian) has two energetic elementary school kids. Despite living in different states, we spend quality time with Josh's family at least 2-3 times a year, whether it's hiking the trails around Red Rock in Colorado, visiting historical battleground sites in Gettysburg, or celebrating the holidays at Josh's parent's home.

Both of our parents are excited about grandchildren, embracing 'the more, the merrier' mentality, and they are eager to be actively involved and present in their grandchildren's lives.

Finally, our four-legged child, Shiba, is also excited to expand our family and help take care of her new 'Shi-bling'!

Thank you for taking the time to read our profile and we hope some of our responses brings a warm smile to your face. We also want to express our deepest gratitude for considering us as potential parents for your precious child. The decision you are making is incredibly significant, and we want you to know that we approach this with immense respect, empathy, and understanding. We are extremely overjoyed at the thought of expanding our family through adoption. Our journey together has been filled with love, laughter, and the shared dream of creating a home that's warm, supportive, and inclusive. We both have diverse backgrounds, with Andy being Taiwanese-American practicing medicine, and Josh, being Caucasian working in education. We celebrate the richness that comes with our cultural differences.

Our home is a vibrant collection of traditions and experiences. We cherish the uniqueness each cultural background brings and have created traditions that reflect our love for diverse perspectives. Whether it's over a hearty meal at home, playing at the pool, hiking by the lake, or taking a trip across the globe, we're committed to making lasting memories together. In terms of family, we both come from loving and supportive backgrounds. We understand the importance of staying connected and involved, and we are fortunate to have families who are excited to welcome a new member with open arms. We want to extend these family moments to our future child, creating a nurturing environment filled with joy, laughter, and unconditional love.

Open adoption is something we hold dear to our hearts. We believe that transparency and communication are crucial in building a strong and trusting relationship. We are open to sharing the journey with you, respecting your wishes for the level of involvement you desire. We envision a relationship where our child can learn about their roots, heritage, and the love that brought us all together.

Education and learning are the core of our family values. Both of us have backgrounds in education – Andy works at the University of Chicago, which allows us access to their amazing Laboratory Schools, and Josh is a School Psychologist with experience in tutoring and early childhood interventions. We believe in providing a solid educational foundation, fostering critical thinking skills, and encouraging a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Your decision to choose us as parent would mean the world to us. We are committed to creating a home where diversity is celebrated, where cultural traditions are honored, and where your child will grow up surrounded by love, kindness, and the support needed to flourish into the incredible individual they are meant to be. Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond cultural diversity; it embraces the uniqueness of each person, regardless of race, background, or identity. Our hope is to instill in our child a deep appreciation for differences, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance in a world that thrives on diversity.

As we embark on this adoption journey, we want you to know that your child will be cherished, supported, and encouraged to pursue their passions and dreams. We are ready to embrace the responsibilities and joys of parenthood with open hearts, unwavering commitment, and a promise to create a loving and nurturing environment. Again, thank you for taking the time to get to know us. We are more than happy for the opportunity to meet you and share this incredible journey together.

Josh & Andy