Other than us two our family is made up of our little dog Sophie (age 8) and our two cats Mia and Sparx (both age 2). Sophie is playful, so gentle and incredibly loving and will sit on your lap or fetch toys forever if you let her. Mia has long grey fur, she is sassy, sweet, and loves snuggles. Sparx who is our fluffy orange boy who loves everyone and everything (but especially food and getting in to mischief). They are all a very special part of our family and day to day lives. They have given us so much happiness and everyday have filled our lives with laughter.

They have taught us so much and bettered us as both individuals and partners in the time we have had them together. Because of them we gained important skills such as pausing and enjoying the small moments and working together when one of them gets sick taking turns caring for them through the day and night. They have helped us stay positive when it was difficult to do so during the hard times. We feel pets are so important for children to have for countless reasons such as teaching gentleness not only for humans but all beings of the world. Pets teach us how to care for one and other in a selfless way. We know our pets will love having a child to play with and be around everyday.

To us being parents means showing up for your child both physically and emotionally whether that be to an event or being willing to listen to the highs and lows of everyday. We feel it means being selfless and giving them your attention and energy even when you’re exhausted or already have your plate full with your own personal struggles. For us being parents means holding them close until they finish crying or patiently waiting it out together and being the calm one when they are angry.

We look forward to being silly just to hear them laugh whether by using spaghetti during dinner to make noodle mustaches, or creating fun stories about dancing bugs in the grass just for no reason besides having them smile. We can’t wait for spontaneous ice cream trips and excited giggles while we help put their shoes on. We look forward to teaching them by example how to be kind, confident, respectful, and trying their best and knowing it might not always work out how they hoped but knowing we are always here for them to fall back and depend on no matter what.

Kenzie About Shane: Kenzie has many qualities she loves about Shane but a particularly admirable one is that he is an excellent motivator and teacher to anyone struggling to understand a concept or task. He also has a knack for explaining things in an easy way that makes sense, all the while being incredibly patient. Additionally she has the utmost respect that he is someone truly who is dependable, loyal, and is willing to drop everything to help someone in need no matter the person or circumstances.

Shane About Kenzie: Shane loves many things about Kenzie but the biggest one is being how empathetic she is to those hurting or struggling. She is a very good listener and willing to help in any way she can. She is creative and a problem solver when needed. Shane admires that she is incredibly passionate about going over and beyond what’s necessary to make someone feel safe, valued, and comfortable no matter who they are, where they are from, how old they are and any other form of differences between them and her.

Our families are so incredibly happy for us to adopt and welcome the first child into our family to love and create memories with together. Both of our parents live about 15 minutes from our home so we get to enjoy spending time with them frequently! We are so lucky that Shane’s sister even lives a 4 minute walk from our home too!

When everyone gathers we love playing all sorts of board games, watching movies or football and making big meals as a family together. During the Summer time everyone joins in together for backyard games and barbecues.

Exciting things are always happening throughout the year with our family. Shane’s parents live at his childhood home on an island, where fun seasonal fairs and holiday festivities are constantly happening. There are always children's activities going on at the community center on the island to enjoy which is where originally Shane met Kenzie during the summertime in middle school.

Kenzie’s parents have two houses one in her childhood home nearby in a small coastal beach town during the Summer, Fall and Spring. The second house is in Arizona which is always a blast to enjoy during the cold months each year here in the Pacific Northwest. Another fun part of Arizona is Kenzie’s other half of extended family also lives there (Abuela, Tia's, and many cousins)!

We live in Western Washington in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Our two bedroom home has a nice outside area where we have made so many wonderful memories hosting our family and friends. Spending time together relaxing on the back deck in our down time reading or coloring is definitely one of our favorite activities! We are so lucky to be able to see the sunsets and views of Mt Rainer just outside our own back door! Our living room is another area we love. Often we find ourselves snuggled up with our pets having movie nights, hanging out with family, or having fun playing some co-op video games together. Outside of our home we are very fortunate to live in a town that is very family focused, because of that there are frequent events happening throughout the year. We feel very grateful to live in a area that is so inclusive of all families of different races, religions, and walks of life. In particular, the schools we have in our area are always busy holding summer carnivals, Halloween parties, dance classes, language immersion clubs and a large variety of sports to join in for kids and their families. Outside of the schools we live a short walk from the local swimming pool and many different parks with large play areas and plenty of shady trees for picnic spots to enjoy lunches together.

Hello there!

We are Shane and Kenzie and we are happy to get the chance to introduce ourselves to you and give you a small glimpse into our lives with this letter. We have been married 3 years but together for almost 9. We have known each other for over 15 years initially meeting as children at only 12 and 13 years old. Our friendship and love has truly endured the test of time and hardships. We are no strangers to overcoming the impossible together; in the first year of our lives as partners Kenzie required a hysterectomy at only 20, which was the culmination of her fight against endometriosis. Most of her life from 15-20 was spent fighting endometriosis with constant treatments, tests, hospital stays, and seven surgeries. She never gave up knowing she could one day become healthy and pain free to still achieve her biggest dream in life by adopting, and at 19 Shane joined the battle, and we set our dreams together of one day starting a family. Together, we knew whatever may come that our stead fast and unconditional love for each other would get us through anything.

We say this not only to give you a better insight into our own journey but also so that you will know that never ending dedication and commitment for each other that we have will always include your child if you choose us. You will never have to doubt our love for your child, we will fight by their side with them through whatever hardship they may experience. We will celebrate all of the little things in their life and show up for every moment. We will never expect perfection but always encourage them to try their best and help stand by them, supporting them when they struggle. We promise to teach them by example; things like kindness towards others, respect and inclusion. We will take every opportunity to help them grow self confidence so they never question their worth. We will teach them the importance of learning both in the classroom and in the world outside of it. They will never lack in the best possible educational support if the need arises or medical care. We will always be there for them no matter the circumstances.

Our guarantee for you is to give your child all the love, attention, and life experiences we have longed for so many years to give to a child. Although we don’t know your circumstances or can even begin to understand what emotions you may be experiencing we want you to know we will never judge what life you have lead, your past, your struggles, your desires for the future or your aspirations. No matter what, you will forever have an irreplaceable place in our hearts and our utmost gratitude and respect for being the one to give us the greatest gift of all, the chance to love this child with our whole hearts.

You have our word that you will never be unknown or forgotten in your child’s life we will talk often of you, because you truly will be our hero if you choose us. Also we will be more than happy to send photos and letters and exchange emails. We love taking photos (especially Kenzie) so there will be plenty to share but no matter what we will respect your boundaries and choices and give you space whenever you wish. We both thank you so much for taking the time to read our letter and hope that we get the opportunity to get to know you and allow us to introduce ourselves so you can truly meet us and get to know us as individuals and as a couple.

With love and gratitude,

Shane & Kenzie