Our close-knit families have always made it a priority to reconnect around the holidays, and we've built some wonderful traditions over the years that we can't wait to pass down. Christmas is especially meaningful. We love making wassail with Luke's mom, cutting down a fresh Christmas tree to decorate with the nieces and nephews, and taking our annual cold plunge into the family pond (though Brian opts out of this tradition!).

The Fourth of July is spent with bonfires on the beach, watching the local fireworks, and swimming in Papa and Gigi's pool. Luke's family also hosts a fall festival every year, complete with corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and hay rides. After a long day on the farm, we gather for a game of family Wiffleball followed by a cozy bonfire and plenty of marshmallows.

One of our favorite ways to get "off the map" is by taking trips to the family cabin in rural Pennsylvania. There, weekends are filled with fishing, hiking, and long talks around the campfire—simple moments that remind us of the importance of slowing down and enjoying each other's company.

At our core, we're homebodies. After a long workweek, we love nothing more than making a big bowl of popcorn, bundling up on the couch with our dog, Stella, and watching a movie. While we enjoy trying new restaurants and cuisines, we take just as much pleasure in recreating those meals at home—especially with Luke's incredible cooking and baking skills. Some of his go-to dishes include carnitas, tikka masala, and, more recently, pho.

Our favorite routine involves trips to the gym together or, more recently, slow "trudges" through the neighborhood on our runs. Afterward, we unwind by reading and swapping books between the two of us (with occasional input from Brian's mom, who's our unofficial third book club member).

Brian is something of a self-taught YouTube mechanic, and he spends many weekends restoring his 1978 Ford Bronco. We've also embraced the art of knitting, and—armed with a lot of enthusiasm and some questionable technique—we're attempting to make newborn and children's clothes. Our inspiration for this crafty endeavor is Ron Weasley's mom, though we're hoping our sweaters turn out a bit more polished than the ones she made!

The decision to be open to transracial and transcultural adoption was one we approached with a great deal of research and difficult conversations. We carefully considered the benefits of expanding the reach of our profile to a wider group of expecting mothers, while also acknowledging the immense responsibility of ensuring that our child feels a deep connection to their racial and cultural background.

We are fully committed to supporting cultural diversity in our home—not just on a surface level, but in a meaningful and intentional way. For us, cultural diversity means ensuring our child has positive role models who reflect their identity and connect them to their heritage. It also means embracing the music, stories, history, and cuisine of their culture, making it an active part of our family's life.

We understand that we won't be the experts in our child's birth culture, nor should we try to be. Our role is to lean on our community and the resources around us to learn alongside our child, so they can see us as partners in their journey. We are fully committed to supporting their understanding of the culture they identify with, and we will always be there to nurture and celebrate their unique identity.

We don't consider ourselves "city people," and we've been fortunate to find a peaceful neighborhood just outside the Boston/Providence area. Our favorite part of our home is our spacious, fenced backyard. It's the perfect spot for grilling, sitting around a bonfire, and sharing meals with the friends we've made here. We're also lucky to live near the charming Main Street of North Attleboro, which offers a variety of diverse restaurants and shops.

Even more, we're just a short walk from our local park, recreation fields, playgrounds, and the elementary school. On our walks with our dog, Stella, we enjoy exploring the neighborhood's walking trails and its winding side streets. It's not uncommon to pass groups of kids speeding by on bikes or playing at the local playgrounds. Being in a coastal state, we also take full advantage of the nearby beaches and hiking trails, often enjoying quiet afternoons on the sandy shores.

We moved to Massachusetts from Pennsylvania for Luke's final stage of medical training, and over time, we've built a small community of friends here who are eager to support us as we welcome a new addition to our family. That said, we look forward to relocating closer to our families in the future so our child can grow up surrounded by cousins and all the love and support of our extended families.

We're incredibly fortunate to have such a large and close-knit family. Luke is one of ten siblings, and Brian is one of four, so together we share more than 18 nieces and nephews. One of the roles we're most proud of is being the "fun uncles" to all of our siblings' children. Whether we're swimming in Papa and Gigi's pool (Brian's parents), gardening in Peepaw's flower fields (Luke's mom), catching crabs on our annual family beach trip, or playing Wiffleball on the family farm, we treasure these moments and the time spent together.

Luke grew up on a farm, and his siblings still run the family farm, so it's always a treat to visit and spend time there. We're lucky that his entire family is in one place, which gives us the opportunity to be actively involved in our nieces' and nephews' lives. Brian's parents, both retired teachers, relocated to North Carolina, and their beach house is a gathering spot for the family, especially for Brian's military siblings, who come together semiannually.

From the very beginning of our relationship, our families have been excited about our decision to pursue adoption as a way of building our family. We look forward to sharing our family traditions, vacations, and experiences with our future children. The love and support we've received from our extended family will provide a strong foundation as we continue to grow, and we can't wait for our little ones to join in the fun.

We cannot express in words our heartfelt gratitude for considering the possibility of an adoption plan for your child. We understand that this is an incredibly significant decision, and we have deep respect for you and the journey you have embarked on.

For the past three years we have been together, we have shared a strong mutual desire to be parents, and we have remained steadfast in our plans to expand our family through adoption. We cherish the life and home we have created in Massachusetts, filled with love, laughter, and support. We believe that every child deserves a nurturing and supportive environment, and we are committed to providing that for your child.

As you consider your options, we want you to know that we value the opportunity to be adoptive parents in an open adoption. We envision a relationship that honors your place in our child's life while also embracing the love and support we want to provide as parents. Our aim is to foster open communication throughout this lifelong relationship. We are committed to maintaining this connection early on through emails, photos, and updates. We would be honored to be a part of your life so we can celebrate your child's milestones and experiences together.

We understand that every adoption story is unique, and we respect your preferences for how involved you wish to be. We are here to listen to your hopes and wishes, ensuring that you feel comfortable and supported throughout the entire process. Your feelings and decisions are paramount, and we want you to know that we are fully committed to fostering a relationship built on trust and respect.

In our home, family is everything. We love spending time together, whether outdoors exploring parks, hiking, or traveling. We also treasure our quiet evenings filled with board games, reading, and cooking together. Our home is filled with laughter, warmth, and a sense of belonging. We also maintain a strong bond with our extended family, all of whom look forward to welcoming an addition to the family. We look forward to sharing memories as a family, and we want you to be a part of that journey in whatever way feels right for you.

We are passionate about education and lifelong learning. We want our future child to grow up in an environment that encourages curiosity and creativity. We envision a future where they can pursue their passions and dreams, surrounded by a supportive community and family. We are committed to providing a safe and loving home that fosters their growth and development.

We can't imagine the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing throughout this process, but we are here to answer any questions you may have. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision, and we are happy to share more about our lives, values, and dreams for the future. Your feelings and thoughts are important to us, and we want to ensure you feel heard and valued throughout this journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter and view our profile. We truly admire your strength and courage in considering adoption. Please know that, no matter the outcome, you are in our thoughts, and we are sending you our warmest wishes during this time. If you choose to reach out, we would love the opportunity to connect further.

With heartfelt gratitude and hope,

Luke & Brian