Joey About Emma: My wife Emma is the most incredible woman I know. She’s a tireless worker, always striving to do her best. Her honesty and intelligence are inspiring, and she handles challenges with grace and maturity. She’s a natural leader, skilled at navigating complex situations and fostering strong relationships. I admire her commitment to self-improvement and her ability to empathize with others. She’s my confidante, and the love of my life.

Emma About Joey: Joey is a loving, supportive partner. They have a unique ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued, which inspires me to be more thoughtful and intentional in my own actions. I admire their passion for learning and growth. They approach life with curiosity and an open mind, always eager to explore new ideas and perspectives. This thirst for knowledge not only keeps our conversations engaging but also pushes me to continue learning and evolving alongside them. I also cherish Joey's sense of humor. No matter how stressful a day might be, they find a way to bring lightness and laughter into our lives. even in the toughest moments, reminds me not to take life too seriously and to embrace joy wherever we can find it.

Every year, Christmas brings out Emma's artistic flair. She dedicates countless hours to constructing an incredibly detailed and impressive gingerbread house, often inspired by a video game that captured her imagination during the year. The gingerbread house becomes a centerpiece of our holiday decorations, showcasing her creativity and skill.

Another cherished Christmas tradition involves a visit to a local tree farm. We select two trees, a larger one for the family room downstairs and another for our bedroom. The process of cutting down the trees together creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for the festive season.

Decorating the trees with ornaments, lights, and garlands is a family affair, filled with laughter and cherished memories.

Our extended family is a diverse and welcoming community, already blended with adopted members and families from various backgrounds. This rich tapestry of experiences provides us with a wealth of resources and support. We have multiple family members we can turn to for advice or guidance, ensuring that we have a strong network to lean on.

To prepare for the arrival of our child, we plan to educate ourselves on any specific needs or concerns that may arise. We believe in creating a nurturing environment that respects and celebrates the child's unique identity. Living in a Navy town, we have access to a diverse community with people from all walks of life. This exposure to different cultures and traditions will enrich our family's experience and help us foster a more inclusive home. We are also committed to honoring the birth mother's wishes and incorporating any traditions or cultural practices that she deems important. We believe that maintaining a connection to the child's birth heritage is essential for their overall well-being and sense of belonging.

Our small family resides in a charming military town nestled near the Pacific Ocean. The picturesque downtown waterfront is a beloved gathering place, hosting farmers' markets, seasonal festivals, and various veterans' activities. It also serves as a gateway to a larger city via ferry.

Our three-story home provides ample space for our family and our furry companions. Upstairs, our elderly cat enjoys a peaceful retreat in our bedroom, while the child's room offers a tranquil view of the backyard. On the main floor, we gather in the living room to snuggle with our two dogs, relax after a long day, and enjoy family time Both of us are passionate about cooking and take pride in preparing most of our meals from scratch. The basement is a haven for creativity, housing Emma's crafting hobbies. She has dedicated spaces for sewing costumes and clothes, as well as a drawing area. Joey, on the other hand, finds joy in exploring the backyard with our two dogs. They engage in playful chases, tackles, and ball games, often ending up under the shade of the large apple tree. Emma, with her green thumb, has created several planter boxes in the backyard where she cultivates a variety of vegetables, including corn, onions, and squash, which we incorporate into our delicious meals.

One of the aspects we cherish most about our home is our friendly neighborhood. Our neighbors operate a local coffee shop, and we can easily walk to several bakeries for fresh bread, doughnuts, or desserts. The elementary school is also right around the corner so we hope to walk the child to and from school most days.

Our extended family in Texas is a vibrant and diverse group, reflecting the rich tapestry of the state. From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, our relatives come from all walks of life. We are fortunate to already be in a blended family ourselves, with adopted children and members from various ethnic backgrounds.

Emma's family hails from rural roots, where traditions run deep. When we visit their home, we're immersed in a simpler way of life. We join our nieces and nephews in chasing chickens, lend a hand to Grandma with household chores, and contribute to the preparation of hearty family meals. It's a nostalgic experience that connects us to a slower pace of life.

In contrast, Joey's family resides in the city, offering a different kind of adventure. When we visit them, we enjoy exploring the urban landscape and participating in city activities. We might head to the movies and rent out an entire row, or indulge in a delicious meal at one of our favorite restaurants. The convenience of living in close proximity allows Joey's family to easily gather and enjoy each other's company. Their mother, two sisters, three nieces, aunt, and cousins all reside within a mile of one another, fostering strong bonds and creating a sense of community.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our family as a potential home for your child. We are so grateful to be considered in your journey, and we would be honored to welcome your child into our lives with a commitment to love, support, and cherish them every day. We have been married for nearly 15 years, and our life together has been filled with joy, growth, and a steady commitment to each other’s well-being. Our relationship has been built on honesty, self-reflection, and a constant effort to grow together. These values guide us in our marriage and our lives and are also values we hope to instill in the child. We believe that these qualities foster resilience, empathy, and confidence; traits that will help them thrive in life.

We value honesty, self-reflection, self-determination, education, compassion, and engagement. We believe in raising a child who is kind, empathetic, and socially conscious. Our extended family is diverse, including adopted members and individuals from various racial and cultural backgrounds. This diversity enriches our lives and provides a strong support network for our family. For us, family is about more than simply being related by blood; it’s about being there for each other and creating a place where everyone feels truly at home.

Creating meaningful traditions is one of the ways we make our home a warm, welcoming place. Some of our favorite moments as a family are spent in the kitchen, cooking meals from scratch and trying new recipes. Food brings us together, and we love the time spent sharing stories and laughter around the table. Each holiday season, we cut down and decorate two Christmas trees making our home feel festive and magical. Another favorite tradition is designing an elaborate gingerbread house every year based on a video game we love. It’s a fun, creative project that brings out our sense of teamwork and playfulness, and it’s a joy we can’t wait to share with a child.

We value education and believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Our home is filled with books, games, and tools for exploring new interests. We want to inspire a love for learning, curiosity, and the courage to pursue dreams. We also believe in the importance of being socially aware, and we hope to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion for the world in the child. We want them to feel empowered to make a difference and to know that their voice matters.

Should you choose us as adoptive parents, we are committed to maintaining a relationship with you that respects your wishes and honors your role in your child’s life. We would be happy to send regular letters and photos so you can see how your child is growing and thriving. Additionally, we are open to more direct contact, whether through video calls, emails, or visits, if that is something you would be comfortable with. Our hope is to create a relationship that allows your child to know their story and to feel connected to you in a way that feels right for everyone involved.

Thank you again for considering us as part of this important decision. We understand how profound this choice is, and we are grateful for your courage and compassion. Whatever path you choose, we send our heartfelt respect, support, and gratitude.

Joey & Emma