Family Life

Our values are rooted in family, community, and fairness. We surround ourselves with a strong support system of friends and family who provide us guidance, love and joy.

We are very close to our extended family.  We often visit RJ’s Mom and sisters in Southern NJ to celebrate birthdays and holidays with our nieces and nephews.  Every Sunday we video chat with Joey’s parents in California, catching up on the past week and having some good laughs. We also visit Joey’s sister’s family in Seattle multiple times a year.  Our family is extremely supportive of our efforts to adopt a child and excited to see our family grow.

It is important for us to give back to our community. RJ is the Vice-Chair of our town’s shade tree commission where he leads urban canopy and ecological restoration projects. Joey mentors at risk youth who need a positive role model and support system. We support town cleanups, give a helping hand at the food pantry, and always look for new ways to give back to our neighbors.

We plan on raising a child with a focus on service and community – the values at the center of our lives.

Lifestyle

We live in a small but vibrant town. There is a robust downtown with lots of shops and restaurants balanced with a large park network, green spaces, and an incredible community pool. Our home is in a peaceful neighborhood on a dead-end street that feeds into a playground, community garden, and a lake with a hiking trail.

We chose our house because of its historic charm and large yard. RJ can often be found in the yard busily tending to our vegetable garden, nurturing our native flower beds, and planting new trees.

Joey can be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, inspired by our travels, bringing the taste of adventure to our meals. He uses the produce from RJ’s vegetable gardens to make everything from fresh summer salads to our annual batch of hot sauce.

Harvey, our fluffy canine companion, is always by our side. He enjoys walking through the neighborhood and greeting kids at the park, but nothing makes him happier than curling up on the couch with us at the end of the day.

We love having friends over for cozy bonfire nights, sharing stories and laughing under the stars.  Most evenings, we unwind with our favorite TV shows, enjoying some well-deserved relaxation together.

Adoption

We appreciate the value that an open adoption brings to the development and mental well-being of an adopted child. From the start, we will be transparent with the child and ensure they understand that love is at the center of their adoption story.

We are happy to share photos and updates with you especially during developmental milestones and achievements.  We also commit to working with you on a plan for visits that works for all of us.

We understand firsthand the vital role that diversity plays in our lives. It enriches our experiences, broadens our perspectives, and fosters empathy and understanding. We are committed to ensuring that your child grows up with a strong appreciation for their background and the diverse world around them.

Building a supportive community is essential. We want your child to feel empowered and connected to others who share similar experiences and values. By surrounding them with diverse voices and perspectives, we can help cultivate their sense of identity and belonging.

We are privileged to live in a multicultural town with endless opportunities to connect with neighbors from all walks of life.