We met in 2010 during our freshman year of college and became very fast friends. After graduating, Luke moved out of state for a job opportunity, and Erin spent time working in different cities.

We didn't see each other for quite some time, but each separately decided to move back home to be closer to our families. At that point, we reconnected and quickly began dating. It was clear that the timing was finally right between us, and two best friends fell in love.

To say that our families were thrilled would be an understatement. Being together was, and always has been, easy and joyful. We moved into our beautiful home in the summer of 2019 with our dog Wash, and the three of us spent lots of family time together during 2020 .... that is, until we adopted our dog Ziggy that spring, and it became the four of us.

Luke proposed to Erin in April of 2021, and they were married a year later. The following years have been full of belly laughs, family meals, travel, and quality time with friends.

We have always known that we wanted to start a family together. However, after a whirlwind 18 months of trying, meeting with fertility specialists, and procedures, we received the heartbreaking news that biological children just aren't possible. We had always discussed the possibility of adoption, and in this case, it seems like that path was always our destiny. In the following months, we had some beautiful conversations with friends who have adopted, or been adopted themselves, in an attempt to understand this path as much as possible. Someone very wisely told us that adoption isn't meant to replace the biological child; we cannot have. Adoption is, first and foremost, a significant act of love that comes from a desire for every child to have a loving and supportive family. We've always wanted to share the joy of our lives with our children, and adoption hasn't changed that desire one bit.

Luke is described by many as "a ray of sunshine". He loves to ride his bike, cheer on his favorite sports teams, and make up silly songs about our dogs and nephew (this is very important). Luke loves his friends and family deeply, and it comes as naturally as breathing. I fell for him hard when I heard how often he told his mom and dad, "I love you". He has, without a doubt, made me a better friend, daughter, and sister. No one in this world is built to be a more supportive and affectionate father- he will love his child unconditionally. Life with Luke is so much fun, and I can't wait for our future together.

Kind, loving, and full of boundless creativity, Erin illuminates my life. She is a perfect partner who will always listen and laugh away the trials and tribulations of the day. Erin, or "Sweets" as we lovingly call her, is always there to love and comfort those around her. She is a constant to her friends and family, spreading her love and infectious joy everywhere she goes. She will undoubtedly be a phenomenal mother to our child, and I wouldn't want to walk through life with anyone else.

Wash - Short for "Ronald Washington", this guy is Luke's pride and joy. Wash has been with Luke since college and has won World's Best Dog every year of his life (13 years and going strong). Wash is patient, gentle, and usually very hungry.

Ziggy - The vet has diagnosed Ziggy as a "mama's boy," and unfortunately, there is no cure. He is 5 years old and spunky, opinionated, and incredibly snuggly. He loves playing a special version of fetch where he doesn't give the ball back. Ziggy can't wait to teach this game to his future sibling.

Erin's parents go by their grandparents' names of "Poppy" and "Chippy" these days. They live three whole miles away from Luke and Erin, and frequently host family meals. Shannon loves to show love by cooking, and no one complains. Butch and Shannon became first-time grandparents in November 2024 when Erin's brother and sister-in-law had a sweet baby boy. Grandparent life has been joyful and full of dancing, swimming, and lots of playtime. They have so much love to give their future grandchildren and promise to always provide a cozy home for our family to gather.

Erin's younger brother Cole is one of her favorite people in the world. Cole is a college golf coach and passionate about his job. His wife Anna is an angel on earth and has been a wonderful addition to the family. Anna is a Physician's Assistant and a truly natural caretaker. In 2023, Cole and Anna moved into a house three streets away from Luke and Erin, and it was the best day ever! That best day was quickly replaced in 2024 by the birth of their son Will. We all adore this little boy and are thankful to be so involved in his life. Baby Will is ready for his future cousin and has lots of toys to share.

Luke's parents, Denise and Eliseo, also live about three whole miles from Luke and Erin. Everyone agrees that having family nearby has been, and will continue to be, a huge blessing. Denise is a seasoned kindergarten teacher whose students adore her. Eliseo is funny, adventurous, and would do anything for his family. Luke's younger sister, Mia, is a pediatric nurse working towards her Nurse Practitioner degree. She has always been passionate about children and loves working with them daily. Mia makes everything fun. Luke's family is incredibly supportive of the adoption journey and can't wait to love this child.

Luke is blessed with lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins who live nearby. There is always a birthday to celebrate and a reason to gather and enjoy each other's company. We especially like to celebrate Luke's grandfather, who recently celebrated his 104th birthday. The family also looks forward to Christmas Eve when everyone gathers for tamales, white elephant, and competitive games of Loteria.

Our yearly traditions include a summer beach trip with Luke's family. They've been visiting the same beach for over 30 years, and our trips always include lots of fishing and a trip to the local turtle sanctuary.

Every fall, both Luke and Erin's families look forward to cheering on their college football team. Luke, Erin, and their younger siblings all went to the same college, so love for the team runs deep! Football season means tailgating with our favorite people and wearing a lot of purple.

Luke and Erin moved into their home in the summer of 2019. The house is in an older neighborhood, which means there are plenty of large oak trees that provide shade in the summer. Luke and Erin enjoy walking their dogs through the neighborhood, which has been a wonderful way to make connections with neighbors. There are many families in the area, and you can always see them riding bikes, walking dogs, or going for a jog through the streets.

On summer days, Luke and Erin enjoy traveling a few streets over to go swimming at Cole, Anna, and baby Will's house. They enjoy cooking a Sunday family dinner together whenever they can.

The child placed with us will be surrounded by a village of people who love and care about them endlessly. This child doesn't have to be anything other than themselves- we can promise a family that is accepting and supportive of everyone.

We will adore them through good times, bad times, and hard times. They will know the importance of laughter and the gift of friendship. More importantly, they will know that they are loved deeply, not just by us, but by you, too.