The way we met is pretty common nowadays. We were both using the same dating app, and what started as a simple conversation quickly blossomed into something neither of us had ever anticipated. We had an instant connection-laughing together, sharing our dreams, and discovering how similar we were in so many ways. From that moment, we knew we were meant to be together.As our relationship grew, so did our love and respect for one another. We made our home together and built a life based on trust, communication, and shared values. We love spending time together, whether we're cooking dinner at home, gardening or doing home renovations, or traveling. Over the years, we've built a solid foundation of partnership, where we support each other's individual dreams while always keeping our shared vision in mind. We feel like we have finally achieved everything we set out to do, except for starting a family.As a couple, we've always known that we wanted to have children. The idea of building a family together has always been a dream of ours, and we're both excited to bring a little one into our lives. While the path to parenthood may not look like what we initially envisioned, our hearts are full of love and excitement for adoption. We've always admired the strength, bravery, and love that adoption represents. It feels like the perfect way for us to expand our family, and we are so ready to offer a child all of the love and support we have.

Career: For the past 23 years, I have worked in the fashion industry. I started as an agent for models and have worked my way up to being the director for a global fashion agency. I find my career satisfying because it is not only ever changing, which keeps things interesting, but it also allows me to travel and constantly meet new people.

Favorites:

• Color: Purple
• Movie: Steel Magnolias
• Flower: Peony
• Vacation Spot: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Season: Fall
• Dessert: Creme Brulee
• Food: Italian.

Things you should know...

• Born and raised in Richmond, VA
• Oldest of 5 boys
• All 5 of us were born on the 26th of a different month
• We have 12 nieces and nephews on my side of the family
• I am a certified floral designer
• I have the most amazing group of friends; they are more like family.
• I'm right-handed, have green eyes, and am 5'11
• My favorite hobbies are: gardening, listening to music, creating, and going to see different forms of art
• Before I was an agent, I was a model
• For work, I travel over the world, mostly to Italy and France.
• My favorite workout is on the Peloton
• My first job was at an ice cream shop
• I have a very dry sense of humor, but I also enjoy being silly and keeping things fun. Never too serious!

Career: For over 15 years, I have worked as a professional hair stylist for television, theater, and film. It has been an extremely rewarding career full of exciting projects. I have had the opportunity to travel all over the world doing what I love.

Favorites:

• Color: Blue
• Movie: The Harry Potter Series
• Flower: Sunflower
• Vacation Spot: Upstate New York
• Season: Fall
• Dessert: Anything Chocolate
• Food: Mexican (especially Tex-Mex!)

Things you should know...

• Born and raised in southern New Jersey
• I have an older brother and twin sister
• Everyone in my immediate family has a first name that starts with the letter J
• We have one niece on my side of the family
• I am a certified floral designer
• I have the most amazing group of friends; they are more like family.
• I'm left-handed, have brown eyes, and am 5'11
• My favorite hobbies are: gardening, cooking, driving (road trips especially ), arts and crafts
• Before I was a hairstylist, I was an actor
• For work and vacationing, I have been to 46 states.
• In college, I worked at Walt Disney World as a tram car driver

Frankie (9) is a brussels Griffon/Shih Tzu Mix, and Ladybird/birdie (6) is a Pomeranian/Yorkie/Shih Tzu Mix. They are a major part of our lives and take them pretty much anywhere we go.

They are extremely lovable, playful, and we know that when we are finally able to bring home a baby, they will be just as excited as we are. Birdie loves to play ball and has unlimited amounts of energy, and Frankie is the cuddler that never turns down a good nap; snoring is a must.

Whether at home or on the road, Frankie and Birdie are always up for an adventure. Anywhere we go, they are constantly making new friends and are the first in line to greet people along the way.

There are a lot of things we love to do together, but we have the most fun when we're out and about experiencing life! We love traveling, skiing, being active, going on food adventures, going to the theatre, white water rafting, playing cards and other board games, spending time at their family home in the Pocono Mountains, and of course, spending time with our friends and family.

We are huge Disney fans, and so we try to go down to Orlando, Florida, at least once a year to Walt Disney World.

Jonathan also loves spending time in the kitchen baking and cooking. His favorite recipes always try to incorporate things that Shawn has grown in their garden.

If we had to choose one thing we both love doing together, it would be traveling! We've been lucky enough to not only travel for vacations but also work, and we don't plan on stopping any time soon. Some of our favorite places we've been are Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Brussels, Paris, London, and, of course, the family favorite, Walt Disney World!

When we travel, we love learning about the local cultures and food, seeing the art and architecture the place is known for, and lastly, meeting new friends. We hope to pass this love of adventure travel to our little one as soon as possible!

We live in a single family home (three bedrooms, two bathrooms, basement, kitchen, dining and living space, laundry room, and garage) that is situated in a lovely suburban neighborhood that has everything within walking distance: a huge park, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and even an elementary school that we can walk to in 5 minutes.

We have grown very close with our surrounding neighbors. They are so excited for us to adopt, as most of their kids have grown up and are starting their own families. We are also very close to many family friends.

The child entrusted to us will:

• Do not always get what they want, but will always get what they need
• Have a big, loving community
• Be read to and be given every educational opportunity
• Get to be totally themselves and still feel good enough
• Have friends of all ages and races
• Be prepared to handle life's challenges
• Probably listen to a variety of music (anything from country to show tunes)
• Enjoy the outdoors and go on a lot of adventures
• Play A LOT!
• Learn to love and have respect and compassion for others
• BE loved

We want to say thank you, thank you for taking the time to consider us as potential parents for your child. We understand that this is an unmanageable decision, and we ore in owe of your strength. courage, and selflessness. The love you are showing your child by seeking the best possible future for them is truly inspiring.We are deeply humbled by the opportunity to share our story with you. If you feel o connection to us, we would be honored to continue this journey together, supporting you. and your child in every way we can. We are here to listen, to connect, and to support you in whatever way feels right for you.Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering us. No matter what you decide, we wish you strength, peace, and love on this journey.With gratitude,Shawn and Jonathan