Branden and Joseph

>

<

From Us to You

We admire your bravery and strength for considering adoption. This selfless act tells us that you deeply care for your child and that you understand the incredible potential they have in this world. If given the chance, we will make sure your child knows that your courage gave us the miracle of starting our family.

Even before we met, we both dreamed of growing a family through adoption. We’ve spent the past 10 years learning about each other, and we can’t wait to take the next step in our lives by bringing a child into our home. We’re looking forward to sharing our passions with your child and finding new ones that fit their one-of-a-kind personality. Children are a gift, full of curiosity and light, and we would cherish the opportunity to be parents and help them grow.

We promise to give your child the freedom to be their true selves, the love to know we will always be there for them, and the support to know they can accomplish anything. While we won’t share DNA, our love for your child will be endless. We will strive to give your child every opportunity, a great education, and the self-confidence to take on the world. We promise to be the best parents you could hope for. As we look back on our own childhoods, we recall the time we spent with our families, the adventures we shared, and nothing would bring us more joy than being able to give your child the same.

You will always be a part of your child’s life, and we plan to cultivate that relationship and to share your story with them. Your child will always know they have the love of 2 dads and their mother. We look forward to sending you pictures and letters and getting together on a regular basis, if you’re open it, so you can see your child grow up.

We would be honored and forever grateful to raise your child as a part of our family. We hope we can join you in this journey and learn more about the hopes and dreams you have for your child. No matter what, we want to thank you for wanting the best for them.

>

<

Why We are Choosing to Adopt

We have both wanted to have children for as long as we can remember. Having nieces, nephews and young cousins has only strengthened that desire. We knew our path to parenthood would be through adoption, but our goal would be the same as any parent – raising a child who would grow up cherished.

Seeing a child’s eyes light up when they take their first steps, learn something new, or achieve a goal through hard work are things we can’t wait to experience. We know it won’t always be smooth sailing, but we want everything that comes with being a parent.

We’ve been together for almost a decade and know each other very well, yet each day is a new beginning. We bring out each other’s strengths and make each other laugh because of our differences. Where one of us shines, the other supports and celebrates. Our biggest strength is in our communication, because even when one of us falls short, we help to build each other up and use it as an opportunity for growth.

Each of these aspects in our relationship inspires and influences our desire to be parents and we believe that life is a constant journey filled with opportunities. We know just how impactful a loving family can be, and what we’ve learned together in our relationship will only help in our journey through parenthood. In helping us achieve our dream of starting a family together, we would be honored if you were the one to help us make that happen.

>

<

About Joe, by Branden

I love the way Joe interacts with others – he’s inquisitive, direct and fiercely loyal. He inspires me to be the best version of myself, and he has that effect on everyone he meets. Joe will tell you what’s on his mind, with honesty and transparency. And he’ll speak those truths with curiosity and understanding. Joe has a way of really seeing a person. Ask any of our friends, family or colleagues, and they’ll tell you that Joe is someone they can count on. He always shows up, he’s always on time, and he always follows through. He is the one in the relationship who always finds something to do or a new place to go.

Joe’s ability to connect with kids is nothing short of astounding. He loves making them smile, playing games, and teaching them about the world around us. I know that he will be the first volunteer to help with homework and go on school field trips. His heart is so big, and I know he’ll be a fantastic dad. Joe will encourage your baby to love themself and to reach for the stars, just like he does for me. Joe prioritizes family and I know he will be a father first and make your baby feel loved.

>

<

About Branden, by Joe

I’ve never known anyone else that can light up a room the way Branden does. His infectious smile and (sometimes loud) laugh has a way of making everyone feel like they belong. He has taught me to have a more positive outlook on life and I can’t wait to see him show a child how much joy there is in the world. Branden is grateful for everyone in his life and he makes sure to express those feelings.

Branden is the most selfless person I know. He’s always looking for ways to help others even if it that means less time for himself. Branden is someone I can always count on to cheer me up when I’ve had a rough day or listen when I need advice.

Branden (or ‘B’ as our nieces and nephews call him) loves to play hide-and-seek at family get-togethers and read them stories as he voices the characters to their favorites. I know he’s excited to share his passion for reading with your child and encourage their creativity. I can’t think of a more loving, caring and supportive role model for a child and I know he will always put your child first.

>

<

Our Home

Our home is in a safe and tight-knit community full of growing families. We live on a quiet street close to several parks, playgrounds and great schools. The school district we live in, which we both attended, is known for its academics and extracurricular activities.

We recently renovated our home, and the bedroom next to ours would be the perfect nursery for your child to come home to. The main living area is open concept with big windows that light up the whole house and overlook the backyard. It’s a perfect setup for connecting everyone in the house, whether it be a weeknight when we’re both cooking dinner, or the weekend hosting family and friends.

Our back patio is where we enjoy most of our time at home. It’s bordered by a large, fenced-in lawn with flower beds. We spend many weekends planting flowers and tending to the shady yard where there’s a perfect spot to set up a playset and still have lots of room to play. Most evenings you can find us sitting outside appreciating the garden and watching the dogs dig in the sand pit, which we built when they were puppies.

>

<

Our Family and Friends

We’re both lucky to have families who love and accept us unconditionally. They’ve always been supportive and they are excited to see our family grow.

Most of our family lives just a few minutes from our home so we’re able to spend lots of time with them. Between our family dinners 3 or 4 times a month, going to breakfast with grandparents, and attending sporting events for our young nieces, nephews and cousins, we get to spend lots of time with them. Your child would have the love of so many people who are excited to welcome another family member.

Our 2 dogs, Wrigley and Sawyer, have unique personalities and are the perfect yin-and-yang. Wrigley loves to play fetch, and Sawyer enjoys sniffing flowers. They are great with our nieces and nephews and would love to have another family member join them on our nightly walks around the neighborhood. Cuddling in the morning is Wrigley’s favorite way to wake up, whereas Sawyer aims for nuzzles and belly scratches when it’s bedtime.

>

<

Family Traditions

Each year for the holidays we alternate Christmas and Thanksgiving by either staying in Kansas City to be with Joe’s family or traveling to Arizona with Branden’s family. Family is incredibly important to us and being able to spend the holidays with them means so much to us. We love decorating our home each Christmas by putting up lots of garland, ornaments and lights. Something small, but important to us, is eating dinner together every night. It doesn’t have to be a fancy dinner, but being able to sit at the dining room table with no distractions is something we can count on each day.

On Sunday nights, we enjoy playing cards or a board game. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the weekend and get ready for the week ahead.

>

<

Our Lifestyle

We love to stay active and we’re always looking forward to our next adventure together. Whether that is working on the garden or heading to the local lake to paddle board, we always have something going on. We both enjoy spending time in nature, so we make it a priority to travel and get outdoors as much as possible. There are several walking trails and parks that we love taking the dogs to and letting them run free.

Some of our favorite activities are touring new neighborhoods to appreciate the architecture and trying local food spots. We look forward to having a child join us as we walk our dogs to the park down the street, watching them play on the playground and seeing the thrill in their eyes as we push them on the swing.

We like to get outside of our comfort zone and learn about the world around us.

>

<

Vacations

Traveling is an important part of our lives and the mountains have a special place in our hearts. We love to hike and ski, and we travel to Colorado and Montana a few times each year to enjoy some of our favorite hobbies. We were engaged in Breckenridge, Colorado, and it will always be one of our favorite places to visit.

We go to Arizona with Branden’s family for Thanksgiving or Christmas each year. When we’re there, you can find us lying out at the pool, playing tennis with his siblings and parents, or hiking Camelback Mountain. They have the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets that we always make sure to enjoy.

No matter where we go, we always search for a new adventure to check off the bucket list. Your child will be exposed to the beauty of the world right along with us and we look forward to seeing the joy it brings them.

>

<

Our Hobbies

We love to be outdoors. A few of our hobbies that take us there are skiing, hiking, and paddle boarding. Throughout the week, we visit local parks to walk the trails with our dogs.

Branden is an avid reader. It’s his favorite hobby and passion. You can count on him to read plenty of bedtime stories to your little one, sharing in the wonder of the imagination. Branden appreciates cooking dinner for us at home, and while he still cooks our favorite meals regularly he’s always looking for something new to try.

Joe has a green-thumb, keeps the yard in tip-top shape and is always on the hunt for new plants or bushes to add to the garden. Joe works as a home builder and takes pride in creating something from scratch. We have a small home-gym in the garage and he likes starting his day with an early morning workout.

>

<

The Kind of Parents We will Be

As parents we will always be there to play with your child, teach them how to ride a bike, and to help them reach their full potential. We aspire to give your child the tools they need to lead a well-rounded life.

We will never expect perfection, but instead, we will foster an environment allowing your child to challenge themself, explore their creativity, and find their true passions. Your child will know they can come to us for advice or a shoulder to lean on, without fear of judgment.

It’s important to us that we have a united front in our parenting methods. If we stumble or waver, we’ll recognize and learn from it. We believe in clear and honest communication, patience, consistency, and acceptance. No matter what we face throughout this journey, your child will always be loved and safe.

We will always listen to your child, be present, and acknowledge their thoughts and feelings. We will treat them with respect and openness, and show them how much they have to offer. Your child’s success won’t be dictated by their athletic ability, popularity or grades – instead, we will show them that humility, kindness, and a strong work ethic can lead to a fulfilled life.

>

<

What We will Teach your Child

We hope that when your child is older they can look back and know they had parents who loved and cherished them. We will live each day with that goal in mind. We will encourage your child to never give up and to always search for new experiences. We will show your child the value of hard work and determination.

We will show your child that mistakes are not something to be ashamed of but instead opportunities to learn from. They will learn how to treat others with dignity, respect and how to help others in need. We’ll show them how important they are, and we will encourage them to explore their curiosity. We will teach your child to be true to themself, follow their heart and to never let society’s standards dictate how to live their life.

>

<

Our Promise to You

We promise, from day one, to always be present for your child and to put them first. We’ll provide a home where they’re loved, safe, and supported. We will help them with homework, read bedtime stories, and teach them how to be fair and kind. Whether your child is happy and wants to celebrate, or sad and needs a shoulder to lean on, we promise to be there. We promise to invest time and effort in your child’s development, because your child deserves to be given every chance to conquer the world. We will treat your child with respect and empathy, fostering their growth and encouraging creativity. We will recognize your child for who they are, a person with great value, and celebrate their accomplishments (big or small). We’ll be your child’s biggest supporter, encourager, and celebrator.

We will show them that the greatest gift a person can give is the gift of love. Love can come in many shapes and sizes, but a birth mother’s love for her child is something that can never be replaced or forgotten. Your bravery is the reason why there are two adoptive dads who have a chance to love your child, and we will share your story and always remind them of your courage.

Most importantly, we promise your child will be happy, healthy and loved.