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Married Since: 2024

Pets: Yes

Stay at Home Parent: No

Other Adopted Children at Home: No

Other Biological Children at Home: No

We are a loving, adventurous couple who can’t wait to become parents. Our home is filled with laughter, good food, loyal dogs, and a strong community of family and friends. We are excited to grow our family through adoption and look forward to sharing our love, curiosity, and sense of adventure with a child.

Alex and Shelby

from California

 

Alex

Ancestry: Japanese

Religion: Not Religious

Occupation: U.S. Navy

Education: Masters

Hobbies: Anything outdoors and history!

Shelby

Ancestry: Unknown

Religion: Not Religious

Occupation: Corporate Trainer

Education: Masters

Hobbies: Cooking and hiking!

Baby

Preferred Ethnicity of Baby: Caucasian / Asian, Caucasian

Preferred Gender of Baby: Either

Religion Child To Be Raised: Not Religious

Favorites

Alex

I speak, read and write Japanese.
My favorite sports teams are the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Lakers.
My favorite vacation spot is anywhere I can go with my family.
I ran competitive cross country and track in college.
My source of inspiration is my father, and always has been.
I would love to take my child to Japan so that they can meet their family in the area!
I enjoy science fiction and historical books.
I thoroughly enjoy doing yard work and home projects around the house!

Shelby

I grew up in the mountains of Tennessee.
I am a morning person. My perfect day would begin with a sunrise hike that includes a cup of coffee with Alex.
I am a big planner. My favorite thing to plan is adventurous trips.
My favorite thing to cook is tacos of any variety.
In my spare time I love to read memoirs and practice watercolor.
I am part of an adult volleyball league and have been taking west coast swing dance lessons.
I love playing board games on any kind. My current favorite is Catan.
Smiling couple sits on a log outdoors, arms around each other in a sunny park setting.
Couple in a sunlit cafe share a laugh over coffee; the bride in a white dress, groom in a suit sits across from her with plants on the table behind them.
Couple in formal attire smiling and posing closely by a window with blinds; man in a double-breasted suit, bow tie, and gold buttons, woman in a black dress with updo.
Two friends smiling for a selfie inside a pink-lit red rock canyon/indoor cave wall backdrop.
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From Us to You

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. While we cannot know what this journey has been like for you, we deeply respect the love and courage that have brought you here. We recognize that every adoption story is different, and we approach this experience with open hearts, compassion, and respect for whatever path feels right for you.

If chosen, we are committed to honoring the level of communication that feels comfortable and healthy for everyone involved. We are happy to share updates, photos, and milestones so you can watch your child grow and know they are surrounded by love, encouragement, and opportunity.

Most importantly, your child will always know their adoption story. They will grow up understanding that adoption was a decision made out of love, and they will always know how deeply they are loved by you and by us. We will speak of you with honesty, respect, and gratitude, ensuring your place in their story is always acknowledged and cherished. We want them to be proud of every part of who they are and where they came from.

Our promise is to provide a home filled with unconditional love, laughter, stability, and support. We will celebrate their accomplishments, comfort them through challenges, encourage their dreams, and remind them every day how treasured they are. We hope to raise a child who is kind, confident, curious, and secure in the knowledge that they have been loved from the very beginning.

Thank you for considering us to be a part of your journey. We know this decision is made with great care and thought, and we are truly honored that you would take the time to learn about our family. No matter where your path leads, we wish you peace, strength, and support in the days ahead.

Smiling couple in matching floral shirts seated at a booth in a brick-walled restaurant.
Black-and-white photo of a bride and groom embracing and smiling outdoors.
Couple posing on a metal platform by a cascading waterfall with a rocky, mossy wall and lush greenery behind them.
Couple posing and smiling in front of a waterfall, wearing outdoor gear and holding red helmets for rafting or climbing.
A couple smiles as they sit on the front of a white safari-style SUV parked in a resort courtyard with palm trees and water features nearby.
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Why We Are Choosing to Adopt

We have always wanted to build a family together, and becoming parents has been a dream we share.

We remember standing together at an airshow, surrounded by families and children running in every direction. It was loud, a little chaotic, and full of life. As we watched kids playing and families making memories together, we both turned to each other and realized we were ready to become parents. That moment made us even more excited about the future we hoped to build.

Because pregnancy was not an option for us, we began exploring adoption and quickly realized it was the path that felt right for our family. The more we learned about adoption, the more excited we became about the opportunity to welcome a child into our lives.

We know there is a child out there whom we can love, support, encourage, and celebrate as they grow. Family means everything to us, and we are incredibly grateful to be on this journey.

Our Commitment to You:

We are open to providing regular updates, photos, and letters so you can follow your child’s growth and milestones over the years if desired. We believe it is important that your child grows up knowing their story and the love that made it possible.

We will always speak about you with honesty, respect, and gratitude. Your child will know that they were loved deeply and that adoption was a thoughtful decision made with their best interests at heart.

Two adults smiling and facing each other over a kitchen counter by a gas stove, as they prepare food together.
Smiling couple posing together in stadium seating before a concert, with a Morgan Wallen stage in the background.
Two friends take a cheerful selfie with the Hollywood sign on a hill in the background in clear daylight.
Couple standing close together on a sandy beach at sunset, smiling at each other with palm trees and calm water behind them.
Close-up of a woman and a man wearing gray flat caps, smiling at the camera in front of a wood-paneled wall; she has red lipstick and wavy hair, he wears a light shirt with suspenders.
Two people in a convertible smiling at the camera, with two dogs in the back seat on a sunny residential street.
Smiling woman in a red helmet and black shirt in the foreground during an outdoor group activity, with teammates in red helmets behind her on a dirt path.
Couple sitting on a vintage light‑blue VW convertible in a tropical resort with palm trees and bungalow-style buildings in the background.
Family selfie outdoors: a man and woman smile at the camera with a toddler eating ice cream, blue sky and a tall tree in the background.
Couple posing and smiling in front of a waterfall, wearing outdoor gear and holding red helmets for rafting or climbing.
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Lifestyle

Our life is centered around family, adventure, and learning. We love spending time outdoors, exploring new places, cooking together, and making memories with friends and family.

We picture a child right alongside us in the kitchen, helping with age-appropriate tasks and learning through everyday experiences. We look forward to camping trips, afternoons at the park, beach days, and introducing them to the beauty of the world around them.

Curiosity is something we value deeply. We want our home to be a place where questions are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and kindness is practiced every day. Most of all, we want a child to know they are loved exactly as they are.

Fun Facts About Us

  • We love to travel! In our time together, we have traveled all over the United States and been to 5 different countries together
  • We are very outdoors-oriented. Camping, hiking, and stargazing are among our favorite activities
  • We love to experiment with new recipes when cooking!
  • Our number one bucket list item is to visit all the national parks.
Bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers in front of lush green foliage.
Close-up of a smiling woman with long brown hair sitting indoors by a window at night, city lights in the background outside.
Smiling woman with sunglasses on her head sits at a wooden picnic table inside a pavilion, looking at the camera.
Woman wearing a blue shirt and red backpack squeezes through a narrow rocky crevice in a canyon-like formation.
Person wearing an apron and dark shirt slices meat on a cutting board at the stove in a bright kitchen.
Black-and-white photo of a laughing woman with long hair and arms spread wide in front of a glittery backdrop.
Smiling woman in pink pajamas sits on a gray couch beside a white dog with a black patch over one eye and blue eyes.
Smiling woman wearing a gray cap and sunglasses on a boat, with blue water and a marina in the background.
Smiling woman in a yellow blouse and denim jacket stands outside a muraled storefront, with a folded metal gate on her left.
Woman in a denim jacket browsing colorful dresses at an outdoor market stall under a white canopy.
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About Shelby by Alex

Shelby is an incredibly driven and talented woman. Her captivating smile, intelligence, and humor are some of the many reasons why I knew she was the one for me.

Very early on in our relationship, she attended my brother’s wedding with me having not met the majority of my family. Despite this however, I recall her interacting with my cousin’s daughter, Kai, and seeing how comfortable she was interacting with a child. The two of them spent the whole day together, and Shelby very quickly became Auntie Shelby (even before I became Uncle Alex!). It goes to show that Shelby is incredibly comfortable around children, and gives them the attention, love, and space to just be a kid.

What excites me most about becoming a parent is being able to share this experience with Shelby, who I know will be an incredible mother.

Smiling man in a navy blazer standing outdoors among green foliage and vines.
Man in sunglasses smiling at an outdoor restaurant table on a sunny day, wearing a white palm‑print shirt.
Smiling man in a black t-shirt and gray cap holds a blue tumbler while standing by a wooden fence in a suburban yard.
Smiling man in a black shirt and gray shorts stands in front of a leafy wall with a curtain of water behind a metal fence.
Man in a pink hoodie resting on a brown sofa while a white dog cuddles up beside him, its head on his shoulder.
Smiling man taking a close-up selfie with turquoise face gems on his cheeks; person with long brown hair is in the foreground, outdoors with tall grasses in the background.
Man outdoors among tropical plants, smiling widely with sunglasses on top of a cap.
Man in a pool hand-feeds a toy to a black dog swimming toward him at the pool’s edge
Smiling man with a beard holding a newborn baby on a couch at home, both looking content.
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About Alex by Shelby

Alex is the type of person everyone wants to meet. He has a warm, welcoming personality that immediately puts people at ease, and people often describe him as a golden retriever. While it always makes me laugh, I can’t help but agree. He is kind, optimistic, and always looking for ways to include those around him.

One of my favorite things about Alex is how naturally he connects with children. Recently, we spent time with friends and their kids, and before long he was fully immersed in their world of pillow forts, Nerf gun battles, and Lego-building competitions. What stood out to me wasn’t just that he played with them—it was that he gave them his full attention and energy for hours. He has a gift for making kids feel seen, valued, and important.

I also admire his commitment to family. Always doing his best to be there for the big moments no matter what he has going on. Watching Alex become a father will be one of the greatest honors of my life. He will bring playfulness, patience, kindness, and unwavering support to our children. Most importantly, they will never have to wonder if they are loved, they will know it ever day through the way he shows up for them.

Man in green shirt and a woman in a pink hoodie sit at an outdoor patio table drinking from mugs, with string lights and green hedges in the background.
Two dogs lounging on a sunlit concrete patio with a gray bag nearby and a red barbecue grill behind them.
Gray recliner chair in a corner with a baby play yard on its left and a three-panel sunburst artwork on the wall above. window blinds visible to the right.
Smiling couple posing for a selfie by a sunny blue lake with houses in the distance.
Two dogs on leashes walk side by side along a sunny sidewalk. The white dog is in front, with a black-and-white dog beside it.",
Smiling man in a black shirt relaxing in a hammock with a white dog that has blue eyes and a black patch on its face lying beside him on a wooden deck.
Woman in a black top and red pants stands beside a tree in a yard, looking at a black-and-white dog wearing an orange collar that is looking up at her.
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Our Home

We currently live in a beautiful coastal community where we can enjoy sunny days, nearby beaches, and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors as a family. We love taking walks by the ocean, exploring local parks, and enjoying the relaxed pace of life that Southern California offers. We also enjoy camping and visiting national parks, and we look forward to sharing those adventures with a child—exploring nature together, learning about the world around us, and creating lasting family memories. One of the things we value most about where we live is the incredible sense of community. Through Alex’s military service, we have built strong friendships with people who understand the importance of showing up for one another. Many of our closest friends live nearby, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by people who love and support us and are excited to welcome a child into our lives. Military life has given us more than career opportunities—it has introduced us to lifelong friendships, diverse perspectives, and a community that feels like family.

Wedding party posing outdoors under white drapery; six adults in formal attire, holding bouquets and smiling for a group photo.
Smiling family of four inside a white-and-yellow beach tent on sunny sand.
Six people stand together in a vineyard under a clear blue sky, rows of grapevines stretching behind them.
Group of four friends posing smiling in front of large colorful letters spelling 'ALOHA' at a tropical beachside park. Behind them are green trees and blue ocean under a sunny sky.
A group of fourteen adults posing around a long wooden table in a casual restaurant, smiling for a celebration with a pink balloon in the background.
Smiling bride in a white dress and groom in a dark suit pose together outdoors among trees and greenery.
Two smiling people posing for a photo indoors at a bright cafe or restaurant; woman on the left wears a denim jacket and floral top, man on the right wears a black shirt with sunglasses hanging from his collar.
Three men stand side by side indoors, smiling for the camera, arms around each other.
Man cradling a baby, smiling while looking at the infant in his arms indoors
Group portrait of five people at a wedding: left to right, a man in a dark gray suit, a man in a blue suit, the bride in a white dress holding a bouquet, an older man in a pinstripe suit, and an older woman in a sage green dress holding a smaller bouquet, standing under white draped fabric.
Mother, father, and daughter hugging and smiling at the camera on a sunny beach bed.
Two men sit at a table, smiling for a selfie in a casual restaurant setting.
Two women smiling for a selfie, one wearing a pink cardigan and floral top and the other in a light green top, close together indoors.
Smiling woman in a warm sweater holding a baby indoors as sunlight streams through a window.
Smiling woman in a dark sweater cuddling a baby on a brown couch indoors.
Three friends pose for a close-up selfie in a parking lot, all smiling at the camera.
Two smiling women posing indoors, one in a black-and-white floral dress with a red headband and the other in black with a white fur stole, by string lights
Smiling woman holding a baby outdoors with string lights overhead and two people in the background.
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Our Family

Beyond our home, we are surrounded by a large and supportive village. We’re so excited for our child to be loved by Aunt Sarah, Uncle Brennan, and Uncle Skylar, who will no doubt create countless fun memories together. We each grew up with a sibling, and those relationships have shown us the value of lifelong companionship. Because of that, we hope our children will have siblings one day as well.

Our parents are eagerly awaiting their first grandchild and are excited to share traditions, holidays, and everyday moments together. They can’t wait to become Ba-chan (Grandma) Sabina and Ji-san (Grandpa) Jon, and Gram Penny and Grandpa John. Beyond our family, we are fortunate to have close friendships that span decades. Whether through childhood, college, or military life, we have built a community of caring people who cannot wait to welcome a child into their lives.

Four adults posing together on a seawall by the ocean at sunset, smiling with their arms around each other. The sea, rocky breakwater, and palm trees are in the background.
Bride and groom with wedding party outdoors, bridesmaids in sage gowns and groomsmen in navy suits, raising bouquets and hands in celebration under a wooden arch.
Two military officers laugh together on a ship deck, one in camouflage and one in a white Navy uniform with ribbons.
Group photo of civilians and sailors on a ship's deck with a large battleship in the background.
Four friends in formal attire posing together in a winery with wooden barrels behind them, smiling at the camera.
Two friends posing for a photo outdoors on a wooded hiking trail, smiling with a wooden railing in the foreground.
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Racial & Cultural Diversity

Travel has been one of the greatest teachers in our lives. Through our travels, military experiences, and friendships, we have had the opportunity to meet people from many different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life. These experiences have taught us that while our stories and traditions may differ, we all share a desire for connection, belonging, and love. We believe diversity enriches our lives and broadens our perspective, and are committed to creating a home where a child feels proud of who they are. Alex is of Japanese descent and speaks Japanese, having been raised in a home filled with customs and traditions. From learning how to fold origami with his mom, to learning how to cook traditional Japanese food with his grandmother, we understand how important it is to never lose sight of where we come from and how a strong sense of culture makes us stronger.

Three people posing with oversized gingerbread cookie sculptures at a mountain overlook, with bare trees and distant hills in the background.
Smiling couple posing at a Christmas light festival with twinkling trees and a crowd behind them.
Couple posing in front of festive holiday backdrop with Christmas trees and wooden panel wall; man in a cream suit, woman in a red dress smiling at the camera
Group of women posing indoors with oversized nutcracker figures and a decorated Christmas tree in the background, smiling at the camera.
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Traditions

Like many families, we have holiday traditions we look forward to each year. Christmas Eve we go to the movies, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without fresh green bean casserole, and we stay in for Valentines day with a delicious cook surf and turf dinner.

Just as important to us, however, are the everyday traditions that bring us together. We imagine talking about our highs and lows around the dinner table, celebrating little victories with a favorite dessert, enjoying weekend board game nights, and building forts in the living room for movie nights. On hard days, we want our children to know they are loved and supported, whether that means cooking their favorite meal, spending extra one-on-one time, or just lending a listening ear.

While we are excited about the big traditions, we believe the strongest family bonds are built in the small moments.

White dog with black spots wearing a teal harness, smiling on a sandy beach with blue ocean and clear sky behind him
Close-up of a black-and-white dog with a red collar, smiling outdoors by a pool.
Couple kneeling in the snow with two dogs wearing pastel jackets and purple scarves, smiling for a photo.
Two dogs sit indoors side by side, one with blue eyes and a black patch, the other black and white with upright ears, wearing collars with tags.
Two dogs sit on the grass in a park: a black-and-white dog with a teal harness and tongue out on the left, and a white dog with a blue eye on the right.
Black and white dog with perky ears wearing a pastel pink and teal hoodie, looking at the camera with its tongue out.
Happy white dog with black patches, smiling with tongue out, close-up indoors.”] ,
Two dogs cuddling on a green blanket in a bedroom; a white dog with a black eye patch and blue eye sits upright while a black-and-white puppy rests beside it.
Husky dog wearing a multicolored jacket sits in deep snow, tongue out and smiling at the camera.
Close-up of a black-and-white dog with large ears, indoors and looking at the camera.
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Our Pets

Our dogs, Maya and Yuki, are beloved members of our family. Maya is intelligent, observant, and happiest when there’s snow on the ground. Yuki is energetic, playful, and always ready for the next adventure.

Both dogs are gentle and affectionate, and we know they will be wonderful companions for a child. We can already picture family walks, backyard playtime, and plenty of cuddles together.

Smiling couple standing in an open doorway with a lush tropical garden outside.
A couple stands on a stone platform hugging, with lush terraced rice fields and palm trees behind them.
Smiling couple outdoors: man in gray suit lifts woman in red dress as they pose playfully on the grass.
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Our Promise to You

  • We promise to provide a home filled with unconditional love, stability, and encouragement.
  • We promise to celebrate your child’s unique personality and support their dreams.
  • We promise to teach kindness, empathy, curiosity, and respect.
  • We promise to surround your child with family, friends, and a community that will love them wholeheartedly.
  • Most importantly, we promise that your child will always know how deeply they are loved.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us and our lives. We know this is a deeply personal decision, and we are grateful that you considered our family.

If you choose us, we will cherish the privilege of raising your child. We will honor their story, celebrate who they are, and fill their life with love, laughter, opportunity, and support.

We would be honored to connect with you and learn more about your hopes and dreams for your child.

From Us to You Why We Are Choosing to Adopt Lifestyle About Shelby by Alex About Alex by Shelby Our Home Our Family Racial & Cultural Diversity Traditions Our Pets Our Promise to You

Message Alex and Shelby

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  • Hi, We are honored that you are considering us! Our adoption specialist at Adoption Network, will be reaching out to make sure your needs are being met and your questions about adoption are being answered. She will help us get in touch with each other. We can’t wait to connect with you!

Contact Alex and Shelby

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  • Hi, We are honored that you are considering Adoption Network! Mary, or one of our other adoption specialists will be reaching out to make sure your needs are being met and your questions about adoption are being answered. She will help us get in touch with each other. We can’t wait to connect with you!

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