Duke + David
The desire to become parents has always come from a shared belief that family is built through love, commitment, and showing up for one another every single day. Adoption became a natural path toward that dream. We believe that families are formed in many beautiful ways, and we feel honored by the possibility of growing our family through adoption. We deeply respect the strength and love behind an adoption decision, approaching this journey with gratitude and humility. We hope to build a lifelong connection rooted in openness, compassion, and the shared understanding that family begins with love.
DEAR BIRTH MOM,
Thank you for taking the time to view our book and to consider us as you plan for your baby's future. We have deep respect for the love and courage it takes to make this decision. We are a committed couple whose life is centered on family traditions and togetherness. Holidays, birthdays, and simple daily routines are important in our home. We look forward to building a lifetime of memories and creating new traditions with a child of our own. We also share a love for Disney and the magic it brings to families. Disney movies and trips to Disney parks are some of our favorite ways to celebrate special moments. We dream of someday experiencing that joy through the eyes of our son or daughter. If you choose us, we promise your child will grow up in a stable, loving home filled with laughter, support, and belonging. Most importantly, we promise to honor you. Your baby would always know that their story began with a mother who loved them very much. Thank you for considering us. We hope to meet you one day and thank you in person.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Duke David
Our Story:
We met in late 2017, as cliche as it may sound, we both knew from the very beginning it was meant to be. What started as an easy conversation quickly turned into a strong connection built on laughter, shared values, love of Disney, and a natural sense of comfort with one another. Not long after meeting, we moved in together and began building a home grounded in partnership, support, and plenty of humor along the way. In late 2018, David proposed to Duke at Disney World at the park's only penguin fountain, a moment filled with excitement, meaning, and just the right amount of magic. Wanting to celebrate our relationship in a way that truly reflected who we are, we planned something unforgettable for our loved ones. In April 2019, friends and family were invited to what everyone believed was an engagement party. Instead, it became a surprise wedding, allowing us to begin married life surrounded by joy, laughter, and the people who matter most to us. Since then, we have continued building a life centered on teamwork, creativity, and family. Adoption is a natural extension of our shared dream to create a home filled with stability, encouragement, and unconditional love -- a place where a child will always feel supported, celebrated, and deeply cherished.
Why Adoption:
For us, the desire to become parents has always come from a shared belief that family is built through love, commitment, and showing up for one another every single day. From early in our relationship, we often talked about the life we hoped to create together, one filled with laughter, traditions, encouragement, and the joy of raising a child in a supportive and stable home. Adoption became a natural path toward that dream. We believe that families are formed in many beautiful ways, and we feel honored by the possibility of growing our family through adoption. More than anything, we want to provide a child with a home where they feel safe, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are. We look forward to sharing everyday moments that make childhood special -- bedtime stories, family dinners, holidays filled with traditions, outdoor adventures, and cheering from the sidelines at whatever passions their child chooses to pursue. Our goal is not only to be parents, but to be a steady source of encouragement, guidance, and unconditional love. We deeply respect the strength and love behind an adoption decision, approaching this journey with gratitude and humility. Our hope is to build a lifelong connection rooted in openness, compassion, and the shared understanding that family begins with love.
About Duke:
Duke is a dedicated sheriff whose career reflects his strong commitment to protecting and serving others. Known for his steady nature and dependable character, he approaches both his work and personal life with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. Duke is the first in his family to go to college, earning a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in Higher Education. Family is at the center of everything Duke does, and he values time spent together; whether gathering with loved ones, enjoying quiet moments at home, or creating traditions that bring people closer. Friends and family describe him as patient, supportive, and someone who can always be counted on during both the joyful moments and life's challenges. Duke looks forward to sharing his strong values, sense of stability, and genuine kindness with a child, creating a home filled with encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love.
What David loves about Duke: What I love most about Duke is the way he cares for the people around him. He has a steady and calming presence that makes others feel safe, supported, and truly heard. Duke is the one who keeps me grounded. Watching the way he cares for others makes me excited to see the kind, dependable, and loving father he will be.
- FAVORITE FOOD: French Fries
- MY OCCUPATION: Law Enforcement
- MY HOBBIES: Gardening, Video Games, Baking, Playing Piano
- FAVORITE MOVIE: Beaches
- DREAM VACATION: Antarctica (for his penguin obsession)
- FAVORITE MUSIC: Dashboard Confessional/ Alternative
About David:
David is a proud Navy veteran who is retiring in early 2027 with 21 years of service. David's military service helped shape his strong sense of responsibility, dedication, and commitment to others. His time in the Navy allowed him to travel extensively and experience different cultures, inspiring a lasting love for adventure and exploration. Naturally creative and always full of new ideas, David enjoys designing, building, and bringing projects to life, often finding innovative solutions and new opportunities along the way. Friends and family describe him as dependable, hardworking, and thoughtful -- someone who leads with kindness and shows up when it matters most. He looks forward to sharing his creativity, curiosity, and love of travel with a child, encouraging them to explore the world, dream confidently, and always feel supported and loved.
What Duke loves about David: David is more leap first and ask questions later, which is what I love about him. He is compassionate, driven, and never gives up on his dreams. David has an unyielding faith that everything works out, and I admire that deeply about him. I appreciate him each and every day for the heart he brings into my life.
- MY OCCUPATION United States Navy
- MY HOBBIES: Travel, Woodworking, Lego's
- FAVORITE FOOD Pasta
- FAVORITE MOVIE Wicked, Wicked For Good
- DREAM VACATION New Zealand
- FAVORITE MUSIC Hilary Duff, Lady Gaga
Friends and Family:
Duke's Family Duke is the youngest of seven siblings and the proud uncle of 25 nieces and nephews. Duke grew up in a large family where family get-togethers were nonnegotiable. These types of gatherings have carried into Duke's adult life, where getting together with family and friends happens regularly. Duke values the relationships he has formed with not just his family, but also those friends of his he now calls family. David is the oldest of three siblings and a proud uncle to one nephew. He comes from a large Italian family where traditions, strong relationships, and time spent together are deeply valued. Family gatherings are often lively celebrations, sometimes bringing together nearly 70 relatives, filled with laughter, shared meals, and lasting memories. These experiences have shaped David's strong belief in the importance of family, connection, and creating a home filled with love and support. "Duke has also been a tremendous source of support to me personally during a difficult season with my teenage son. He took the time to truly listen, making me feel heard and understood and offered thoughtful honest insight that helped me better support my son". "From the first time I met him, David struck me as one of those rare people who instantly earns your respect. He's dependable, genuine and has a calm strength that puts everyone around him at ease."
Our Pets:
Stitch is an 8-year-old Siberian Husky. While mellow, he loves attention, and when he doesn't get it, we all get to know about it. He has no problem talking to us when he needs something!
Nemo is a 2-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever. She was born with a lucky fin instead of a front paw, but the way she acts and gets around, you would never know it. She is always happy and always has a smile
Nala is a 7-year-old tabby cat. She is the queen of the house, and we all follow her rule. Attention and cuddles are on her terms, and she sure lets you know when her bowl is empty.
Our Neighborhood:
We currently live in and own the home where Duke grew up. The home is located in a safe community surrounded by greenbelts, large parks, and trails. Some of the top schools in the area are within walking distance (the same schools Duke attended), so our family has deep ties to the neighborhood and community. The room the child will grow up in has Duke's handprint on the wall from when the house was built. This is the very backyard garden we were married in during our secret wedding.
Traditions:
We love opening our home to family and friends whenever we have the chance. Gathering people together has always been an important part of our lives, creating a space where everyone feels welcome, comfortable, and cared for. David has one simple rule for guests: they are not allowed to bring anything. He believes hosting means taking care of others, and he takes great joy in making sure everyone who walks through the door is well fed and completely at ease. Known for preparing full-course meals and charcuterie boards large enough to feed a Navy ship, David shows his love through food and thoughtful attention to every detail. While David makes sure no one leaves hungry, Duke makes sure no one leaves without a smile. With music playing, laughter filling the room, and his natural ability to bring people together, Duke creates an atmosphere where everyone feels included and has a great time. Together, they have built a home centered on warmth, connection, and celebration, a place where memories are made, and everyone is treated like family.
Duke's favorite tradition: Everyone who will be staying the night on Christmas Eve gets matching pajamas for Christmas Day! Every family gathering, as the holder of the secret recipe, Duke makes his Grandma's famous orange rolls.
David's favorite tradition: David loves to make his family recipes, fresh pasta, and fresh pasta sauce. David loves making his family cookies anytime he can.
Our Promise to you:
- We promise to provide a home filled with unconditional love, patience, and encouragement every single day.
- We promise to create a safe, stable, and supportive environment where your child can grow, explore, and become exactly who they are meant to be.
- We promise to celebrate the big milestones and cherish the small moments -- bedtime stories, family traditions, laughter at the dinner table, and adventures together.
- We promise to guide with kindness, listen with understanding, and lead with compassion through every stage of life.
- We promise your child will always know how deeply they are loved and how wanted they have been from the very beginning.
- We promise to honor you and your story with respect, gratitude, and honesty. Your child will always know the love and bravery behind your decision.
- We promise to surround your child with a strong network of family and friends who will support and celebrate them throughout their life.
- Most of all, we promise to love your child wholeheartedly -- today, tomorrow, and always.