Thank you for taking a moment to read our story. We know that the path you're on right now is filled with many emotions and questions, and we want you to know how deeply we respect you and the love you have for your child.

We believe adoption begins with love--your love for your child and the care you're putting into choosing a future for them. We feel incredibly honored to be considered part of that future. If chosen, we promise to raise your child in a home filled with safety, laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love.

Whatever you decide, we hope you feel supported, respected, and confident in your choice. Thank you for your courage and for sharing this part of your journey.

With gratitude,

Ben & Kate

Growing our family has been a journey that didn't unfold the way we first imagined. After spending time trying to conceive and facing unexplained infertility, we came to understand that growing our family "the traditional way" would not be the path for us.

While that realization was difficult at first, it ultimately led us to adoption--a path that feels deeply right for who we are and the family we hope to build. Adoption is not a second choice for us; it is a thoughtful, intentional decision rooted in love, hope, and openness.

We believe families are formed in many beautiful ways, and adoption is one of them. Our hearts are open to welcoming a child, honoring their story, and respecting the connections that come with adoption. We hope to build a family grounded in trust, communication, and mutual respect, always keeping the child's best interests at the center.

We feel grateful for the opportunity to grow our family through adoption, and for the connection it creates to you and your family & friends who are making an incredibly loving choice.

We met during our university years as we were in the same friend group and even worked at the same company for a little while. We stayed just friends for a few years, but that eventually grew into mutual admiration for each other, and we flirted for a few months until Ben asked Kate out on a date. We dated for 3 years and then got married in front of our friends and family on a gorgeous summer day. We've been happily married now for 8 years and have a great relationship where we challenge and care for each other, while remaining best friends.

Dating: While dating, we learned a lot about what each other likes and dislikes. We learned we have similar tastes in humor and music, and that our favorite movie growing up was The Lion King.

Engagement: Ben surprised Kate by proposing on vacation with a photographer waiting in the background who popped up to take pictures of the moment.

Wedding: In Ben's wedding vows to Kate, he talked about how he loves playing board games and laughing together, and how he loves the sparkle he sees in her eyes. In Kate's wedding vows to Ben, she promised always to be his best friend and partner and to bake cookies for every birthday.

In Kate's words...

"Our niece once asked me why I married Ben, and my answer to her was, 'because he's my best friend.'

Ben is one of the most selfless, hardworking, and thoughtful people I know. He's always putting others before himself, and he cares so deeply for our family - and extended family & friends.

From music to board games, I love all the interests and fun hobbies we share that initially connected us. We've grown so much over the past 10 years together, and there is no one else I'd want by my side through life's ups and downs.

Ben is funny without trying to be, naturally charismatic, and has an easy-going, adventurous spirit that's contagious.

One of my favorite things about him is his strong faith in God and the way he leads with love and a servant's heart in all he does.

Our nieces absolutely adore hanging with their Uncle Ben, and I cannot wait for him to become a dad someday and raise our family together."

Fun Facts

• Has lived in three different states (...so far!)
• Loves hiking in the woods with our two dogs, who chase squirrels
• Enjoys singing karaoke
• Plays basketball, golf, and badminton
• Favorite breakfast foods are pancakes and donuts
• Plans to visit all 63 national parks across the U.S.

In Ben's words...

"Kate is the best partner I could have hoped for. She is caring, determined, and passionate.

I love how deeply and sincerely she cares for herself, for me, for our family and friends. She loves meditation and running. She cares a lot about our faith in God. She always checks in on me and knows what I need, even if I don't ask for it. And she regularly checks in on family and friends to stay up-to-date on everything everyone else has going on and how we can help the people closest to us.

Kate is very determined - she is organized and sets goals for herself and for our family to keep us on track and successful in life. As a small business owner, she knows what she wants for herself, too.

When Kate is passionate about something, everyone around her knows it as her passion really shines through. She's tried many hobbies over the years and continues to spend time on most of the things she's tried. She loves reading fiction books, snowshoeing, yoga, baking, sewing, playing the piano, and working creatively.

Kate has so much love in her, and I can't wait to grow our family with her as my partner. "

Fun Facts

• Speaks a little French and is learning some Spanish (...slowly)
• Earning her 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certification
• Volunteers at a local food pantry
• Loves playing the board game Catan
• Has run two half-marathons and too many 5k races to count!
• Makes a sweet potato casserole every Thanksgiving

We love our home because of its location. It's close to city fun (5-10 minute drive to downtown) and also close to nature (lots of great hiking trails nearby). There are tons of big parks by us, and lots of great restaurants and fun activities in the neighborhoods between ours and downtown. Our home has room to grow our family and has a large fenced-in backyard (which the dogs really love, too!). We also live next to great neighbors with whom we stay in contact regularly and help each other out. Since our family doesn't live in the same city as us, it's common for them to visit us and stay in our home for a few nights at a time. We love to host friends and family over for different holidays and gatherings. Each year, we host both our families for Father's Day weekend and for Thanksgiving. Kate and her brother always wake up early to run a Turkey Trot 5k race in the morning, while Ben gets the turkey ready, and then everyone comes over for a great meal together.

We love dogs and currently have two mini-goldendoodle dogs named Simba and Nala (named after The Lion King movie we both loved so much as kids).

We are so happy to have them as part of our family, and have had many great adventures with them already - from daily walks during the week, to longer hikes on the weekend. We've even brought them along on a few big camping trips and to places even further away from home.

They are both friendly dogs and are hypoallergenic (so they don't shed!). Simba and Nala love to spend their time on walks, sniffing the neighborhood scents, and getting some treats after their daily exercise.

Both of us love and have a close relationship with our families (and thankfully, we each love each other's family, too!). We both have siblings whom we enjoy spending time with, as well as their kids. Kate's family grew up going camping at a special park each year that we now continue to do as well! Ben's family grew up spending a lot of time with extended family (aunts, uncles, and cousins), as his grandpa was a pastor, where the whole family would go to church each week and spend time together after. We both believe that our families were a huge part in shaping us as we grew up. Even now, they continue to help us grow. We are grateful and so lucky to be supported by our families!

We love, love, love to travel!

We regularly travel to state parks and national parks across the country, and (so far) we've been able to travel to about 20 national parks. (There are currently 63, so we have plenty left to go!) We enjoy visiting and learning about all the different regions of the country. If we had to pick a couple of favorites, we really liked the beautiful western parks - such as Glacier National Park in Montana and Zion National Park in Utah.

We always go camping multiple times a year in parks across our state. Depending on the time of year, location, and our itinerary, sometimes it's with Simba and Nala. (Sometimes they stay home with their favorite dog sitter.) Either way, we have plenty of fun outdoors!

Thank you again for spending time starting to get to know us, and for potentially considering us as you make decisions for your child's future. We recognize the strength and love it takes to be here, and we have deep respect for you and your journey.

No matter where your path leads, we hope you feel peace and confidence in your choice. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story, and we would love the opportunity to hear yours.

With love,

Ben & Kate