In the beginning, Molly and Matthew were long distance while Molly finished her degree in Textile and Apparel Management and Matthew was working at his family's fruit orchard. We made a point to see each other every weekend, and took turns driving the two hours to visit one another. Molly would bring Matthew lunch when he worked on Saturdays and we would drive down a row of apple trees to eat on the tailgate of the truck! One summer, Molly moved to Washington D.C. as a live-in nanny to three children. Matthew flew out for a month to explore D.C. with Molly and the kiddos. We had so much fun walking every inch of D.C. with the kids and trying so much new food. This summer trip was when we first knew how much love we had to give to children together.

While we have only been married for a little more than a year, we have been committed partners for many years. Five years ago, Matthew made the decision to leave the fruit orchard so we could move for Molly's corporate dream job. Our little family is flourishing in every way and ready for an addition!

As our life together has grown, we agree now is the right time to expand our family. Different from many couples, we decided early on that adoption is our first choice to become parents. Even before Matthew met Molly, he knew that one day he would find the opportunity to adopt a child. He knew early on in life that he wanted to be a dad and was open to however that was meant to happen. Molly also knew early on that she wanted to adopt. She first started thinking about it when she was a live in nanny and had such immense love for the children she was taking care of. Her decision was only solidified by a medical condition she has that could make a pregnancy difficult (but not motherhood!).

This was a key topic we were happy to find in common when discussing our future together and what it could possibly look like. We have so much love to give and can't wait to meet our child!

When I first met Molly, it was easy to see she is intelligent, energetic, and adventurous. Molly loves to laugh and have fun, but also loves to organize and plan. She is strong, driven, and confident which has helped her thrive in her career. Molly is my balance, she complements me. She is the planner, thinking of everyone and managing everything. Molly tirelessly cares for those around her, and is the first to not just offer kind words but take action when someone she loves is in need. Molly is brave and true to herself, she isn't afraid to go on an adventure like trying a new restaurant with a menu in another language or flying to another country. You can find Molly dreaming up our next vacation or snuggled on the couch with a fantasy novel.

Molly will be an amazing mom. She is a confident woman who loves trying new experiences and has a drive to always improve our life and her career. Molly will spend motherhood teaching our child to love, to be independent, to find joy in cooking and reading. Our child will be so lucky to take on the world with Molly behind them.

Molly's Hobbies and Interests:

• Reading & Puzzles
• Pilates & Barre
• Soccer & Tennis
• Paint by numbers
• Going to Target
• Cooking
• Traveling

I would describe Matthew as caring, spontaneous and a protector. For those lucky enough to be close to Matthew, he is always there for the little and big moments. He remembers the "little" things, like holding my hand when we go for walks, waking up early to make me breakfast before work, or playing a silly game with our niece long after every other adult has grown sick of it. It's not just the "little" things, it's also the loving way he supports my career by moving states away or hopping on a plane to visit my sister and niece when they need a helping hand. Matthew loves history and space! You can usually find him reading an article on the latest discoveries in space or listening to a podcast.

Matthew will be a great dad. He will be mentally and physically present for every moment of our child's life. Whether its a spontaneous game of tag around the house or a broken heart, Matthew will always be the foundation our home is built on.

Matthew's Hobbies and Interests:

• History & Science Documentaries
• Video Games
• Coin Collecting
• Space / Stargazing
• Traveling
• Shopping with Molly

I have always been very close to my two sisters, my mom, and mom's family. My sisters and I were raised by my mom and grandma in a small country town. Mom's house is always filled with laughter and the smell of something freshly baked like pie and donuts! It's a staple in my family to play card games while eating the freshly baked goodies that we helped my mom make. My mom and grandma welcomed me into the kitchen to help make the pie crusts, cinnamon rolls and donuts for as long as I can remember! My two sisters both live in Missouri minutes from each other and about an hour from our childhood home. My older sister and her husband have two dogs and two cats while my younger sister has one dog and two cats. Their animals are their everything! My family is over the moon with excitement for a little one to be joining the family! ~Matthew

I grew up in a close knit family with a mom, dad, an older sister and a younger sister. My older sister is now married with one daughter and I am very close with them (they call me Aunt Lala). I am also close with my younger sister who is married and currently working as a teacher's assistant at a Montessori School. My younger sister is super creative and loves to do all kinds of art from ceramics to crocheting. My parents are still living in my childhood home in Missouri and now that they have one grand baby they have been nicknamed Gigi and Pop! Outside of my immediate family, I am close with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. My family loves to get together any chance they can for a good meal where Gigi can put together a Pinterest worthy spread of food! I am usually her sous chef and put in charge of making the dessert from scratch. ~Molly

We are currently living in a beautiful apartment in central Texas. We have been here for almost two years! We have found a great community within our apartment complex. The complex has so many events like movies at the pool, farmer's markets in the courtyard and they often sponsor food trucks to visit. There are two spacious courtyards, one in front of the building and a private courtyard that our apartment overlooks. We also have a citywide walking trail connected to our apartment complex and a huge park less than 5 minutes away where we frequently play tennis and soccer! We are excited to own a home again in the near future but we truly believe that we can make a home anywhere.

We hope this book didn't overload you with details but instead got right to the heart of who we are and the kind of parents we will be. We vow to ensure that your little one will always know how loved they are and where their life began.

Beyond our home, we hope that we also captured the fierce love our larger family will have for our child. We look forward to our child sharing a close relationship with their aunts, uncles and cousins. We dream of sleepovers at Gigi and Pop's house with the cousins! Our child will be the first grandchild on Matthew's side of the family and they can't wait share their family traditions like hand picking cherries for pie!

Adoption is an outpouring of love from both the birth parents and adoptive parents. We often think about what an incredible decision this is for you. We have immeasurable respect for your courage. Your child will always know your heart and your strength!

We promise to love your baby through each and every high and low that life sends our way. Your wishes and concerns will always be held in our minds and hearts with the highest importance. Our intention is to be partners in our commitment to your child by being real and transparent with you as we navigate parenthood.