We love creating special moments that bring us closer together. One of our favorite weekly traditions is Pizza Sundays. Every Sunday, we take time to relax, make or order our favorite pizza, and enjoy it together—it’s a simple but meaningful way to end the weekend on a high note. During the holidays, Justin’s family has a fun tradition of wearing matching pajamas on Christmas morning, filling the morning with laughter and festive cheer.

When we started dating, we started a tradition of collecting an ornament from every city or destination we visit, creating a tree full of memories that we look forward to decorating each year. Fall is a favorite season for us, and we make it a point to visit apple orchards, pick apples, and navigate corn mazes—activities that always bring out our playful side. These traditions are not only fun for us but also meaningful, as they create memories we cherish. We’re so excited to continue these traditions and create new ones with a child, filling their life with joy, connection, and a sense of family.

Zach’s strengths shine in his patience, playful spirit, and DIY-savvy. He’s a true jack of all trades, able to build or fix just about anything, whether it’s a project at home or solving a tricky problem. His natural creativity and ability to stay calm under pressure make him someone people trust and rely on. At heart, Zach is a big kid who loves to have fun and bring joy to those around him, a quality that will undoubtedly make him an incredible dad.

Justin’s strengths lie in his caring nature, goal-oriented mindset, and unwavering optimism. He approaches every challenge with determination and a positive outlook, always believing in the best possible outcome. His compassion shines through in how he supports others, whether at work or at home, and his drive for continual growth inspires everyone around him.

While we have our differences, those differences make us stronger as a team. Zach’s creative and playful approach balances Justin’s focus and structure, and Justin’s optimism and care complement Zach’s patience and resourcefulness. Together, we create a balanced partnership, built on love and mutual respect, and we can’t wait to bring those strengths into raising a child in a home filled with joy, support, and balance.

We both love traveling and exploring new places, and it’s been such a big part of our relationship from the beginning. One of our favorite trips was a three-week adventure through Europe, which included an incredible cruise. We got to experience so many amazing cultures, historical sites, and unforgettable moments—it’s a trip we’ll always cherish.

Whether it’s hiking in nature, cruising to exciting destinations, or visiting places full of history like Washington, D.C., we’re always up for an adventure. At the same time, we love relaxing vacations too, like staying at an all-inclusive resort where we can just kick back and enjoy some downtime.

We’re so excited to one day share our love for travel with our future child. We can’t wait to take them on adventures, show them new places, and teach them about the world around them. Whether it’s a big trip or something closer to home, we know travel will be such a special way to create lifelong family memories.

Family is an incredibly important part of our lives, and we feel fortunate to share a deep bond with both sides of our extended families. One unique connection between us is that we each have siblings who are the same age as each other's siblings, creating a natural and fun dynamic when we all get together. We live very close to Justin's Brothers and only a short drive to Zach's family.

We cherish spending time with our families, whether it’s playing board games that bring out a competitive streak or simply catching up over a good meal. Justin’s family has a tradition of taking a big family vacation every year, and this year we are especially excited to embark on an Alaskan cruise together. These trips are always filled with laughter, adventure, and memories.

We are also proud uncles—Justin has a Nephew, and Zachary has a Niece—and we absolutely love spending time with them. Watching them grow, babysitting, and being part of their lives has been one of the greatest joys for us. They’ve also given us a glimpse of the love and fun we can’t wait to share with a child of our own. Our families are supportive, loving, and as excited as we are to welcome a new addition to our lives  through adoption. Together, they’ll provide a wonderful extended network of care and love for our future child.

We live in a vibrant and family-friendly community just outside of Chicago. Known for its tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and rich history the community offers the perfect mix of suburban charm and urban convenience. Our home is ideally located near the heart of the downtown area, which is full of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. We are just steps away from a sprawling park It’s a wonderful space with a dog park, sport fields, pool, and indoor skating rank.

Right across from our home is the local high school, known for its academic excellence and robust extracurricular programs. Our schools are among the best in the area, offering students a well-rounded education and a supportive environment to grow and succeed.

In addition to our lively neighborhood, we also enjoy weekends on our boat on the west side of Michigan. This serves as a peaceful getaway and allows us to be closer to extended family. We cherish this time surrounded by water and nature. Our boat trips and home life offer a balanced combination of adventure and stability, creating an ideal environment for raising a child filled with love, opportunity, and connection.

First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to read our letter and for considering us as potential parents for your child. We cannot begin to imagine the emotions you are experiencing, but we want you to know how much respect and admiration we have for the strength and love that brought you to this decision.

We are Zachary and Justin, and becoming parents has been a dream that has filled our hearts with excitement, hope, and love. From the very beginning of our relationship, we have envisioned a family and have built our lives to create a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. Zachary, in particular, feels deeply that he was meant to be a father. He talks often about his dreams of staying home to raise and nurture a child, providing them with the love, guidance, and encouragement they need to grow into the best version of themselves. The thought of spending his days teaching, playing, and making cherished memories fills him with so much joy and anticipation.

For Justin, the idea of adoption feels like a natural extension of his upbringing. His parents were foster parents for many years, and their home was always a welcoming place for children in need of care and love. Growing up in that environment gave Justin a unique understanding of the importance of providing stability, compassion, and a sense of belonging. This connection to fostering and caring for children has shaped his perspective on adoption and has deepened our shared commitment to building a family through this beautiful path.

Our home is a place where your child would be surrounded by love, laughter, and encouragement. We believe in nurturing a child’s individuality while providing them with the security and support to dream big. From weekend adventures on our boat to cozy nights watching movies as a family, we are eager to share our lives and hearts with a child. We both have loving families and close friends who are equally excited to welcome a little one into their lives. Griffin, our playful Papillon, is also ready to be a loyal and gentle companion for your child.

We want you to know that your place in this journey is deeply valued. We understand the importance of connection, and we are committed to sharing photos, updates, and highlights with you yearly, so you can see the joy and milestones your child experiences. This is a way for us to honor the love and sacrifice that brought them into our lives.

Above all, we want to assure you that your child will grow up knowing their story, the love you have for them and the selflessness of your decision. Your courage is something we will always speak of with gratitude and admiration.

Thank you for considering us. Please know that we are holding you in our thoughts and sending you strength as you navigate this journey.

With love and respect,

Justin & Zach