To Future Birthmother/Family
We deeply respect and are grateful for the brave decision you’re making. We can only imagine the love and strength behind your choice to consider adoption, and we honor you for it. Your courage and love for your child are truly inspiring. As you take this life-changing step, please know that we are filled with respect for your decision. We are humbled that you would consider us as parents for your precious one. Our commitment is to provide a loving, secure, and nurturing home where your child can grow surrounded by family and joy. We understand the gravity of this decision and don’t take it lightly. Our hearts are open to you, and we’re here to support you now and in the future. Thank you for considering us to be part of this meaningful chapter. We promise to love and honor your child with all that we have.
Braden's Story
Erica's Story
Our Story of How We Meet!
Let us tell you the silly and fun story of how we met. It's a bit of a modern love tale! It all started on Plenty of Fish (yes, you read that right thank you, online dating!). I was working as a nanny at the time, spending my days surrounded by kids, and Braden was a teacher and a coach, navigating the high school classroom and football field. We both had profiles up just trying to see where things might go, but we didn’t expect it to lead to this! We truly believe that God had matched us as we had been looking to move forward in our lives for quite some time. From the moment we started chatting, there was something special about Braden. When we finally met in person, it was one of those magical moments of love at first sight. We both just knew, right away, that this was something different. It felt like we had been waiting for each other without even realizing it. Honestly, it was as if the universe had said, "Yep, you two are a perfect match." We’re pretty sure even our buffalo wild wing waitress was smiling at us by the end of it!
After that, things just clicked. We found so much joy in being together, and before we knew it, we were off on a new adventure starting our life together. We’ve laughed at the randomness of it all, but looking back, it’s clear that meeting on Plenty of Fish was anything but random. It was the beginning of our family.As two teachers, we understand the complex dynamic of families and children. Seeing a couple of children that we teach go through the foster care system has made us both realize that the opportunity to care, love, and grow with a child is a blessing. Working with children is both of our passion, and we can’t wait to bring a child in our own home in our lives
Our Wedding Day
Our Dog's Lizzy and Dak
Lizzy is the sweetest dog, always believing she’s a lap dog no matter how big she gets! She loves being close to people—whether cuddling on the couch or enjoying a good ear scratch. Traveling to Mom’s house or our aunt’s house is always a highlight for her, and her gentle nature and constant desire for attention make her the perfect snuggle buddy. Lizzy is playful when it’s time to run around, but she’s equally content to just lie beside us, offering her unconditional love. We know she will be amazing with our child, bringing patience, calm, and protection.
Our new puppy, Dak, brings his own joy and energy to our family. He is full of love, especially with kids, and has already become a favorite at all the football games in town. Dak loves going on walks and racing across the football field with Lizzy, their tails wagging in perfect harmony. Together, they balance each other beautifully—Lizzy with her steady, nurturing calm, and Dak with his playful, adventurous spirit. Both of them make our home even more full of love, laughter, and companionship.
Together is our favorite place to be
Our faith is the foundation of our family, and we rely on God first and foremost in everything we do. We actively participate in Catholic Mass on Sundays!
We feel so blessed to have a circle of friends who have been with us through thick and thin. Many of these friends have been in our lives since childhood, while others have become close through our work and other life experiences. No matter how we met, they are all like family to us. Their loyalty, kindness, and love are part of the foundation that makes our lives so rich and full. Their encouragement and excitement mean the world to us, and we can’t wait for our child to grow up surrounded by so much love.
Our Home
Special Holidays
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving holds a very special place in our hearts, and it’s Braden’s favorite holiday. For him, it’s a time to reflect on everything we’re thankful for and to spend quality time with family, enjoying all the traditions that make the day so meaningful. From watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to cheering on Braden’s favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys, it’s a day filled with joy, excitement, and appreciation.
Christmas
Christmas holds a very special place in our hearts, and it’s a tradition that we hold dear in our family. For Erica, Christmas is her absolute favorite holiday, it’s not just about the decorations, gifts, or festive meals, but about celebrating the birth of Christ and the joy, love, and hope that this season represents. It’s a time for us to reflect on the true meaning of love, faith, and the blessings we have in our lives. For us, Christmas is a reminder of the greatest gift we’ve ever received: the gift of Christ's love and the promise of family.
Easter
Easter is such a meaningful and special holiday for us, one that we hold close to our hearts. It’s a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the new life He brings, but also a time for us to create beautiful memories as a family. Every Easter, we gather together to reflect on the significance of the season and celebrate the hope and renewal that comes with it.
4th Of July
The 4th of July is another holiday that holds a very special place in our hearts. Every year, Erica, her mom Leah, and Braden travel to North Carolina to celebrate this patriotic day with family, Erica’s brother is stationed out there. It’s a tradition we all look forward to, and it’s filled with fun, laughter, and memories that we cherish deeply.
Closing Letter
As we close this letter, our hearts are full of gratitude and hope. We cannot begin to imagine the strength and love it takes to make such a profound decision, and we want you to know that, whatever your path may be, we are here with open hearts, ready to welcome and love your child unconditionally.
We promise to cherish every moment and provide a life full of love, care, and opportunity. We hope that, when the time is right, we will have the honor of meeting you and sharing this journey together.
Thank you for considering us to be a part of your child's story.
With love, hope, and appreciation, Erica & Braden
Credits:
Created with images by RomanWhale studio - "Happy Thanksgiving day concept - traditional holiday food with pumpkins on old wooden. " • Atlas - "Decorative Easter eggs as background. Space for text" • natara - "American flag and fireworks of Memorial Day or 4th of July."