Hello we are chris and stephen
We’re hoping to adopt!
As you read through our profile, we hope that you will get a sense of who we are as individuals and as a family. Learn more about us by downloading and reading our adoption profile book.
We deeply respect and admire the strength and love that it takes to choose the path of making an adoption plan.
When thinking about creating a family, we are grateful for courageous women like you. Adoption is the perfect way for us to become dads, and we will always honor the only mother our child will ever have, by creating a nurturing home for our child with love and openness at the center.
OUR STORY
Stephen was visiting his parents in Dallas when we met.
Our first date was to a Mexican restaurant. We were both poor grad school students - one in California, the other in Dallas. Our relationship grew through constant texting and calling until we finally scrounged up money for a flight to see each other. After that, Stephen gladly took on extra teaching jobs in order to afford more visits. Just as the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality in the US, we were married by Chris' aunts.
FUN FACTS
About Chris
Chris took many years of Spanish in high school and college, which comes in handy when we travel to Mexico and Spain.
About Stephen
Stephen is the author of a book, has appeared numerous times on national television and radio programs, and has worked closely with the Mayor of Chicago.
Growing up, Stephen was a passionate Texas Rangers baseball fan. His family used to travel to Arizona or Florida to watch spring training games every March.
OUR HOME AND FAMILIES
We live on a quiet tree-lined street in a beautiful neighborhood near Lake Michigan, in Chicago, Illinois. Our home is on the same block as a highly rated elementary school that even has a chicken coop and vegetable garden managed by the students!
We have a ton of playgrounds in walking distance and live less than two blocks from Lincoln Park, which has miles of protected bike trails, sandy beaches, hiking trails, recreational fields, a bird sanctuary, and an amazing zoo.
We are both fortunate to have supportive and loving extended families.
Every Sunday growing up, Chris and his entire extended family (including cousins, aunts, and uncles) would gather at his grandmother’s house for Sunday dinner after church. Today, we live a few hours from Chris’s family. Even so, we go on at least one family vacation each year and love family reunions in Indiana. We also make sure to get down to Kentucky to spend time with Chris’s mom multiple times a year. She is beyond thrilled to have visits with her new grandchild!
Stephen’s parents currently live in Texas, but are excited to move to Chicago after we adopt a child. We can’t wait to have them nearby! We are also particularly close with our cousin Adam and his daughter Quýnh, who is two.
We are also lucky to have an amazing "chosen family" of close friends that live near us in Chicago.
“One thing we know for sure: our child will have a terrific, loving, and supportive extended family!”
IN CLOSING
We understand that this is a life-changing decision, and we want to assure you that we are committed to building a strong relationship with you based on mutual trust and respect, if that is your desire. I hope you were able to get a sense of the love your child will receive both from us as well as our village. We are committed to providing a life filled with love and happiness for your baby.
Thank you for taking the time to consider us.
With heartfelt gratitude and admiration,
Stephen & Chris
DESIGNED WITH ❤️ BY OUR CHOSEN CHILD