We plan to be honest, direct, and loving when speaking to our child about adoption, no matter how complex the situation might be. We will introduce the concept of adoption early on, even before the child can fully understand. This will normalize the idea and make it a natural part of their identity.

We plan to purchase children's books and engage with cartoons, games, etc. that embrace the concept of adoption and unique family structures. He or she will always know they are adopted, but know it was a brave and loving decision made by their birth mother based on what she thought was best for her child.

In all conversations about adoption we will lead with love so this child will know, without a doubt, how deeply they are loved, wanted, and belong.

Additionally, we recognize there may be questions and feelings that arise as the child develops into teenage years. We are big proponents of counseling and do plan on family and/or individual counseling for our children should they need an external, safe place to work through their feelings and process emotions.

Our lives are built around time with each other and the people we love. One of the first things that drew us to each other when we were dating was that we take our careers seriously but do not draw any sense of self-worth or value from them apart from doing a good job and working with good people. We both leave work at work and do our best to not let it interfere with our actual lives. We spend our time with each other on dates or trips, exercising, cooking, playing with our pets, or engaging in our own hobbies.

Bryan loves to listen to music, play instruments, go on hikes and long walks, cook, ride his electric bicycle, read, and run/work out. Elle loves to design and build various home improvement projects (she is responsible for our house's Murphy bed, built-in shelves, arched doorways, back deck, fire place, wall moulding, etc.), garden, read, cook, plan trips, make thoughtful gifts for others, garden, and do Pilates/work out.

In addition to that, we spend as much time with our families and friends as we can, taking part in weekly dinners with Bryan's family, annual visits to Elle's family lake house in Wisconsin, attending events with our nieces and nephews, going out to eat or the movies with friends, etc. We also try to take at least one big trip a year as a family vacation. Our recent trips include Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Oregon, and Maine.

Our pets are such an important part of our lives. We each brought one pet into the relationship: Elle had Poppy, our dog; Bryan had Brisa (Bree-sah), our cat. Each pet was adopted from a local rescue, and we couldn't imagine our lives without them.

Poppy and Brisa are an endless source of fun, cuddles, and laughter. Bryan loves taking Poppy on long walks and hikes on the weekends, sometimes bringing her along with him when he runs errands during the week. Poppy loves roadtrips, too, so we often take her with us when we travel. Elle loves letting Brisa curl up in her lap while she reads a book or works from home.

Both pets are excellent with children and have had plenty of exposure to our nieces, nephews, and friend's children. They are almost as excited to add a baby to the home as Elle and Bryan are!

We live in the vibrant region of Northwest Arkansas, a place we're proud to call home. Our house is nestled in a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood surrounded by miles of scenic trails, parks, and green space. Our neighborhood has a "fun committee" that hosts several events throughout the year, including a Glow Ride where kids decorate their bikes with glow sticks and lights to ride around the neighborhood together.

We're involved in a local church and community organizations, and we enjoy the rich culture, art, and nature that our area offers. Northwest Arkansas is a safe, family and outdoor-activity oriented place with innumerable activities for families, including farmer's markets, concerts, trails, art museums, and a children's museum and activity center.

We have been very intentional with our home, creating a warm and inviting space that feels calm, safe, and full of love. Elle has built and designed many aspects of our home including a deck in the backyard with a built-in firepit where we enjoy watching movies on our projector screen. We love to host friends and family in our dining room, and our kitchen is a great, airy space where we regularly cook and bake together as a family.

We feel incredibly grateful to live in Arkansas and are excited to share the joy, safety, and love of our home and community with a child.

We both come from warm, loving families with whom they remain close and celebrate each holiday. Bryan's entire family lives in the same city, and we get together weekly for family dinners. Bryan's sister, and best friend, Kim has 4 children ranging in ages from 3 -18. Bryan's parents are known as "Nana and Granddad" by their grandchildren and keep a swimming pool, swing-set, and play house in their backyard for them. Bryan's 89-year-old grandmother also lives with Nana and Granddad. As Bryan's mother is a retired elementary school teacher, our nieces and nephews have gone to "Nana school" as their primary daycare and we look forward to your child receiving the same loving care with a trained relative close by.

Elle's family is spread out across the country (CO, MO, WI) but stays connected by sharing photos and texting daily. Elle has 3 brothers, a sister, and a soon-to-be sister in law. The 9 adults and 3 dogs all get together each summer at their family's lake house in Wisconsin and also at Christmastime. We enjoy playing card games, doing puzzles, taking boat rides in the summer, and watching sports.

Both of our families are fully supportive of our adoption plans and extremely excited to welcome a new member to our families!

First, we want to thank you for taking the time to review our profile and learn more about us. We can only imagine the courage, strength, and love it takes to consider adoption for your child. Please know that we have the deepest respect for you. We understand the decision to select a family for your child is extremely difficult. Through this profile, we hope to give you an honest picture of who we are, the life we live, and the love we would share with your baby, should you choose us.

We are Elle and Bryan. We have been together since 2022, and our marriage is built on love, respect, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to one another. We met through an online dating app and quickly realized we were each other's "home." Over the course of our relationship, we intentionally and continually supported each other through both joyful and difficult seasons, always growing stronger together. For example, in August of 2023, Bryan volunteered to temporarily move with Elle to Arizona to take care of her 26 year-old brother who was battling cancer for the second time. We even got married while living there!

We knew we wanted to become parents as far back as we can remember and have been interested in adoption for just as long. We discussed it on our very first date! Initially, we planned to have 1 or 2 children biologically and then adopt 1 or 2. However, we unfortunately suffered 7 miscarriages over the last few years and were unable to have a child on our own. Though this was painful, it also provided clarity regarding the place adoption would have in our family. We started working with American Adoptions several months ago to prepare for adoption and are thrilled by the opportunity to meet you!

We spend time with family regularly, and attend as many niece/nephew soccer games, school concerts, and other events as possible. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment where a child can thrive-surrounded by love and supported every step of the way. This includes our extended families, who are overjoyed at the thought of welcoming a new member. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are ready to welcome, love, and support your child with open arms.

Both of us have careers we enjoy and allow us flexibility and stability. More importantly, our work-life balance allows us to prioritize family. Elle works in sales and has an office in our home. She creates her own schedule, which is adjusted easily and regularly for whatever is going on. Bryan's office is 15 mins away and works in a family-friendly culture that prioritizes and provides time away from the office.

If you choose us, please know that your child will grow up knowing their adoption story as one of love and selflessness. We are committed to honoring you as an important part of your child's life. We promise to send letters and pictures so you can see how your child is growing, thriving, and loved beyond measure. We are also open to more contact, whether that be through emails, phone calls, or even visits in the future-whatever feels right for you and is in the best interest of the child.

We want to assure you that your child's emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being will always come first. We will encourage their dreams, celebrate their individuality, and provide guidance as they grow into their own person. We will raise them to know they are loved not only by us, but also by you-the brave woman who made a loving choice for them.

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter and get to know us. Whether or not you choose us, please know that we hold you in our thoughts and wish you peace and clarity in your decision. If you feel a connection with us, we would be honored to talk with you and share more about our lives.

With love and respect,

Bryan & Elle