Hello! We are Doug, Christian & Sebastian from Orange County, California. First and foremost, we want to honor the incredible strength and courage you’ve shown in making this deeply personal decision. Choosing adoption is a profound and selfless act of love, and your thoughtfulness during this time speaks volumes about the care and consideration you’re putting into your baby’s future. We are truly grateful that you’ve chosen to learn about us through our profile. We hope that after reading our story, you can see and trust that we are committed to providing your child with the love, care, and dedication they deserve.
Dear Birth Mother
Why We Are Adopting
Having already experienced the joy of parenting through our journey with Sebastian, we’ve seen firsthand how enriching and transformative it is to welcome a child into our lives. Our desire to adopt stems from our commitment to providing another child with the same opportunities for growth, love, and happiness that Sebastian has received. We are excited to offer another child the chance to thrive in a warm, caring environment where they can reach their full potential. Adopting is not just about growing our family; it’s about sharing the boundless love we have and creating a lifelong bond with a child who deserves a loving home.
Our Story
We first crossed paths through a mutual friend in Florida in the early 1990s, and our first date was a memorable Thanksgiving evening at a Denny’s Diner, where we enjoyed chicken wings because all other restaurants were closed. Since that serendipitous start, we have been fortunate to create many beautiful memories together. In 2014, we celebrated our marriage at a charming winery in Temecula, California, surrounded by beloved family and friends from around the globe. Our journey together has taken us to various places, including Naples, Miami Beach, New York City, San Diego, Long Beach, and Irvine. Currently, we reside in Rancho Mission Viejo in South Orange County, California, where we bought a home in 2018 in this welcoming, family- oriented community. We cherish spending time together, whether it’s cooking, hosting dinners for friends, or traveling to new destinations.
Hobbies & Interests
- Values - Although we come from different backgrounds and were raised in distinct environments, the core values we share are remarkably similar. Our parents taught us the importance of respecting others, treating people as we wish to be treated, and helping those in need. These principles guide us daily and are the same values we are committed to instilling in Sebastian and will continue to share with your child.
- Travel - In addition to our shared values, we have a deep love for travel. Our careers have given us the chance to explore various countries and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, enriching our understanding of the world. We believe that exposing Sebastian to different cultures and connecting him with friends and family around the globe helps him appreciate the diversity and beauty of our planet. We look forward to providing your child with similar opportunities to visit new places and learn about other cultures.
- Cooking - Cooking is another passion we both enjoy, though we each have our unique styles. Christian loves experimenting with new recipes and discovering innovative dishes, while Doug enjoys preparing comforting, classic home-cooked meals. One of our favorite activities is hosting friends for dinner, sharing delicious food, and creating joyful memories together as a family.
About Doug, by Doug
I was born and raised in central Illinois as an only child, which taught me to be very independent. Despite being an only child, I was always surrounded by cousins and close friends, creating a strong sense of both blood and chosen family. Growing up, our home was often the gathering place for neighborhood kids, making it a lively and welcoming environment. Pets have been a part of my life from a young age. Caring for animals taught me responsibility, unconditional love, and how to navigate the difficult moments of loss. My deep love for animals continues to be an important part of who I am. My parents instilled in me values of acceptance, self-expression, and non-judgment. We have always shared a close relationship, and I’ve felt encouraged to talk to them about anything. Their remarkable work ethic and loving partnership have been a constant source of inspiration. Now, after over 60 years of marriage, they are still going strong and enjoy seeing their grandson.
More About Doug, Written by Christian
Doug is genuinely one of the most selfless and caring individuals I have ever known. He has a remarkable ability to put others’ needs before his own, consistently demonstrating his generosity and support. I recall a time early in our relationship when I was hospitalized due to an infection; Doug stayed many nights, sleeping on the room sofa just to be by my side and provide comfort. Even on his work travels, Doug’s heart remains with our family, and he treasures every moment spent together. His role as a “Big Daddy” to Sebastian is marked by deep love and dedication. Doug is attentive to Sebastian’s needs, ensuring he always feels cared for and cherished. While he does tend to spoil him a bit, it’s all done with affection and a desire to create joyful experiences. I have no doubt that Doug will be an exceptional role model for your child.
Fun Facts About Doug
- Doug is a music lover. He has played piano, trumpet, french horn, and others. He also grew up singing in church and glee club and competed in competitions in school.
- Doug considers himself a big geek, loving SciFi including Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who and others. He also loves the Marvel universe as well as DC shows and movies.
- Doug loves anything related to the United Kingdom.
- He went to university in England and loves British television and music.
- Because of his work demands, he goes to the UK and Europe as often as needed.
- He loves cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, Chicago for the arts and entertainment but also loves living in the country where it’s quiet. It’s the best of both worlds.
- His absolute favorite thing to do is hang out with Sebastian, Christian, and the pups.
About Christian, by Christian
I was born in Ecuador, South America, and grew up in a nurturing environment with my loving and hard-working parents, Humberto and Clara, and my "aunt" Chachy, who lived with us and was a cherished part of our family. I am the youngest of three siblings; my sister Patsy, who is married to a doctor and does not have children, and my brother David, who is divorced and has a son, Pablo, who recently welcomed a son of his own with his wife Alicia. Both of my siblings live in Santander, Spain. I also have a wide network of cousins in both Ecuador and the US with whom I have maintained close relationships over the years. I was raised in a multi- cultural environment because of my Chinese ancestry and the Latin American society. My parents were my role models, instilling in me the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity, which continue to guide me in all aspects of my life.
More About Christian, Written by Doug
Christian is incredibly humble and rarely talks about his many life accomplishments. His dedication to his family and his work ethic has proven very successful in his life. One of the main reasons I love Christian so much is his sincere kindness and dedication to helping everyone, especially those who do not have a voice or need help. We both dedicate much of our time to helping shelter animals and supporting organizations that do the same. Christian is an incredible “Baba” to our son. He is loving, patient, caring father and an amazing mentor. He listens and helps guide Sebastian through the trials of childhood. He loves to play and make him laugh whilst providing the right amount of discipline ensuring Sebastian is growing up grateful and a tremendous sense of pride. He is excited to do the same for our next child as am I.
Fun Facts About Christian
- Christian is fluent in Spanish and English.
- He was a cub scout and then a boy scout during childhood.
- His favorite vacation spots are the French Polynesian Islands and Paris.
- Having being raised in a coastal town in South America, he likes Spring season but also Winter season, something he didn't grow up with.
- Just like his mom, he likes scary movies.
- He loves Asian cuisine as well as Latin American food. Common item: Rice.
About Sebastian
Sebastian is a 5-year-old with a caring, helpful nature and a witty sense of humor. He proudly shares with everyone he meets that he has two dads and embraces his unique family structure. He just started kindergarten in a Spanish immersion program, and he’s excited about learning a new language. He’s also eagerly looking forward to becoming a big brother. He can’t wait to share his toys, books and help taking care of your child. Our friends and family often praise us for being extraordinary dads to Sebastian. They’ve seen how he’s grown into an open and outgoing individual. We strive to teach Sebastian valuable life lessons and explain the reasons behind our actions, while also allowing him the freedom to develop his own personality and voice. Just as Sebastian is the most important person in our lives, your child will be cherished and valued in the same way. We are committed to providing a loving and nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive.
Home Sweet Home
Our home is modestly sized and have worked hard to make it warm and welcoming. Sebastian has his own bedroom and bathroom, which will eventually be shared with your child. We also have a small backyard where we love to relax and where Sebastian spent many happy hours playing when he was younger. We live a very family-oriented community with many young families and children. Our neighborhood features multiple playgrounds, community pools, and lagoons, all of which we enjoy exploring with Sebastian. The community association organizes events throughout the year, providing opportunities for us to connect with neighbors and enjoy our surroundings. Residing in Orange County offers us the flexibility to visit the beach or the mountains whenever we like. We frequently explore nearby theme parks, including Disneyland, Legoland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, and SeaWorld, adding fun and excitement to our family outings.
Our Furry Family
We have a deep love for pets. Doug grew up with many dogs, while Christian had just one. Since we’ve been together, we’ve had the joy of sharing our lives with four wonderful dogs. Currently, we have Bobo, a brave Chihuahua Terrier mix, and Bella, a gentle Basset Hound mix. Even though they are old now, they are full of love and affection.
Our Family and Friends
When we got married, Christian's family welcomed Doug with open arms, making him feel like a cherished member of their large, loving family. Similarly, Doug's parents have embraced Christian with open hearts and consider him as one of their own. We are truly blessed with a wonderful circle of friends who have become like extended family to us. Doug’s outgoing nature makes it easy for him to connect with people, and he has maintained friendships from every stage of his life. Christian, while more selective, has close friends from work and throughout adulthood. We love spending time with our friends, many of whom are like aunts and uncles to Sebastian. We enjoy hosting dinners and attending local events with our extended family. Our friends know that when they invite us, we come as a bundle of three and, hopefully soon, as a family of four.
Our Favorite Holidays
Christian’s favorite holiday is Halloween. He likes to decorate the front and back of the house with Halloween decorations depending on the theme of that year. Now, even Doug likes to help to decorate the house for this holiday. Doug’s favorite holiday is Christmas. Another reason to decorate the house and get into the holiday spirit. This was his favorite holiday when growing up and he wants to pass this tradition to our children.
Our Thoughts on Parenting
- When we became Sebastian’s parents, we were new to the journey of parenting. Navigating the challenges of raising a baby without close family nearby was daunting, but the values of honesty, truthfulness, and hard work that we were raised with guided us.
- We've worked hard to provide Sebastian with the best upbringing possible.
- Just as we have an open adoption with Sebastian’s birth mom, we are dedicated to maintaining an open adoption with you as well.
- We plan to introduce Sebastian to his birth mom’s family and her other children in the future, and we are more than willing to do the same with your child.
- We believe that knowing their birth family is a crucial part of a child’s identity, especially for adopted children, and we want to ensure your child has that important connection too.
In Closing
Once again, we want to express our deepest gratitude for considering us as potential parents for your child. We understand the immense courage and love it takes to make this decision, and we are committed to honoring that with the utmost respect and dedication. Our promise to you is to provide your child with a life filled with love, joy, and opportunities. We are excited about the possibility of welcoming them into our family and are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and for allowing us to be part of this meaningful journey.