Hi there! We're Zach and Mike, from Phoenix, Arizona and we are so grateful that you’re taking time to learn about our family and the life we hope to share with a child. We understand you are facing one of life’s most significant decisions, and we appreciate the opportunity to show you who we are - our values, our love for each other, and the welcoming family and friends that surround us. Most importantly, we want to express our admiration for your strength and courage. We are moved by your thoughtfulness and care in making this choice. Our hearts are open, and we would be honored to go through this journey with you.
Dear Birth Mother
Why Adoption
Our dream of becoming parents has led us to adoption, a path we've always wanted to do since meeting 5 years ago. We believe families are built on love, commitment, and sharing life's precious moments together. We're ready to provide a nurturing home where a child can flourish, surrounded by warmth, support, and endless opportunities to learn and grow.
Our Story
We met at a restaurant in January 2020, a date that almost didn’t happen because Mike forgot to make a dinner reservation! Luckily the host was so nice and found us a table in the restaurant. Both of us knew we wanted kids from that first night. We got married 2 years later and feel ready to begin growing our family. We both have fulfilling careers that give us the flexibility to prioritize family life and create special moments together. Future childhood memories will include weekend pancake breakfasts, playing at our neighborhood park, holiday cookie decorating, and cozy movie nights complete with blanket forts.
About Zach
I was born and raised in a small town in Michigan two hours north of Detroit. It was the town where everyone knew each other and a place that was built by community and always looking out for each other. Many of my childhood memories were inspired by learning the skills of the kitchen with my mom and how you could create a dish that you can be proud of. Those memories built the foundation of my adult life by going to culinary school, which has allowed me to travel to many different cities, explore new cultures, and gain so many lifelong friends. I would love to share my passions and memories with our future child and grow our family.
Fun Facts & Favorites
- Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii
- Can't Live Without: Coffee
- Favorite Sports Team: University of Michigan Football! Go Blue!
- Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookie Dough
- Sport I Like to Play: Ice Hockey
- Favorite Food: Risotto
- Favorite Hobbies: Cooking for friends & family, exploring new places to traveling, working out
- What Does a Perfect Day Look Like: Starting the morning outside with a cup of coffee, walking Clove, our Beagle, around the neighborhood and spending the day with family.
More About Zach, by Mike
Zach is the most supportive, responsible, and caring person I know. Zach is the type of guy who you just know everything is going to be okay when you're with him. He’s going to be an incredible father, and will approach being a dad with compassion, encouragement, and support. I see that everyday I’m with him. Not to mention his cooking is amazing, he’s a culinary school grad so it’s like having a professional chef right at home!
About Mike
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey. We lived on a cul-de-sac where I was constantly playing outside with my neighbors until it got dark and my mom would call out that it was dinner time. While I was in high school I got the opportunity to become an EMT and worked on an ambulance on nights and weekends. I loved that job, and loved helping people when they needed it the most. I still work in healthcare today, but now full time from home. I am able to make a difference but have so much more flexibility to spend time with family and friends. I am so excited to get to meet you and welcome a child into our family. They’re going to be loved, supported, and given an opportunity to do whatever they want to in life.
Fun Facts & Favorites
- Favorite Vacation Spot: New York City
- Can't Live Without: Coffee
- Favorite Sports Team: Whoever Zach is rooting for
- Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Strawberry
- Sport I Like to Play: Pickleball
- Favorite Food: Extra crispy pizza
- Favorite Hobbies: Playing with Clove, gym, swimming, exploring new places
- What Does a Perfect Day Look Like: Going to brunch with family and friends followed by the farmers market.
More About Mike, by Zach
Mike emits kindness and care in every interaction. My first date with him he showed that he is passionate, driven and family is everything. He is the type of person that would drop everything to help someone in need. I know this stems from his childhood and him being an EMT in high school and caring for others even if it is hard. I am so lucky to call him my husband and I knew from the moment that I met him he will be an amazing father and grow our future family together.
Activities We Enjoy Together
Our weekends usually involve us working on a project around the house, walking our beagle around the neighborhood or trying out a new local restaurant. Family is important to us, so we make regular trips to visit our relatives in Michigan and Boston. When we’re not traveling, you’ll find us hanging out with friends, at the gym or pickleball court or attending fun events around the area. We like keeping things active and social, but we also appreciate quiet evenings at home with our dog on the couch. We’re excited to include a child in these special moments, from teaching them to cook family recipes to exploring new places as a family!
A Note About Our Work
Both of our workplaces are very family-friendly by offering time off to spend with our new child. Zach’s work gives off both July and August each year which provides the perfect opportunity for family bonding and vacations. While Mike’s work offers a full time work at home policy.
Our Home
Our home is nestled in a quiet north suburb of Phoenix, Arizona. We are in walking distance to our neighborhood park with swings, large grass area and a pavilion for an afternoon picnic. We are a few short blocks away from the local elementary, middle and high schools. In a short drive we have musical instrument museum which holds community events, camps and tours catered towards kids and their families.
Our Dog, Clove
Clove is our lovable, snuggly and playful Beagle, who brings endless joy. He loves to sniff and play fetch for hours on end. If you don’t see him right away he’s most likely curled up under his favorite blanket on the couch, with only his nose peeking out. Clove has a gentle nature and has been around kids before, in which he’ll sit or roll over looking for pets. He loves walks, being outside, and laying next to us watching TV.
Our Family
We’re fortunate to have a close support system in Phoenix, with Mike’s parents just a 20-minute drive away and lots of extended family throughout the Phoenix area. Holidays become big family gatherings with kids running around. Zach’s parents and nieces, 10 and 7, live in Michigan, where we visit 2-3 times a year. Fall is the best when the leaves are just starting to turn color. Mike’s sister and brother-in-law live in Boston and have a 6 month old son, who is already excited to have a new cousin. Our families are already planning all the ways they'll welcome a new addition to our family. Mike's mom loves to Cricut, so there will definitely be custom clothing and signs to look forward to!
Our Traditions
One of our favorite family traditions is the holidays. Each year we get to spend time with family and friends. We rotate by spending time in Michigan, Boston and Arizona. We enjoy baking, decorating, family game nights and making sure we get to bed early before Santa comes.
Family Values We Want to Pass On
- Open communication
- Pride in who you are
- Treat others with respect
- Follow your dreams
- We look forward to creating family traditions while honoring existing ones. Above all, we'll provide your child a nurturing environment where your child feels secure, loved, and free to be themselves.
In Closing
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our family. We’re committed to providing a loving home where your child will be cherished, supported, and encouraged to grow into their own unique person. We promise to nurture their dreams, celebrate them, and create a life filled with love, learning, and adventure. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more or ask us any questions!