We always planned on having several children. Terri is one of five kids and being a part of a large family has been such a blessing in our lives. But when we started trying to have children, we discovered things don't always go according to plan.

After several years of trying to have a child, we started talking about adoption. But also decided to visit a fertility specialist. We were fortunate to become pregnant with the aid of fertility medications. When our son was three years old we visited the fertility clinic again, but this time didn't have the same results. After several rounds of unsuccessful treatments, Terri decided she couldn't handle any more of the medication or stress that came with the treatments. And she knew she couldn't pursue any more invasive treatment options.

It was at this point that we started talking about adoption again and began our adoption journey. Remaining a family of three doesn't feel like an option for us. We know that our family isn't complete and we're searching for the child that God has planned to be a part of our family.

In Steve's spare time, he enjoys talking to people all over the world using amateur radio. He's a licensed amateur radio operator and on nice weekends you'll find him sitting on the back patio listening for other radio operators or adjusting the antenna trying to get the best possible reception. He also enjoys geocaching, which is basically a giant scavenger hunt in which you search for hidden objects using GPS coordinates. The whole family usually tags along on his geocaching adventures – it's a great opportunity to explore new locations and who doesn't love a good game of hide and seek?

In Terri's spare time, she's usually going for walks, tending to her garden, or doing puzzles. She enjoys fresh air and exercise and usually tries to drag Will and Steve along whenever possible. From March through October you can find her tending to her flower and vegetable gardens and spends most summers drowning in zucchini and trying to figure out what on earth to do with all of it. She also has been teaching herself to play piano and enjoys practicing new songs – especially the ones that Will can sing along to.

The importance of racial diversity is pervasive in our everyday life. It all starts with Steve's own multiracial heritage – his mother was born in Trinidad and Tobago to his Native American grandmother and Afro-Caribbean biological grandfather. Growing up, Steve was regularly exposed to racial and cultural diversity, with his grandmother and African American step-grandfather being significant fixtures during his formative years. As an adult, Steve's appreciation for racial and cultural diversity was magnified during his nine years spent in the United States Marine Corps. He lived in Japan for almost four years as well as spending significant time in Afghanistan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, and Guam. Terri was raised in a very ethnically diverse community and grew up learning about and celebrating the cultures of those around her. As a result, both of our families value people of all races and skin colors.

We live in a very racially diverse community. Our neighbors, church, and schools include families of a wide range of racial backgrounds. A child of any race would feel very comfortable in our community and have no problem finding other kids who look like them. Because of the strong multiracial makeup of our community, there are numerous events hosted throughout the year by the city, various cultural groups, and the Historically Black University that is located in our city.

To say we love our home and neighborhood would be an understatement. Our house is a 4-bed/2-bath cape cod-style home with a covered front porch and nice big backyard. One of the spare bedrooms is used as a playroom and typically has an elaborate wooden train track set up or a parking lot of hot wheels cars on the floor. The front porch is perfect for drinking fruit smoothies on a hot summer afternoon and the backyard is our family's go-to party space. There's plenty of space for the children's playset, Terri's vegetable and flower gardens, a nice big patio for cookouts, an inflatable pool for keeping cool in the summer, and our fall fire pit gatherings. Not to mention a perfect kids-size hill for sledding when we get the magical white stuff in the winter. Our house backs up to one of many neighborhood parks in our community which includes a walking path, sports fields, and two playgrounds. And our favorite feature of the park: a giant ditch that turns into an ideal puddle for puddle stomping after a rainstorm.

We live in a very diverse community in suburban Washington, D.C. Visiting the attractions in D.C, Baltimore, and Annapolis are all an easy drive (or train ride) away and we take advantage of them often. Our neighborhood is full of young families, many of whom we see out and about regularly enjoying the many parks and playgrounds close by.

We live close to where Terri grew up and spend lots of time with her family. Terri's mom still lives in their childhood home so she's close by and we see her often. Grandma loves babysitting her grandkids and is a very convenient and skilled babysitter. Terri's four brothers and sisters are all close by, too. Her older siblings also have young children so family gatherings are full of fun, laughter, and the wild shrieks of small children. We get together often and everyone loves coming over for pool parties, fire pits, barbecues, and to play in the backyard or at the park behind our house. One of our favorite family traditions is our annual beach trips. Every September Terri's mom rents a big beach house at Bethany Beach, Delaware and the whole family spends the week together playing on the beach, going to the boardwalk, playing games and having fun. It's definitely one of the highlights of the year.

Steve's family lives several hours away. We don't see them as often, but we make annual visits to see his dad and his sister's family. We love to stay at his sister's house on our visits so we have plenty of family time. One of our favorite activities when we visit is to go to the Aviary or the Children's Museum. Since we can't see them in person as often, we Skype throughout the year to keep in touch.

First off, thank you for taking the time to learn more about our family. We can only imagine what a difficult time this must be for you and we truly hope God grants you courage, strength, and guidance as you try to figure out what you should do next. Please know you are in our prayers along with all women who are experiencing unexpected pregnancies.

When we got married ten years ago, we always knew we wanted to have children. Family has always been such a big part of our lives and we were so excited to start building one of our own. After struggling for years with heartache and disappointment - and with a little help from modern medicine - we finally were able to have our son, Will.

Will has filled a huge hole in our hearts and we are incredibly grateful to have him in our lives. We have had four years of happiness, love, laughter, and fun. But we know in our hearts that our family isn't complete. When the time was right, we tried once again to have another child, but this time without success. It was then that we realized that God's plan is for us to grow our family through adoption.

Just to tell you a little more about ourselves: Steve served nine years in the US Marine Corps as a radio technician. He completed several deployments throughout the Pacific as well as Afghanistan, and was stationed in Japan for just under four years. For the past ten years, Steve has been working as an engineering technician for the US Department of the Navy as a civilian. At his job he develops and builds new communications systems for the US Marine Corps. He enjoys his job because of his passion for science and technology and for the privilege to support Marines currently serving.

Terri spent eleven years working as a marketing professional and enjoyed her work - especially the opportunity to be creative every day. She didn't initially plan on being a stay-at-home mom but after spending years unable to have children, the idea of being a mom and raising children became much more precious to her. She didn't want to miss out on any of it. So after Will was born, she became a full-time mom and has been enjoying every minute of it ever since.

We are so excited about the possibility of adopting a child. It would be such a blessing to welcome a little one into our family and experience the joys of raising a child once again. Plus he or she will also get a devoted older brother to have many adventures with! Our extended family is excited about the possibility of adding to our family through adoption as well. A child in our family would enjoy the love of many aunts, uncles, loving (and energetic) cousins, and doting grandparents. Any child who becomes part of our family will have more love than words can express.

If you do choose us to be your child's adoptive family, we can promise you this: your child will know who you are and know what an amazing, selfless gift you gave our family. You will always be spoken of in our home with respect and love. You will receive pictures and letters regularly with updates about your child. We are willing to commit to an open adoption so you can have regular communication with your child if that is your wish. We strongly believe that an open adoption would be in the best interest of the child and if that's what you want, we would welcome it.

Thank you for considering us as a potential family for your child. We know you have many tough choices ahead of you. Please trust that God has a plan and he will guide you as you navigate these difficult times. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Steve & Terri