There is an ancient Chinese belief that an invisible, unbreakable red thread connects all those who are destined to be together. And we know this to be true, for our adoption story was written on our hearts long before we tried having children. We both have cousins who were adopted and we never considered them any different than us. They are loved and accepted unconditionally just like every other family member. It’s incredible to think that even back then God had planted a seed that would one day forever change the course of our lives.

About Loren:

About Matty:

We are a transracial family and as parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children early on that in our differences there is beauty and strength. We are fortunate in that we already live in a very accepting and ethnically diverse area. On our small street alone, there are three biracial families whom we have relationships with, along with other families at our church and son’s Tae Kwon Do class. Our son regularly plays with kids of all ages, races and backgrounds, which naturally creates opportunities for discussion about acceptance and understanding of other cultures and viewpoints.

We have already opened up the conversation about how our differences are to be honored and embraced, not judged. We’ve begun reading him books about characters who are different from one another in inspiring ways. And we will continue to honor and cultivate his (and our future child’s discovery) of their heritage at every stage of their lives.

We live in a close-knit, culturally diverse community bursting at the seams with kids of all ages. It’s the kind of place where neighbors have become family, kids play outside until dark and everyone looks out for each other. When we got the call that our son was arriving early, our neighbors jumped in and took care of everything, including our dog. They even welcomed us home with a crib and a huge party. We’re beyond blessed to have that kind of love and support!

There’s always something happening around here, like the annual chili cook-off, 4th of July block party, Christmas parade, Halloween haunted house and numerous cultural events. In the summer, the neighborhood pool with its huge water slide and lazy river is the place to be. Our cozy home is tucked away on a lively street with three bedrooms and a large bonus room that’s our son’s playroom. Our backyard faces a peaceful creek and wooded buffer where Myrtle, our resident turtle lives.

We both grew up with tight, loving families. Loren was a self-proclaimed mama’s boy! His father (his hero) was one of 16 and Matty’s mom also grew up in a large family, so there’s a whole lot of love to go around.

Our families were over the moon when our son was born and cannot wait for another child to spoil! Family is everything to us so we make sure we get together several times a year. Annual trips with Matty’s family include a beach vacation with her parents, sisters and niece/nephews where we jet-ski, boogie board, build sandcastles and hit the boardwalk. At Christmas, we celebrate together with traditional Hungarian foods, a visit from Santa on the firetruck, and if we’re lucky to have a white one, snowball fights and sled races.

Most of Loren’s family are out west but we see his brothers and childhood buddies often. When we visit, we make a beeline to the beach, cook out with family and friends, catch a baseball game or head to the zoo. Out this way, we mix it up with movies, whiffle ball, Carne Asada, boating on the lake and football games. Everyone is super excited to welcome your baby into our little tribe of love!

We are in awe of your bravery and amazing love for your baby and pray that you find peace no matter what you decide. Everyone has a unique story and sometimes those stories are destined to be forever entwined. And so we’d like to share ours with you.

In our home, our spirited and big-hearted son, Briggs, dreams of becoming a big brother. He’s a natural with little ones and will be fiercely loyal to his sister or brother. He tells us how he’ll teach her or him how to ride a bike and swim -- and he even volunteered to change the stinky diapers! We are Briggs’s proud and adoring parents, Loren and Matty, and we share the same dream. We’ve been married for 15 years and it’s been an incredible ride. By far, the best part of our union was the moment we became parents. And we’re beyond excited to double our joy, love and laughter!

We’re a flip-flop wearing, fun-loving and outdoorsy family. We love hiking the local trails, biking on our beach cruisers with neighbor kids usually in tow, kayaking, swimming, playground hopping, and our favorite -- playing at the beach. We’re also travel nuts who believe the world is a classroom where we can experience and learn about other places, people and cultures. We hope to inspire this same sense of wonder in Briggs and another child, and can already picture how much sweeter the adventures will be with four of us!

Loren has a huge heart and a calling to serve others. He was an elementary school teacher, mentored at-risk youth, and coached basketball and high school football. He later fulfilled another of his boyhood dreams by becoming a firefighter and riding on the big red truck. Coolest dad ever in Briggs’s eyes! Loren put himself through college and graduate school while working full-time, which speaks volumes about his determination and dedication. And as much as he has to be proud of, he’ll be the first to tell you that nothing compares to his most important role as father. Loren cannot wait to share his boundless love with another child!

Matty is a creative soul with an adventurous spirit who wears her heart on her sleeve. She loves all things movies, music, reading and gardening. Matty has such love and compassion for people and animals that Loren wants to get her an “I brake for turtles” bumper sticker! She's the kind of mom who builds Legos, duels with her little Darth Vader, and reads book after book until her voice is hoarse. Matty is a writer who works from home so she has plenty of time to spend with Briggs and a new baby. She always knew her life’s purpose was to become a mother and being blessed with another beautiful soul to love and nurture would make her life complete.

We made it a priority to explain our son’s beautiful adoption story to him early on, and help him understand why our family of choice is so very special. That conversation remains open, honest and ongoing as he grows and has questions. Your child will also know about you and the selfless act of love you chose so that he or she could have the life you envisioned. We hope to give you comfort and peace in your decision by sharing letters and pictures of the milestones and seasons of your child’s life.

Please know that should you choose to give us the enormous privilege and responsibility of raising your precious child, she or he will be infinitely loved and cherished. We send you lots of support, prayers and encouragement during this challenging time.

Loren & Matty