We’re Joshua and Spencer, and our love story began when Joshua was working in a downtown office as a corporate risk manager just minutes from where Spencer was living while getting his architecture degree. Somehow our paths didn’t cross until a fateful day when we became a match and had the perfect first date that lasted hours. We both knew we had found in each other a partner and best friend we couldn’t live without. After two years of wandering around museums, weekend farmers markets, and antique shop exploring, we were engaged on the sunny beaches of Florida and married shortly after. When we aren’t enjoying an evening bike ride or walking through our neighborhood, you can find us trying a new restaurant or hosting a game night. We also love taking our camper to visit different campsites with family and friends, all while we try to perfect the art of s’more making.

Joshua is one of three siblings and an uncle to three awesome nephews. His parents have been married for over 40 years, and since they are both retired, they couldn’t be more excited to welcome another grandchild to dote on. His whole family is local and enjoys getting together on Friday nights for pizza, games, and laughter. Josh’s mom is one of twelve girls, so he has more aunts and cousins than he can count, but it makes every family gathering that much more fun.

Spencer’s parents have been married for over 30 years and can’t believe they are lucky enough to welcome more than one grandchild so close together as Spencer’s only sibling recently had her first child. When his parents aren’t working, you can find them camping across the state of Michigan, including an annual family vacation that happens every summer. The trip has been going on for decades, and now a whole new generation of kids are enjoying the memories being made around the campfire.

Even with the chaos that hosting brings, we love hosting our extended families for the holidays. From Halloween to Thanksgiving and Christmas, we can always be counted on to roll out the welcome mat and celebrate with our favorite people.

We live in one of those rare places that draws generation upon generation back to raise their own kids in a close-knit community. Just a few blocks away from the lake, the children in our neighborhood grow up on tree-lined streets, all within walking distance of great schools and safe parks. Neighbors chat over the fences, meet for coffee in the shopping districts, and celebrate holidays in the city square. Our spacious, historic home is split between three floors and shared with one very friendly cat named Lily. She can usually be found sunbathing near a window during the day and curling up to one of us at night as we unwind while watching a sitcom or reading one of our favorite books.

From the first moment we discussed becoming parents, we both immediately agreed that adoption was our number one path to fatherhood. More than anything, we want the opportunity to provide a safe and loving home for a child who needs one. You can usually find either one of us holding a friend’s newborn baby or playing with a family member’s child at nearly every gathering we attend, and we can’t wait to share our love with a child of our own. Our deep connections with our families and friends, as well as our unwavering love and support for each other, makes us feel more than ready to start a family of our own.