Hello! We are Todd and Ray from Long Beach, California. We’ve been together for six years and married for three years. We love living in Southern California where we get year-round sunshine that serves our active life.

Our hearts have always been open to raising a child even before we met each other. With open minds and open hearts, we are committed to raising a child that knows unconditional love, empathy, joy, kindness and is curious about the world around them. As potential adoptive parents, we see not only the opportunity to enrich a child’s life but also the privilege of being chosen to embark on this transformative journey together.

Living in Southern California, we subscribe to the quintessential laid-back coastal lifestyle where we enjoy beach days, ocean breezes, and an inclusive and supportive community. We love spending time with friends and family when we are not out on an urban or nature hike with our dogs Sammie and Benny. We get energized when we explore places like a simple trip to a hardware store or a planned international vacation.

I was drawn to Todd by his kindness and small-town Wisconsin sensibility and charm. Todd can have fun anywhere and with anyone, but he is most happy when surrounded by family and friends. I could watch Todd play with our nieces and nephews or friend’s kids for hours because he, himself, turns into a big kid.

He loves to see kids laugh and learn and nothing would make me happier than to see him realize his dream of being a father.

When I met Ray I was immediately drawn to his confidence, service to others, and insatiable humor (even he laughs at his own jokes). Ray is the intellectual type, head in a book learning and expanding his mind. The moment we walk into a room Ray is immediately gravitated to all babies; he is incredibly sweet and gentle.

Ray has a natural knack for making children feel comfortable and safe, always eliciting smiles and laughter with his playful and caring demeanor. Ray deserves to be a father.

We live close to the beach in a family-friendly and diverse neighborhood that is a hop, skip and a jump to all that SoCal offers. We love it here!

We purchased our house in 2022 and did an extensive remodel to make it our own. It is a comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bath house with a huge family room and backyard that are both perfect for play and entertaining. Step outside of the house and kids can be seen riding their bikes and playing ball; and you will also see people leisurely walking their dogs or jogging. The elementary school is two blocks away and is recognized as one of the best schools in the area. We are super fortunate to have found this place to call home!

Sammie is our wise older pooch. She is a 13-year-old rescue that loves to give kisses to everyone and is super excited when kids are around. Benny we rescued at 7 months of age and is now 1.5 years old. He is a smart, playful and energetic little guy that loves kids and spends most of his time waiting for someone to play fetch with him.

Both dogs are super well trained and used to being around people and kids.

We are grateful to have loving and supportive families. Ray has a large Latino family that all live in our general area. We love to celebrate holidays and milestones together and even travel together when we get a chance. Our last trip was in 2022 and was a three-week trip to Italy with 18 family members. Ray and Todd’s family are always asking for updates on our adoption process and are beyond excited for another grandchild or nephew or niece, and cousin!

Todd’s family all live in Wisconsin, and we get to see them once or twice a year but we are always in constant contact via phone or Facetime. Todd’s parents recently drove out to California from Wisconsin and stayed for one month to help us with a long list of home improvement projects. All of Todd’s family can’t wait to welcome the newest addition.

Both of our families are fun, loving and supportive and would do anything to help each other out.

We want our child to always feel unconditionally loved and to know that our imperfections are what make us unique. We want open communication and for them to feel safe to express what is on their minds. We want our child to learn from their successes and failures and to know how to be a responsible and integral part of family and community. We will raise our child with the values that we were taught by our parents and to enjoy the simple things in life. We want our child to know right from wrong and that our actions can affect others. Lastly, we want our child to treat others with love and kindness.

We can't wait to see the world through their eyes and start new traditions like making their favorite birthday cake and sharing the world with them through travel.

We are incredibly grateful to you for entrusting us with the opportunity to potentially adopt your child. Your decision reflects immense trust and courage, and we deeply appreciate your selflessness. We understand the weight of your choice of adoption and we vow to approach it with the utmost respect and commitment. Our hearts are full of admiration for your strength and the love you have for your baby, and we are prepared to honor this opportunity with the utmost care, dedication, and love.