We are parents to one child, Elijah, who has become the center of our family in the most joyful way. Since he joined our lives through adoption, our home has been shaped around connection, routine, and shared experiences. Elijah is social, curious, and enjoys being around other children, which makes it easy to imagine him growing alongside a sibling and sharing everyday moments together.

Parenting Elijah has taught us a great deal about patience, flexibility, and the importance of emotional presence. We are excited about the possibility of adding another child to our family and supporting a sibling relationship built on kindness, cooperation, and mutual respect. We look forward to helping both children develop their own identities while also encouraging a strong bond between them.

Openness and honesty are important to us. We maintain a close relationship with Elijah's birth parents, as well as with the adoptive parents of his biological siblings. Through this, Elijah is already learning that family can be built in many ways and that adoption creates connections rather than limits them. We talk about adoption in age-appropriate ways and view it as an extension of family, not something separate from it. Welcoming another child through adoption would expand this sense of connection even further. We are committed to helping each child feel secure, valued, and supported, while honoring the relationships and stories that make them who they are.

In our free time, we enjoy a mix of relaxed and creative activities that reflect who we are both as individuals and as a family. As a couple, we enjoy gaming together and have recently taken up 3D printing, which has been a fun way to learn something new and work on projects side by side. Since moving to a new home, we've also spent time on home projects, which has helped us settle in and make the space truly our own.

Individually, we each have interests that bring balance to our days. Kris enjoys comedy radio and YouTube shows. He also likes gardening and caring for our pets—activities he already enjoys sharing with Elijah. He also has a love for stargazing and astronomy and often reads books about space, even if Elijah is sometimes asleep by the time the stars are out and not able to share in that activity just yet. Noida enjoys reading and has begun reading classic novels aloud to Elijah alongside his children's books. She also enjoys watching NBA basketball.

As a family, we love taking walks and exploring our new community together. We regularly visit local spots such as downtown areas, the library, parks, and nature trails. These outings have become a favorite way to spend time together and discover new places. Overall, our leisure time reflects a playful, curious, and supportive environment—one we are excited to continue sharing as our family grows.

Family traditions are an important part of our life together and help create a sense of connection and comfort. One of the most meaningful is celebrating Noche Buena on Christmas Eve, a tradition that brings our family together through food, music, and time spent simply enjoying one another's company. It's a night filled with conversation, familiar flavors, and togetherness.

Thanksgiving is another favorite and reflects how our family blends traditions. We gather for a meal that includes both classic American dishes—like turkey, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes—alongside Cuban favorites such as rice and black beans, fried sweet plantains, and yuca. This holiday has become a special opportunity to celebrate our American traditions, while tying in our Latino roots.

Beyond holidays, our weekends follow a rhythm that feels grounding and flexible. Some weekends are spent at home working on a project or relaxing together, while others are dedicated to getting out and exploring the town. Elijah especially enjoys our walks, which have become a simple but meaningful daily routine.

These traditions—both big and small—create a sense of belonging and predictability. They are the moments we look forward to repeating and expanding as our family grows, offering a child consistency, warmth, and shared experiences to build lasting memories.

We live in a small town in Central Florida, a community we recently moved specifically because it felt like the right place to raise a family. After living in a large city, we wanted a slower pace, strong schools, and a safer, more family-centered environment. Our area is known for its well-regarded schools, access to local parks, and a family oriented community.

Our neighborhood is quiet and friendly. Neighbors wave, stop to say hello, and genuinely look out for one another. Even though we have only lived here a short time, the sense of community has been immediate and welcoming. The area is diverse, safe, and offers many opportunities for children to grow and connect.

We enjoy taking Elijah on daily walks around the neighborhood, where he happily waves to neighbors, passing cars, their children, and pets. We also attend a weekly reading group for young children at the local library, which has become a favorite family activity and a wonderful way to connect with other families. Nearby parks and open spaces make it easy to imagine this child spending time outdoors, playing, and building friendships.

Our home is comfortable and designed for family life, with spaces to gather, play, and relax together. The living room serves as the heart of our home, and our outdoor areas allow us to enjoy time outside as a family. Together, our home and community offer a supportive, family-oriented environment where a child can feel safe, encouraged, and truly at home.

Family plays an important role in our lives, and both of our families are small, close, and full of personality. Time together is lively and comforting. Everyone naturally falls into roles that make gatherings feel easy and joyful.

When family visits, gatherings revolve around big Cuban meals. Kris's dad, Marcos, is our resident "Mr. Fix-It" and loves taking the lead on cooking. His meals bring everyone together, while Kris's mom, Marie, adds her touch with homemade desserts. Marie is more laid-back and reserved, balancing the energy in the room. During these meals, Noida's mom, Marlene, is often the one helping with dishes while keeping the atmosphere lively with her animated personality. Afterward, everyone settles in to talk, laugh, and watch funny videos together.

Although our parents live a few hours away and our siblings are in other states, distance has never limited closeness. We stay connected through frequent visits and regular calls and FaceTime so Elijah can maintain strong bonds with his grandparents.

Our families are very supportive of our adoption plan and are excited to welcome another child. They stay closely involved and share in everyday moments, reassuring us that this child will grow up surrounded by love, consistency, and encouragement.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us and to consider our family. We understand that this decision comes from a place of deep love, thought, and courage, and we want you to know how much respect we have for whatever path you choose. Even allowing someone into this moment of your life is meaningful, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to share who we are with you.

We are Kris and Noida, and we have been married for fourteen years, together for eighteen. Our relationship has grown through many stages of life, and at its core it is steady, supportive, and built on mutual respect. While we are different in many ways, we complement each other well. We approach challenges thoughtfully, communicate openly, and place a strong emphasis on teamwork. These qualities have only deepened as we became parents.

Adoption is already part of our family's story, and it has shaped us in profound ways. We are parents to a young child through adoption, and that experience has reinforced for us how powerful honesty, openness, and connection can be. We believe that children benefit from knowing their full story and from understanding that they are deeply loved by many people. In our home, adoption is spoken about openly and naturally, and we view birth parents as an important part of our extended family.

If you were to choose us, your child would always know where they come from and that they were loved and cared for from the very beginning. We are committed to speaking about you with respect and appreciation, and to helping your child understand their story in age-appropriate and affirming ways. We have also welcomed the adoptive families of our child's biological siblings into this extended family, and we believe that honoring these connections strengthens a child's sense of belonging.

We are open to maintaining contact in a way that feels healthy and respectful for everyone involved. We will absolutely send letters and pictures so you can see how your child is growing and thriving. Beyond that, we are open to additional contact, always guided by what feels right and in the best interest of your child. Our approach to openness is thoughtful and flexible, and we value clear communication and mutual respect.

What we offer as parents is a stable, supportive, and loving environment where a child is always put first. Our home is one where curiosity is encouraged, feelings are acknowledged, and individuality is celebrated. We believe in consistency, patience, and creating a sense of safety where a child can grow at their own pace. Family time matters deeply to us, and we are intentional about being present and engaged in our child's life.

Above all, we want you to know that we respect you. We respect the weight of this decision and the love behind it. If you choose us, we would be honored to raise your child and to care for them with the devotion, honesty, and compassion they deserve. And if your path leads elsewhere, we will still hold gratitude for having been considered.

Thank you for reading our letter and for allowing us a glimpse into this meaningful part of your journey. We wish you peace and clarity as you make the decision that is right for you and your child.

With sincere respect and gratitude,

Kris & Noida