Hello, we are Marris & Michael, Mike for short. We met each other over the internet in middle school, fell in love, and have been married for 6 years (and counting!). Marris is a nurse, and Mike is a teacher; we’re both caring, compassionate, and grounded people who have always dreamed of becoming parents.
Over the years, we’ve tried to grow our family and faced the heartbreak of multiple miscarriages. While those moments were incredibly difficult, they led us toward adoption—a path we had always considered and now feel was meant for us all along. There’s a deep sense of peace and purpose in following this journey.
We met way back at the end of middle school (yes, middle school) and started dating in 2010—and honestly, we’ve been inseparable ever since! In 2018, we tied the knot outdoors with a super fun Great Gatsby 1920s-themed wedding. Mike’s dad officiated (cue the happy tears!), and we celebrated with a honeymoon full of laughter and magic at Disney World and Universal Studios. We’re total kids at heart, and that trip was everything we dreamed of.
High school was filled with cheering each other on—me at softball games, Mike on the baseball field—and dancing the night away at every school dance. Our bond has only grown stronger over the years, and we’re not just partners, we’re truly best friends.
Now, we live in the same cozy small town where we both grew up, surrounded by our families. We can’t wait to become parents and create a home filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of everyday magic. Marris works three days a week as a nurse and is off on weekends, while Mike works full-time but gets weekends, summers, and holidays off—so we’re lucky to have lots of family time built into our routine. On workdays, our amazing village of friends and family are already so excited to spend time with our little one while we are working. We are so grateful for their help. We plan to have the little one spend time with their grandparents at least once a week (hopefully more). We were both super close with our grandparents growing up, so it means the world to us that our child will have the same kind of loving bond.
As parents, we want to raise a kind, compassionate, loyal little human who knows they are always loved. Every night, we plan to cuddle up and read together—something calm, cozy, and full of wonder—to end the day with a reminder that they are safe, special, and deeply cherished. We are open to adopting a child of any race and are committed to honoring and celebrating their cultural heritage. Our family would embrace the joys and responsibilities of transracial adoption, ensuring a child feels seen, supported, and connected to their roots.
Mike is the sweetest, most caring, loyal, and loving soul I’ve ever known. From the moment we met, I felt something different—something lasting. I knew, deep in my heart, that he was meant to be my forever. Over the years, he has been my constant source of comfort and strength. When I’m feeling low, he always knows how to lift me up, whether it’s through his words, his presence, or just a quiet moment of understanding. He’s my number one supporter—the person I can always count on, no matter what. He’s the kind of man who truly listens, who gives his honest and thoughtful advice when I ask, and shows up with his whole heart, every time. And after 17 years of growing together, loving each other, and truly learning who he is, I can say without a doubt that he’s going to be the most incredible father. I know he’ll be the dad who patiently teaches, who comforts with open arms, who encourages with unwavering belief, and who celebrates every small and big moment with pride and joy. He’s going to be the kind of dad every child dreams of—their teacher, their protector, their cheerleader, and their soft place to land. I can’t wait to see him become a dad.
Marris is my wife—and she is the most kind, honest, and hardworking person I have ever met. For nearly 17 years, she has been my best friend and constant companion. Her resilience and determination inspire me every day. I’ve watched her overcome every obstacle that stood between her and happiness with unwavering strength. She never runs from a challenge; instead, she welcomes them—and that’s exactly how I know she’s going to be an incredible mother.
Through the ups and downs of growing our family, Marris has never once given up. Her strength has only deepened our bond and brought us even closer together. She brings light and laughter into our lives—whether she’s dancing around the house or making up silly songs. She’s the perfect blend of hardworking and fun.
What I’ve always admired most about Marris is how deeply she believes—not just in herself, but in me, and in our family. She lifts us all up with her unwavering support. Marris is my motivation and my grounding force. She keeps me balanced, with my feet on the ground and my heart still dreaming.
I love my wife. I love her for all of these reasons—and more. But most of all, I love the quiet strength she shows in simply being by my side, every day. Marris lives out the truth that love isn’t just a word—it’s an action, something we show up for and choose, again and again.
I am endlessly proud to call her my wife, and I cannot wait to watch her become the loving, nurturing mother she was always meant to be.
Mike’s family plays a huge role in our lives. We live just 10 minutes away from his parents and have Sunday dinners together every week. His sister lives in New York now, but she visits often, and we enjoy taking trips to see her too. His parents also have a lake house a few hours away, where we spend many weekends and summer days relaxing, playing games, having bonfires, and connecting with nature. Every 4th of July, we host a big family-and-friends gathering filled with boat rides, games, sunshine, and laughter—like a family reunion we look forward to every year.
I (Marris) was raised by my single mother alongside my sister, with my grandparents serving as our strongest source of support and stability. They were my strongest supporters, and the backbone of the family. They were always at our house watching us, taking us shopping or to breakfast, and teaching us important life values that will carry on. My sister still lives with my mom in town and she comes over often or calls me for big sister advice. My father and I had a tough relationship as he battled addiction for much of his life. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago as a result of those struggles. Because of this, I have a deep sense of empathy and compassion for individuals and families affected by addiction—it’s something that’s very close to my heart. We do not judge those who are struggling.
Our friends are like family. We have known most of them since high school, and we have a very close friend group. They have already given us tons of advice, donations of items to prepare our nursery, and we know that we can count on them for anything, especially during our new journey of becoming parents. Our friends are teachers, engineers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and police officers, and are an amazing, diverse group of individuals. Many of them have young children, and we’re so excited for a child to grow up with lots of little “cousins” and playmates. We have friends who have chosen adoption for their child, as well as friends who have adopted transracially. We plan to look to them for advice.
We live near our families in the same small town where we both grew up. We live in a 3-bedroom home, and it has been a joy to love our home and make updates over the years. It’s in a friendly neighborhood near a park and an elementary school—there are always kids playing outside, and it feels like a great place to raise a family. Our very familiar town has fun events in the summertime, including live music, food trucks, and art exhibits that we love to go to with our friends and family. We aren’t too far from a big city, which offers lots of activities to do such as going to the beach, museums, concerts, attending Broadway shows, or treating ourselves to a new restaurant.
We have a small miniature dachshund (aka wiener dog) who is 5 years old and loves being around our family. He truly is the king of the castle and the light of our lives. We have hundreds (probably more than that) photos on our phones of him. We take him on our trips to the lake and to his grandparents’ house (Mike’s parents) where he plays with their dog, (who we call his uncle) named Finn. His favorite thing is when he takes car rides to Dairy Queen because he knows he is going to get a pup cup (ice cream). He is the sweetest little pup there ever was. He snuggles in our bed with us every night and burrows under the covers. He’s great with our friends’ kids, who have come over to our home, and we just know that he is going to be the best big brother.
Michael and I were both baptized Catholic and continue to embrace many of its core values, though we don’t adhere strictly to all traditions. We’re currently seeking a church that resonates with us—a place where we can grow spiritually, feel a sense of belonging, and nurture our family’s faith. Our goal is to find a welcoming church community to attend a few times a month, where we can instill positive values in our future children and build lasting relationships.
Thank you for taking the time to read about us. Though we haven’t met yet, we want you to know how much we admire your strength, courage, and the love you have for your child. We cannot imagine the weight of the decision you’re facing, but we want to honor and respect it every step of the way.
We are a loving, devoted couple who have longed to grow our family through adoption. Our journey has not been without heartache, but through it all, our desire to be parents has only grown stronger. We believe that love makes a family, and we have so much love to give—not only to a child, but also to the brave woman who helps bring that child into our lives.
Our home is warm, safe, and filled with laughter. We enjoy simple pleasures—cooking meals together, taking evening walks with our dog, visiting with friends and family, and traveling to new places. We value kindness, honesty, and a deep respect for others. We hope to raise a child who is curious, confident, and surrounded by unconditional love.
If you choose us to be your child’s parents, please know that we will always speak of you with honor and gratitude. We want your child to know where they came from, how loved they are by you, and how your selfless decision gave them the gift of a beautiful life. We are open to a relationship that feels right for you—whether that includes letters, pictures, or visits. We believe adoption is not the end of a story, but the beginning of a shared journey.
We promise to nurture your child’s unique spirit, celebrate their milestones, and provide a foundation built on love and security. Your child will grow up knowing that they were wanted deeply, chosen with care, and cherished completely.
We hope to have the opportunity to get to know you, hear your story, and share ours with you. Whatever decision you make, please know that we are holding you in our hearts with deep respect and compassion.
With love and gratitude, Marris & Michael
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