Kris & Theresia

Welcome! We’re Kris and Theresia, and we’re thrilled you’re viewing our profile! Kris is a self-employed contractor, inspecting and selling roofs for his childhood friend’s company. Theresia is a radiologic technologist by education, but is a Practice Manager by job title. We’ve known each other since 2003, when we were freshmen at the same high school. Thanks to social media, we were able to stay in contact over the years and eventually, when the time was right, we went on our first date in 2022. We were married November 2, 2024. We’re total opposites in all the best ways; we support one another while keeping each other grounded all at the same time. In 2023, we started our journey with a fertility specialist. While we waited for the initial test results to come back, we discussed the possibility of adoption. Theresia’s mom was adopted, her dad was adopted by his maternal aunt, she also has a sibling and a niece that were both adopted. Kris was adopted and has an adopted cousin…needless to say, our families have a deep-seated connection with adoption!

Theresia received a degree as an x-ray tech in 2008. Since then, she has worked at the same urgent care (UC) center, except for the 2 years she lived in Texas. She returned to the same UC in 2016 and was then promoted to Practice Manager in 2019 – 6 months before the global pandemic, talk about sink or swim! As for Kris, he loves the fact that he has the freedom to set his own schedule as a contractor and enjoys being able to work outside. Kris is also a proud Marine veteran.

About Kris from Theresia –

Kris is very laid back, letting very little get under his skin. That’s something that I love about him and also frustrates me because I wish I could be more like that. Recently, we went to the store and saw someone’s car broke down in the parking lot. He offered to help the stranger push his car and offered to pull our truck over and jump it. The individual declined, stating someone was coming to help, but this shows how kind and selfless Kris can be; not many people help strangers anymore. He is honest to a fault, even if he knows it will be problematic – it’s just who he is. When I see him taking care of our pups, I know he will be a great father by the way he anticipates their needs and provides care they can’t give themselves. He is my northern star, my home, my best friend.

About Theresia from Kris –

Theresia is by far the most caring person I have ever met. She is always thinking and concerned about everyone she knows. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone around her is happy and knows that they are loved. She never thinks about or puts herself first. Her compassion and caring for people is truly one in a million. If given the opportunity, I think she will be an amazing mother because of this rare attribute. Her natural instincts to be so caring and selfless are just some of the many reasons that I fell in love with her because I had never felt or seen a type of love and compassion that she gives every day.

Hobbies –

As a couple, we enjoy being outside. We have a covered patio in our backyard that is our own personal oasis. We have patio furniture, string lights, and even a TV out there. Of course, our 2 fur babies, Remi and Kai, are out there with us either running around the yard playing, begging us to throw the ball, on the couch for snuggles, or in one of their beds. Kris enjoys wood working while Theresia does resin art. We also enjoy upgrading our home. Our “to do” list includes finishing our basement and updating our bathroom. We’ve already got a dedicated room for a nursery that we’re excited to decorate too. As far as activities, we have multiple options locally and within a few hours away – museums, zoos, theme parks, hiking trails, trampoline parks, laser tag, water parks, and so much more!

“Love Makes A Family” –

In our attempts to grow our family, we met with an infertility specialist. Unfortunately, we found out early on that Theresia is unable to bear children of their own, due to an abnormal uterus. While it doesn’t pose any health risks, it comes with difficulty in both conception and carrying a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

Kris’s dad isn’t his biological father, but he adopted him at a young age and took him as his own to raise. Even after his parents divorced, Kris chose to live full-time with his dad and sister from the time he was in middle school until he left for the Marine Corp. Kris also has an aunt and uncle who adopted their son 18 years ago. Theresia’s mother was adopted in Germany at the age of 2 by a German woman and an American soldier. When Theresia’s brother got married, he legally adopted her young daughter. In our family, we truly feel that love makes a family, not just the biological family you’re born into.

Meet Our Furry Sidekicks –

We have 2 fur babies, Remi and Kai.

Remi

I’m an Austrian Shepherd mix that my momma adopted from a rescue when I was 3 months old. I have such a good life here!
I LOVE kids, but tend to be skittish around adult strangers. I think it’s because adults are so much taller than me.
My favorite thing to do is cuddling mom; she gives the best snuggles! If she isn’t around, dad will do.
I’m very smart! If Kai is laying where I want to be, I’ll find a toy and lure him down. I think he’s starting to catch on though…
I was diagnosed with diabetes in January of 2024. I lost a lot of weight and mom got concerned so she took me to the vet. I knew it was bad when she started crying and called dad. They dropped me off at the animal hospital to get my sugars down, and they take the best care of me now, making sure my levels are where they need to be and giving me my meds!

Kai

I’m a German Shepherd that mom and dad adopted from the animal shelter together in 2023. When they found out they couldn’t have human babies, they came and saw me. The next day, dad brought Remi to meet me. Since we got along so well, he took me home that day. Mom came home from work that evening with a new bed and toys for me! I’d never had my own bed until then!
I love to play with toys. My favorite is a bouncy ball. If we’re outside, I’ll bring it to you to throw for me. I jump so high, every time, to catch it!
I know the difference in playing with dad versus anyone else. For example, with dad I know I can be rougher than I am with mom. With kids, I’m even more gentle, so I don’t hurt them.
I tend to be a very protective pup! When dad tries to play fight with mom, I get right in the middle of it to make sure she’s safe. One time, someone came over to do a home repair with only mom there. I didn’t leave her side, but kept my eyes on him.
I love a good pup cup! Dad and I have a weekend tradition of going to get coffee. I enjoy the attention almost as much as my pup cup! Dad says I make a mess with it, but it’s so worth it!

Our Cheer Squad –

We have so many folks excited about our adoption journey! Theresia’s mom is a retired nurse and currently works as a school aid. She plans to retire when we’re able to adopt so she can help with childcare. She currently lives with Theresia’s brother, who was a nurse for 10 years before becoming a pharmacist. Her youngest niece is ecstatic at the possibility of growing our family – she finds something at every store the baby “needs.” Kris’s sister has 2 kids and can’t wait to finally be an aunt! His niece has already told us the child will be her best friend, regardless of whether it’s a boy or girl. Kris’s parents are excited about the possibility of having another grandchild to spoil too! We’re also Godparents to Theresia’s best friend’s 2 daughters, one of Kris’s best friend’s son, and another friend’s daughter. Our closest friends and family know how long we’ve wanted to be parents and how much we enjoy children.

Signature Celebrations –

We love creating new traditions to fit our family and can’t wait to have a little one to join in! Every year for Valentine’s Day, we order Mexican takeout and eat in bed while watching a movie. Thanksgiving consists of the Wednesday before at our house with Theresia’s family and then with Kris’s family on Thanksgiving Day. Come Christmas time, the inside of our house is decked in Christmas decor. Not only do we have our tree, we have garland around doorways, lights in multiple rooms, stockings hung on the artificial fireplace, and we add to our village yearly. Every year, we watch the original cartoons of The Grinch and Rudolph. Theresia’s family always does finger foods and gift exchanges on Christmas Eve. Since getting older and extending our families, we continue that tradition and spend Christmas Day with Kris’s immediate and extended family.

Theresia

Piggy Partner – when my niece was 2, somedays she’d be the pickiest eater and other days she’d eat everything in the house. One day, she was with me and wanted everything to eat. I jokingly commented that she was a piggy… From then on, we’ve referred to one another as Piggy Partners!
Pizza is my favorite food! There are so many options! I’d prefer small, “hometown” shops vs larger chains.
I love animals, especially dogs! When I bought my first house, I got a lab puppy, “free to good home.” She was later diagnosed with a seizure disorder. I seem to be drawn to those that end up with medical conditions and need a little extra care and attention. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I see it as having the chance to give them a better quality life than they may have had otherwise.
I’m absolutely terrified of spiders! I even put it in our wedding vows that Kris handles all the creepy crawlies.
Recently, I’ve begun doing crafts with resin for us, family, and friends. For Christmas this year, one of my employees and I did joint gifts. She bought everyone cups with bluetooth speakers, and I personalized them using resin in everyone’s favorite colors.
I’m a woman’s woman, but I’m not a girly girl… I love to support and uplift other women. But I’m not the one that consistently dresses in the latest fashion trends with brand name purses or has my hair/makeup done.
I love music. My playlist ranges from 90’s boy bands to country to rock to hip-hop – if I can understand it, I’ll sing along… Even though I don’t have a good singing voice.
I hate receiving flowers for Valentine’s Day. I’d much rather Kris get flowers from the grocery store because he thought about me when he saw them, rather than because society says he’s “supposed to.”
I enjoy traveling and spontaneous road trips. We went on a family vacation to Outer Banks, NC in 2022. That’s where Kris proposed. We missed sunrise on the beach, so we went searching for seashells before it got too hot and busy. I turned around to see the shell he’d picked, and he was on one knee!

Kris

I proudly served as a Marine from June 2006 – May 2010.
I find peace in nature, watching wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, deer and anything else that will eat the bird seed that we put out in the backyard.
I love football, especially the Baltimore Ravens.
I enjoy cooking, especially on the smoker. My favorite thing to smoke is definitely brisket. It is the hardest thing to smoke, but when done right, it is worth the wait!
I enjoy tending to and watching my fish in their 75 gallon, naturally planted aquarium. We have many different types of fish such as, corys, guppys, bettas, and some small catfish. Some of the female bettas will even come up to the top so you can pet them.
I used to play basketball daily both in school and outside of school, all day, every day. I even wore basketball shorts under my pants during the winter, just in case an opportunity to play came up.
I currently have 6 tattoos and plan on more in the future. All of my tattoos have meaning, mostly related to my time in the Marines.
I’ve traveled all over the world, and I’ve experienced many different cultures and ways of life. My favorite place of all was Malta, Italy. It was the most beautiful and peaceful place that I have ever been to and would love to return someday.
I grew up going to the lake with my family – boating, tubing, and wake boarding.
I’d love to build an outdoor pond in the future. Our property has a spot in the back that is wooded, and it would be a perfect place to put it. I can put game cameras up just to see what animals come to visit.