Andrew & Shasta
Our Religion(s)
Other Religion / Spiritual
Race of child interested in adopting:
Caucasian, Asian, Caucasian/Hispanic, Caucasian/Asian, Caucasian/African American
Dear Birthmother
Writing this note of gratitude is as complex as the circumstances that have brought you here. Without knowing the details, we do know that. Our hearts fill with love and break in a cycle that repeats over and over again. We recognize that in an attempt to do what’s best for you and your baby, you must first make the difficult decision of separating from a piece of yourself. Beyond that, we also recognize how daunting it must be to choose from the many deserving families that have so much room in their hearts.
Through your bravery, we could be gifted an opportunity to realize the life we dreamed for ourselves. It would be a tremendous honor to be tasked with the responsibility of creating the best life possible for this cherished piece of your soul. Whether or not you choose us, we honor your journey and send you love.
About Us
In 2012 Shasta moved to Philadelphia to complete her undergraduate degree. Andrew had just graduated from a university and had started a new job as a software consultant. We met through mutual friends and spent the early years of our relationship exploring the city and going to concerts, including those of a band Andrew was a part of. As the days rolled on, we realized we had so much more in common. Since starting our relationship, we’ve regularly enjoyed traveling, camping, kayaking, trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, exploring new restaurants, cooking eclectic meals, and loving on our pets—often with the company of our families. We currently live in Texas, with Andrew working as a business development manager for a 3D printing materials company and Shasta working as a production engineer at a chemical manufacturing facility.
What Led Us To Adoption
We always knew we wanted kids with both of us having grown up in vibrant and lively homes. In addition, alternative approaches to family building were always in our peripheral. Shasta is adopted herself, and Andrew grew up with multiple friends who were adopted. After getting married and experiencing multiple miscarriages, adoption felt like a calling. There’s so much joy and excitement in the thought of sharing the world, our lives, and our traditions. We’re energized by the opportunity to expand on those experiences with a child while guiding them along their own path in life.
Our Home
We currently live in a large city in Texas, in a vibrant community with many young families. Our complex opens up to a large park, where we enjoy running, cycling, and walking the dog. We live in a spacious, two-floor, two-bedroom apartment decorated with various pieces of art and even a few musical instruments. Our dog, Charlie, and cat, Nikkō, prove their love to each other through snuggles and grooming. They’re great with people, children included, although Nikkō can be shy at first. We also own a modest stone house in suburban Pennsylvania with a large backyard adorned with a giant sycamore tree. One day we plan to move back. The town is a quaint community with a lively main street and top-rated schools.
Our Family
Andrew always had a close-knit family growing up with his mom, dad, and two siblings in New Jersey. Andrew’s brother is his mountain adventure buddy. His sister is his best friend and fashion advisor. She has a family of her own, with a husband and two children. Everyone regularly gets together for religious holidays and international vacations. (Our favorite location is Greece!) Our cherished activities are enjoying a big meal on a patio or lounging around a fireplace playing games.
Shasta was adopted by her great-aunt, who already had an eight-year-old son and a ten-year-old daughter. She grew up in Florida close to her biological family, and they were able to visit each other frequently. As a result, she became best friends with her biological sister, who is two years older. By the time Shasta was a teenager, she had six nieces and nephews. Holidays were a glorious mess of energetic games and eating on the floor with mismatched plates. Now the family is spread out, and some are no longer with us. The nieces and nephews are reaching ages where they will soon be growing their families as well. We continue the fun every chance we get.
