We both feel that parenthood is the greatest responsibility that we as a couple or individuals can take on in our life. The chance to influence and guide a new human being through life is a challenge we hope we can succeed in. To be a parent to us means that we strive to nurture and guide your child while giving them room to navigate the world and learn from their own mistakes. In the words of Jonas Salk "Good parents give their children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is and wings to fly away and exercise what's been taught them." What we expect to like most about being parents is the joy of getting to see the world through a child's eyes.

Our friends have often spoken of the joy they feel when watching their child's first Christmas or Halloween, or even just their first experience with ice cream, and we look forward to that same joy. There are so many experiences that we are eager to show your child from the tops of mountains and diving in the oceans of the world to marveling at the architecture of ancient civilizations and enjoying the food of different cultures.

We both first met at college during a Greek life event hosted by Eli's fraternity. While we didn't immediately date we continued to see each other around campus and chatted at social events. Two years later after Eli had graduated, while he was returning to visit friends, we struck up a conversation and exchanged numbers. The following day Chelsea received a message from Eli and from there the conversation flowed. Eli, awkward as always didn't want to presume the dinners they were going on were dates, Chelsea frustrated at the conclusion of one of these dinners boldly asked "So are you going to kiss me or not?" and from there we were dating.

Two years later Eli proposed during a hike up Mount Washington before we quickly descended to escape a blizzard. A year after that we were married at a beautiful vineyard outside of Gettysburg surrounded by friends and family.

Chelsea About Eli

The quality I admire most in Eli is his compassion. He has a tender heart and deeply cares about the plight of others. It is closely followed by my admiration of his generosity. Eli is the most generous person I know almost to a fault. Not only would he do anything for those he loves, he shows immense generosity to strangers and those in need. He also has a goofy side which never fails to make me laugh. He is incredibly smart and I tend to treat him as my personal encyclopedia. He will be great at answering a child’s curious questions because his knowledge is vast. He is kind, funny and dedicated and all the reasons he makes such an excellent spouse I know he will be an amazing father.

Eli About Chelsea

Chelsea has always been the most empathetic and kind person I know. She has continuously demonstrated this through all years I have known her, not just caring for those who treat her well, but also understanding and caring for those who don't. When a person has a conversation with Chelsea they always know that they have her undivided attention. With every person she meets she seems to become a close friend and a trusted confidant. I have never met a person so good at making others feel cared for.

Both Chelsea and Eli grew up in central Pennsylvania, where their families still live. While we moved away to explore the American West, return trips are a frequent and important part of our lives.

Chelsea’s family just welcomed her sister's child into the world and is excited to welcome more children into the family! For Chelsea's family Christmas is always a highlight. With her mom opening the day by making Sticky Buns for Christmas breakfast followed by gift exchanges and visits to grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Family is an important part of Chelsea's life with frequent trips made back home to ensure she doesn't miss the important moments.

Eli comes from a large family of both adopted and biological siblings over a range of ages from young children to adults. His family consists of various siblings from different races and backgrounds adopted from foster care by his parents. Your child would always have a resource available to them if they have questions about what it means to be adopted, and would never feel out of place at family gatherings. His family's holidays always feature food and games prominently. Thanksgiving is always a family favorite with his mom making a spread of food and conversation stretching well into the night over games and dessert.

We both moved to Albuquerque New Mexico last year and enjoy the beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains and stunning sunsets every evening. We both grew up in rural Pennsylvania so New Mexico is a big change, but we have found we loved every moment of the experience. So much so that we purchased a 3 bedroom home with a large living room we are eager to watch your child play in!

We look forward to showing your child the beauty of nature from hikes in the Santa Fe Mountains to sledding down the Sand dunes of White Sands National Park. We are eager to get see the world through your child's eyes as they marvel at the all animals at the local zoo or enjoy a s'more for the first time while sitting around a fire in the backyard on a cool desert evening.

In the winter Eli is eager to teach a child how to Ski or Snowboard in the mountains and in the summer he wants to take them out rock climbing at the local crag.

Chelsea looks forward to getting a new riding partner to take out to the local stables. New Mexico is a family oriented state, so much so that they just instituted universal child care for all residents, a first in the nation!

To begin with we both want to state we have so much respect for you as you navigate this challenging decision, regardless of your choice to select us as your child's parents. We both want to state that adoption has always been our first choice and if you choose us as your child's parents we will raise them with love and respect. We both recall the early days of our relationship, ten years ago before we were married, sitting by a creek discussing our future and the role adoption played in it. For Eli, it was always a part of his family growing up with numerous adopted siblings. Chelsea from a young age recalls being drawn to adoption and discussing her plans with her family.

If you choose us as your child's adoptive parents we want to assure you that they will be raised in a loving home. We both view parenthood as a joyous adventure, but also a heavy responsibility. We often reflect on our own upbringing and the things our parents did well and the things that we would like to improve on. We hope to provide a home for your child where they are supported when needed but also have the room to be independent and grow. Most importantly we want to provide a home where your child can have their own voice and own opinions without fear or judgement or reprisal.

When we discuss what we hope raising a child will look like we are excited about everything. From the simple joys of watching them discovering a new food they like to watching them marvel at all the wonders of the world on vacations. Eli is excited to sit and help with school work problems in the evening and read them bed time stories at night. Chelsea is eager to introduce them to her favorite musical artists on long car rides and watch her favorite Disney movies with them on Friday nights. We both are eager to watch your child grow and develop into an adult and are eager to support them as they face the challenge associated with growing up.

To conclude, we both want to also assure you about our commitment to open adoption, if this is your decision. We know this is a difficult decision, and we hope that the knowledge that we are committed to providing you updates on your child's life and development helps ease some of that burden. We believe that it is both important and the right of our future child to have the opportunity to get to know their birth parents. We will make it a priority to ensure you get the opportunity to meet with your child over the years and continue to be a part of their life and develop a relationship with them.

Thank you for taking the time to review our profile and we wish you the absolute best of luck as you navigate this difficult decision. We appreciate your consideration of us as your child's prospective parents but regardless of your decision hope for the best life for both you and your child.

Eli & Chelsea