We met in our mid-twenties and were married for five years before welcoming our beautiful son, Santino, into our lives. Santino is a joyful, silly four-year-old who is growing up so quickly and beginning to develop his own opinions and interests. He has a way of making people happier simply by being around him. We’re often asked if he is truly as happy as he seems, and the answer is always yes. Santino approaches life with excitement and wonder, turning even the simplest moments into little adventures. He has a vivid imagination that makes his pretend play fascinating to listen to, and a warm, sensitive heart that shows how kind he is to others. Santino loves playing with any child he meets, whether they’re a close friend or someone new. At school, he enjoys being the line leader and is always eager to sit in the front row for story time. Some of his favorite activities include playing t-ball, having sleepovers at his cousin’s house, splashing and playing in the sink, and working on activity books. Santino is so excited about the idea of becoming a big brother and is already looking forward to all the responsibilities and joy that come with it.

To my brother or sister, I can’t wait until I get to meet you! I will help Mommy and Daddy put you to bed. I won’t change dirty diapers! Love, Your Brother, Santino

Alexandra and Thomas (TJ) both come from large Italian families, so it’s no surprise that their traditions center on food, togetherness, and a bit of friendly chaos. Early on, they realized how similar their families were, and over time, they’ve blended those traditions. For major holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, they alternate between families each year. One of the most cherished traditions happens the day before Thanksgiving with Alexandra’s family. For the past 20 years, her parents have hosted a wooden ornament–painting night. The evening is equal parts creativity and competition. Kids start off painting while the adults scope out brushes and plan their masterpieces. With pizza, an ice cream bar, and cupcake decorating, it’s festive from start to finish. The competition gets intense, especially with Alexandra’s father playfully “sabotaging” painters by bumping their arms! On Thomas’s side, Christmas Eve is the highlight of the year. Family members travel in from across the East Coast-- cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents-- bringing together multiple generations. The star of the meal is the famously delicious artichokes, and the night wouldn’t be complete without several lively rounds of Bingo, with prizes generously supplied by the aunts. Each Labor Day weekend, Alexandra and Thomas return to her parents’ lake house in Geneva, Ohio, where they were married. It’s their quiet tradition, filled with dinners at the lodge, walks to their wedding gazebo, hikes, picnics, and sunsets by the lake, their perfect place to slow down and reconnect.

We are a very open and supportive family, and we believe that families can be formed in many different ways, each one meaningful and beautiful in its own right.

Our son was conceived through IVF, and we have always been open with him about his story. From the time he was born, we’ve made a point to read books, share photos, and have honest, age-appropriate conversations about how he came into the world. Alexandra recently participated in an infertility walk that Santino also attended, continuing that openness and pride in our journey.

We plan to approach adoption in much the same way. Your child will grow up always knowing their story and who you are, with open and ongoing conversations about adoption as a natural part of their life.

We believe adoption is not something to be hidden, but something to be embraced and celebrated. You will always be an important part of our child’s story, and we will make sure they understand just how deeply they are loved.

“When I count my blessings, I count my family first.”, Alexandra’s Grandpa.

Family is at the heart of everything we do, and we truly see it as one of life’s greatest blessings. Both of us grew up surrounded by close-knit families filled with cousins, grandparents, holidays, sleepovers, vacations, and plenty of Italian food. Those experiences shaped who we are and the kind of home we’ve always wanted to create. When we started our own family, we knew it was important for our children to grow up close to the people who mean the most to us. Thomas (TJ) has two sisters, and Alexandra is the youngest of four girls, with many cousins on both sides. Most of our family, including Alexandra’s parents, live just down the road, and Thomas’s mom is planning to move to Pittsburgh next year. Life with our extended family is full, lively, and full of love. A typical week might include Yaya and Papa babysitting while we’re at work (sometimes with seven cousins all together!), cheering on a cousin at a baseball game or art show, FaceTiming in the evenings, enjoying weekend bonfires, and gathering for Sunday dinners with meatballs and pasta. Our families are overjoyed at the thought of welcoming another child into our lives. Your child would be surrounded by love, encouragement, and opportunity, embraced by a large, supportive extended family every step of the way.

Alexandra and Thomas (TJ) live in a welcoming suburban neighborhood just outside the city. As we began growing our family, we intentionally sought a community filled with other children and quickly found a place that exceeded every expectation.

Our home, with its inviting double red front doors, reflects the warmth inside with an open first floor where Santino happily runs laps, four bedrooms, three baths, and a lively “man cave” with five TVs, Thomas’s favorite spot.

A spacious deck overlooks a cozy firepit and garden, where Alexandra enjoys relaxing summer evenings listening to podcasts beside the glow of the fire table. Our neighborhood is made up of three close-knit cul-de-sacs, and these neighbors have become like family. It’s common to find the adults gathered for barbecues or card games while the kids play freely on the swing set, eagerly listening for the familiar sound of the ice cream truck.

Thank you for taking the time to read our profile. We can only imagine how difficult this decision must be, and we hope our story brings you some comfort as you get to know us.

“She was powerful, not because she wasn’t scared, but because she went on so strongly, despite the fear.”

Atticus Poetry, The Dark Between Stars

Alexandra and Thomas (TJ) will be celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary this year, and our story began when we met in 2014. Fate brought us together at Alexandra’s sister’s birthday celebration. Just one week later, we went on our first date. We laughed over pizza and continued the evening at a conservatory and botanical garden. Conversation came so easily, it felt like we had known each other for years. We quickly discovered how much we shared, especially in our hopes for the future and the kind of life we wanted to build. After that first date, Thomas even called his mom to tell her he had met his future wife. A few years into our marriage, we welcomed our son through IVF. He is now three and a half years old and brings so much joy into our lives. He loves to laugh, is incredibly kind, and has such a curious spirit. He is already excited about the idea of becoming a big brother and sharing his life with a sibling.

Our journey to grow our family has not been easy, but it has deepened our gratitude and strengthened our love. It has taught us patience, resilience, and a deep appreciation for what it means to become parents. Because of that, we do not take this opportunity lightly. If you are reading this, we want you to know how grateful we are that you would even consider us. We recognize that this decision comes from a place of love, and we have so much respect for you. If you choose us, your child will be raised in a home filled with love, stability, and encouragement. We will guide them to be kind, respectful, and compassionate, and to embrace people from all walks of life. They will be surrounded not only by our love, but also by the love of our extended family, who are excited to welcome another child into their lives.

We will celebrate holidays with joy and intention, but just as importantly, we will make ordinary days feel special, through laughter at the dinner table, bedtime stories, and small traditions that create lasting memories. As they grow, we will always ensure they have a place to call home and a family they can rely on. We also want you to know that you will always be spoken about with respect, honesty, and care. Your child will grow up knowing who you are and understanding the love and strength behind your decision. We will honor your child’s heritage and thoughtfully incorporate it into our family traditions so they can grow up with a strong sense of identity and belonging.

We would welcome an open adoption and are committed to maintaining a connection in a way that feels right for everyone involved. We would love to share regular updates through photos, letters, or emails so you can see your child grow and thrive. If you are comfortable, we would also be open to occasional visits, such as going on vacation where you live, so you can continue to be part of your child’s life in a meaningful way. We hope your child will always know their story, and we want them to understand that it began with your love. If they have questions as they grow, we will support them in learning more about you in a way that feels healthy and respectful.

More than anything, we want to say thank you. We cannot fully understand how difficult this decision may be, but we deeply respect the love, strength, and courage it takes to consider adoption. Your child’s life will always be shaped by that love, and that is something we will always honor.

TJ & Alexandra