Hello! We’re Erin and Justin from West Bloomfield, Michigan. We are excited to begin this journey with you and your child. We are, in a lot of ways, your typical run of the mill millennial couple. We like to travel, exploring new food and new experiences. We like to go on long walks with our two dogs every night. We love getting together with our friends to share good times and a laugh. Our family experiences are where we stand out. We are no stranger to chosen families, as adoption has been a part of both of our families growing up, and we are very happy to continue to build on our chosen families together. Thank you so much for taking the time to read on and get to know us both a bit better.

It started with a swipe right… like many modern couples, we met online. However, we lived 5 and a half hours away in different states. After a few trips each to do some hometown dates, Erin moved to Michigan into Justin’s two bedroom apartment. Five years, two black labs, and a house later, we decided it was finally time to have a wedding. We got married in July 2023, in our favorite place, Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada. In 2025, we experienced the greatest loss parents will ever face as our son, Dieter, was born still. Through the months that followed, we both realized there was no other person we would rather have in this world. We have seen each other at our absolute worst and absolute best and every stage in between and there is nothing we are not prepared to face together.

Adoption was never a plan B for us and we do not view it as a solution to our infertility journey. We have seen first hand how beautiful chosen families can be through our own family experiences. We are so excited for the opportunity to be able to adopt to grow our family. After losing our son Dieter, we realized how fragile life could be and want to continue to grow our family as we have always intended.

I am the oldest of four children, and my family’s frequent moves due to my dad’s job allowed me to experience life in different states. I consider Indiana home, where I spent most of my childhood, and value the close relationships I’ve built with my family and extended family members. I started swimming at age five and competed through college. I began coaching other swim teams after an injury ended my career. I love supporting others through coaching and now work in Human Resources, where I enjoy partnering with organizations to improve practices.

Family is my core value. Growing up with a strong connection to my extended family taught me the importance of caring, loyalty, and togetherness. These lessons now influence my marriage with Justin and the family we’re building.

Erin comes from a much more traditional family than I and they are so integral to the woman she has become. She loves her whole family so deeply, treating aunts, uncles, and cousins like another set of parents and siblings. She has, on numerous occasions, dropped everything to be there for her family, even just to talk on the phone, but extending to planning long trips and flights in times of need.

She constantly thinks about others first and what she can do for them. She knows the birthdays of everyone in her family AND mine and will be the first to begin planning a dinner and what gift that person might like. She is determined to give her all into everything she does, including new things. She decided to try skiing so she could join me on my trips and she did a number of lessons before finally deciding it was not for her, but I applaud the effort. She is so great with children, treating them with kindness and empathy. It just feels so effortless when we watch our niece or godchild and it shows me the mother she will be.

I do not come from a typical family. My parents were divorced when I was very young and they have been married and divorced since a couple of times, so when I say I am the oldest of my siblings, I am including half-brothers and step-siblings. My family are the people I choose, not just blood relations.

I am very interested in technology, and I have made a career of it, starting as a software developer right out of college, I have worked my way up to now being the manager of two development teams. I am very into fitness and try to do some kind of workout every day. Weather permitting, I like riding my bike or skiing as well. Cooking and gaming are my other passions and I love learning new recipes or gaming alone or with friends. Family is important to me and I am looking forward to growing my family with Erin and our two black labs.

Justin comes from a non-traditional family shaped by multiple divorces, but his stepmom Joanna—his second mom—and her family, along with his grandparents, gave him the stability and insight into what a loving family can be. He believes that genetics don’t make a family or a parent—that love, support, and intention do.

Justin is carefree, fun-loving, and incredibly funny—he loves working out, grilling, playing golf, riding his bike, and video games. He’s a Marvel fan, having seen nearly every movie, and he’s always there with a genuine laugh and a big heart. I’ve seen Justin’s true nature in how he interacts with our nephew Thomas. Whether at soccer games, building forts, or just relaxing together, Justin meets Thomas at his level—listening, reassuring, and engaging with love and patience. That same kindness extends to everyone in his life, showing the depth of his caring and the kind of dad he will be.

Our son, Dieter, was born sleeping on 5/28/25. He is and always be a huge part of our lives. In the short time we did have with him, he taught us so much about what it means to love. We carry him with us every day. We know that he would have been an amazing big brother. We continue to do the things we had planned to do such as going to the zoo, including him in every family tradition, and will continue to do that when his siblings arrive.

We are proud to call the Metro Detroit area home. Our community is wonderfully diverse, bringing together a rich blend of cultures and religions, which is very evident and truly adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Living in Michigan, we especially cherish the fall season, when the changing leaves paint the landscape in beautiful colors, and the weather is just perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Surrounded by charming small towns and just a short drive from the excitement of downtown Detroit, we enjoy spending time in both our favorite city areas and exploring the broader Detroit community. We are excited to share these experiences with our future children. Over the years, we’ve dedicated time and effort to making our home a welcoming haven for family and friends. We cherish hosting gatherings for holidays, movie nights, or simple game evenings. Our deck is a special spot where we grow a garden of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and enjoy quality time outdoors. Our community’s diversity combined with our love for family, good food, and local exploration, makes our neighborhood a truly special place to live and grow.

We have two dogs, Miley and Pandora. Both are blacks labs and were rescued. We are those dog parents and both dogs are a very important piece of our family. Miley is ten years old and is a people dog, meaning she loves people. Pandora is six years old and the typical little sister. She is obsessed with Miley and her ball. Both love kids and are so excited to welcome a new sibling.

Our Families are built on love, support, and strong community bonds. Erin, the oldest of four, grew up with 13 cousins who felt like siblings, thanks to her parents’ close relationships and the involvement of her aunts and uncles. Her family still gathers regularly, showing that family is about connection beyond just blood.

Justin’s family is like something from “Modern Family,” with his mom, brother, bonus mom Joanna, and two additional brothers. After his parents’ divorce, his family expanded with a stepmom and stepsister. His bonus mom, adopted by Justin’s grandparents, and her siblings (also adopted) have been very supportive of our decision to adopt, emphasizing that family is about love, not just biology.

Beyond family, we embrace a “village approach.” Our friends are part of every celebration and everyday moment, acting as trusted, loving adults who understand the importance of a strong support network. They are excited to help shape our children’s lives, knowing the positive impact of a caring extended family and community.

We were raised in completely different environments, but we agree on how we want to parent. Our priority is ensuring our child feels loved and knows they can come to either of us with any issue. We aim to continue the values that have shaped us and create a welcoming, supportive environment. We believe in openness about their adoption journey. We want our child to know they are adopted and to value their birth families. Families are not only made of a mom and dad; they come in all shapes and forms. Our focus is on providing a strong sense of belonging by understanding and embracing their story.

Our goal is to raise our child in a family rooted in security and unconditional love. No matter what, they will always know they are loved and supported. We hope to bring the best of both our upbringings into their life, prioritizing their well-being and fostering relationships with extended family—cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Ultimately, we want a loving, inclusive environment where our child can thrive and feel confident in who they are.

If you are considering adoptive parents, we understand this is a deeply personal decision. While we don’t know exactly how you’re feeling, we understand that grief—on both your part and the child’s—is part of the journey. We believe there needs to be space to hold those feelings, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way as we have had to do the same. If you choose us, you’ll always be a part of our family. Your child will be loved and know who you are, and we hope to build a relationship based on openness and respect. Our family is built on love and support. We believe your child will never feel like an outsider. They will have those that have walked the path of navigating being adopted to help them in their journey. Most importantly, you matter—your feelings, your role, and your journey. We genuinely care about you and want to support you in any way we can.