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We are Rafael and David from Los Angeles. Over the past five years, we have experienced so many wonderful things as a couple. We moved in together, rescued our dog – then we got married! Through all of that we dreamt of becoming parents one day, but we knew the timing had to be right. Now we are ready for the next step!
Because we cannot have children of our own, we always knew we would adopt one day. It’s something we have been looking forward to and we can’t wait to love our future child unconditionally. If you were to choose us, you would be giving us the greatest gift imaginable and that is something we would never forget. Thank you so much for considering us and potentially making our dream a reality.
Our story began in Los Angeles back in 2016. After meeting online and texting for a few days we decided to meet for coffee and right away we felt a connection. In fact, everything was going so well that we didn’t want the day to end, so we went out to dinner and we’ve been together ever since! Two years later while visiting Dave’s family we decided to go for a walk in the woods back to a waterfall where Dave used to play as a kid. It was beautiful and that’s where he popped the question! Rafael was definitely not expecting it, but luckily he said yes! One year later, we were married in East Aurora, NY, surrounded by our family and friends from all over the world.
I grew up in a small town called Marília in São Paulo state, Brazil. I had a wonderful childhood. I was always playing outside with my friends and I’m still very close with them today. I was always the “funny one” in my group of friends. In 2010, after completing my bachelor degree in Computer Science, I moved to Los Angeles to study Design Communication Arts at UCLA and pursue a career as a Graphic Designer. Today I’m a Sr. Art Director for the biggest music tour marketing agency in the world. I’m lucky enough to have a wonderful job that allows me to work from home and spend more time with our future child.
As a creative person I love everything that inspires me to create (music, movies, plays, etc.). I love traveling and the outdoors, I’m always up for an adventure, but I also love my time at home. I’m always cooking and trying new recipes and love having friends over for dinners and game nights.
I feel very lucky to have Rafael as my partner. Not only is he caring and kind but he is also one of the best listeners. Whenever I’m having a bad day, he always knows exactly what to say to make me feel better and I love him so much for it. I know Rafael will be an amazing father because I’ve seen how he treats my niece and nephews. Whenever we visit he is always the first one sitting on the floor asking them if they want to build something or play a game. I can see how much they love him and I know he is going to be great with our child.
I grew up in a small town called East Aurora close to Buffalo, NY. My entire family lived nearby, which meant we always had big gatherings for the holidays. I also made amazing friends who I am still close with. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University at Buffalo in 2013 and have spent most of the time since then working in Pharmaceuticals. I love my job not only because it is rewarding, but also because my company cares a lot about their employees. They’re always giving back and they allow us to be flexible with our schedules which will give me time at home with our future child. Some of my favorite things to do are play piano, read, write and cook with Rafael. I can’t wait to share these things with our child, and I look forward to experiencing new things as a family.
Dave is a wonderful husband and a true partner. He’s always there for me and instinctively knows when I need him the most. Being a parent is definitely a priority in his life. On our second date he told me how important it was for him to get married and raise a family one day. Back then he thought that would scare me off, but it only assured me how special he is. That’s when I knew he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. He’s going to be an incredible dad and I can’t wait to share this experience with him.
Dave: Writing
Rafael: Watching court shows
Dave: Sushi
Rafael: Chicken Strogonoff
Dave: Thanksgiving
Rafael: Christmas
Dave: Singin’ In The Rain
Rafael: Bridesmaids
Dave: Fox
Rafael: Dog
Dave: Disney World
Rafael: Brazilian beach
Dave: Gene Kelly
Rafael: Kristen Wiig
Dave: The Mandalorian
Rafael: Friends
Dave: Billy Joel
Rafael: Spice Girls
Most of Rafael’s family lives in Brazil. His father Pedro and oldest brother Adriano still live in his hometown Marilia. His other brother, Luciano lives in Sao Paulo with his fiancé. Rafael’s cousin Alexandre lives close by in Texas and we try to see him and his family for the holidays.
Dave’s family lives in New York and we try to go back to visit them a few times throughout the year. His parents Roman and Lori still live in his hometown while his older sister Kathryn lives in Orchard Park with her husband Nick and their three children Harrison, Magnolia and Marshall. And they have a fourth baby on the way! We are so excited for our future child to grow-up with their cousins. Roman hand built a wooden swing set for the grandkids in their beautiful backyard.
Here in Los Angeles we have a great support system of friends, but we also have friends all over the world. We are looking forward to taking trips to visit them all in the future, but especially Rafael’s childhood friends in Brazil who just started having children of their own.
While we continue to look for our forever home, we are living in a beautiful and spacious two bedroom apartment with a private backyard. Our neighborhood is filled with tree lined streets and friendly neighbors. We also love it because we can walk to parks, short drive to beautiful hiking trails and our friends live close.One of our favorite things about where we live is that we’re very close to Disneyland! We can’t wait to take our child to meet Mickey.
When we first moved in together we decided to rescue a dog and it only took one adoption event before we fell in love with Emma. Emma grew up on the streets of Thailand before she was brought to America and while she was a bit shy at first, she quickly came out of her shell. Emma loves cuddles, begging for food and going for rides in the car. She has been a part of our family for four years now and we know she is also looking forward to the new addition to our family.
Thank you so much for taking the time to get to know us. We understand this isn’t an easy decision, but we promise with us your child will be loved and cared for unconditionally. We are looking forward to becoming parents and we know we will give our future child a happy life filled with opportunity and adventure.