Hello, we are happy to meet you! We are Michael and Ashlee, and are so happy you have taken the time to review our profile and learn more about us as prospective parents.

Our story began when we were both visiting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, when, through a mutual acquaintance, we were introduced. Although Ashlee was living in Texas at that time, we were dedicated to each other, and after spending about ten months in a long-distance relationship, Ashlee moved to Michigan.

We have been together since 2017 and were married in 2021. Growing up witnessing the benefits of adoption through family friends, Ashlee has always known adoption was the path she wanted to journey to build a family. We wholeheartedly believe that there is more than one way to create a family, and this is our path.

I have always been amazed by Ashlee's care and compassion for other people; she is always the first to ensure everyone feels welcome and makes sure that no one feels forgotten. Friends, family, and anyone she knows will be sure to get a birthday card in the mail from her.

Ashlee works in accounts payable and enjoys spending time with her co-workers whom she shares a special connection with. It seems that everywhere she goes, she develops relationships and cares for those around her.

Seeing Ashlee with our nieces and nephews is amazing. The way she listens to all they have to say, always encourages them to share and be creative in their work and asks them to help with age-appropriate tasks warms my heart. She has a tremendous love for kids. It is in those moments that I can imagine our lives with a child, and I become excited to see Ashlee as a mom.



Ashlee's Favorites:

• Food: Mediterranean
• Movie: The Princess Bride
• Holiday: New Year's
• Vacation: Virgin Islands
• Color: Purple

One of my favorite things about Michael is his eagerness to explore the world. Growing up in rural Michigan, he has always loved being outside and this fostered his excitement for new experiences. This encouraged him to attend college nine hours away from home, pursue a degree in engineering, and join the Michigan Army National Guard. Michael now works full-time as a software developer and part-time in the military, where he solves unique challenges and explores new solutions, fostering his love of learning and experiencing new opportunities.

This zest for life experience pushes us as a couple to explore all that life has to offer. My life has been enriched because of Michael's enthusiasm, and I cannot wait for him to share his curiosity and love for the world with a child.

Michael's Favorites:

• Food: Barbeque
• Movie: Ocean's Eleven
• Holiday: Thanksgiving
• Vacation: Camping
• Color: Green

We live in a charming home in an old subdivision outside of Detroit. We get the best of both worlds: the amenities of a large town and a great community feel from our small subdivision. We enjoy tending to our yard, gardens, chickens, and fruit trees.

We enjoy cooking in the kitchen and preparing things freshly harvested from our yard for most of the summer, spending time together in the kitchen, or sitting around a fire on a cool night. The friendly neighborhood is also great for our dog, who fully enjoys her daily walks around the neighborhood.

The neighborhood is always alive, with kids throwing around a football in the front yard, riding bikes, or playing at the local park. One of the biggest perks of our neighborhood is the local elementary school which is within walking distance of our home.

We both grew up in tight-knit immediate families with a lot of activities and get-togethers planned. We also had strong ties with our grandparents, which helped shape us into the people we are today. We recall many family vacations focused on time with the family and less emphasis on the place we went to. This is something we hope to share with the next generation.

Michael is the youngest of four children, and he keeps regular contact with his siblings even though they are somewhat spread out. Holidays, birthdays, and special events bring us all together to spend quality time.

Ashlee's immediate family lives in Texas, including her sister, nieces, and parents. The distance doesn't hamper their relationship in the least - they keep regular contact via phone and make multiple trips a year to visit.

Our "family" also includes a tight-knit group of friends, our chosen family. They always help with a task around the house, enjoy community events with us, and provide a listening ear. We are lucky to have these people around who allow us to grow and have fun.

We have been humbled by the outpouring of support our family has provided during this process. Specifically, our parents are ecstatic to meet the newest grandchild and looking forward to celebrating many milestones.

As with many things in Michigan, our traditions change by the season, each bringing their own unique joys to have and explore.

In the spring: We start to get back outside and into the yard, getting plants put into the garden, and we always cap off the spring with a large barbeque at our house with our friends and their families. Michael likes finding new recipes to try in the smoker to share with everyone.

In the summer: We will start spreading out, whether going to some of the small local fairs and festivals in the area or taking small day trips to explore new places in the state. We can't wait to continue this with a little one. Every summer we take camping trips and many times friends and family will join us.

In the fall: Luckily, in Michigan, there are plentiful apple orchards and other experiences to enjoy in the cool weather. Traveling out to different orchards with friends and families is one of our favorite things to do. Thanksgiving is always a large event, bringing everyone together around a table. We are always reminded of the love and support we have around us.

In the winter: We love to go out and see the lights around the holidays - either experiencing a walk-through lighting display or driving around taking in the sights. Ashlee's favorite way to end the evening is with a fuzzy blanket and a warm fire.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our book and learn more about us. We dream of being able to raise a child and will give a baby all the love we have and everything we have to offer. They will have a life full of adventures and family.

We hope that we will be able to meet someday and would like to stay connected throughout the child's life. We recognize that adoption is a loving choice a birth family makes, full of love and strength, and we would honor that decision by giving the child a wonderful life with our family.

We wish you all of the love and support as you decide what is best for you and the baby.