Erin & Ricardo

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

Spiritual. We believe strongly in community, empathy, empowerment, and civil and human rights. I work closely with religious organizations of shared vision to bring opportunity to our neighborhood.

Erin

I hope you are...

comfortable to be your whole, authentic self with us. We will never judge you. We will always hold you in a loving glow. Your child will know that you love him or her.

Erin

If I could have dinner with anyone -- dead or alive -- I would pick...

John Lewis. He was my Atlanta Congressman until he died last year. He was also a civil rights activist, marching with MLK, working tirelessly to improve his community in big and small ways.

Erin

What scares you?

becoming unlovable. Also, climate change.

Erin

My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…

it is a diverse, walkable, and friendly community. Neighbors know and look out for one another, and it is close to so many wonderful things to see and do!

Ricardo

The most special thing I own is...

They are not particularly fancy or special, but I really appreciate my cooking knifes and pots and pans because they let me create wonderful meals to share with those I love.

Ricardo

If you could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I really love sushi and seafood in general.

Ricardo

Do you have kids? How would they feel about a sibling?

No we don't have kids, but we do have a niece and a nephew and we know that they would be ecstatic to get a new cousin!

Ricardo

Three years from now, I hope our birth mom is…..

living her best life, happy, fulfilled, empowered, and connected to us!

Erin

My philosophy on parenting is...

nobody knows your family better than your family.

Erin

If you could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Indian or Mexican food-- particularly extra spicy!

Erin

If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...

more trains! I love to travel, and there is something so relaxing about watching the countryside pass and listening to the rhythm of the tracks. Bonus: they are the most sustainable transportation!

Ricardo

If I could have dinner with anyone -- dead or alive -- I would pick...

I always loved Carl Sagan's outlook on life and the world, and I would really enjoy to hear what he thinks of the great advances in modern science.

Ricardo

Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”

Food! Not just in the obvious sense that without it I would starve, but in that I truly enjoy cooking and providing for those I love, and sharing a meal with family, friends, and strangers alike.

Ricardo

Favorite season and why?

Summer, when the sun rises early and sets late! I love warm nights, sitting outside with friends and family, watching fireflies and staying up late. I love the lush plants. Swimming. Hiking. Playing!

Erin

When you argue, what’s it about?

Generally, human rights or projects that impact wellbeing of those around me.

Erin

In five years, our relationship with you will...

be whatever you need. Of course we HOPE that you will be a part of our family in way that is comfortable for you, but recognize that situations and feelings change over time.

Ricardo

If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?

ohh good question! Not sure, but probably somebody hilarious ;)

Erin

My best friend would describe me as......

dedicated. I work hard, love hard, and will always show up for you!

Erin

Do you have kids? How would they feel about a sibling?

We do not! But we have siblings and cousins with kids who are waiting impatiently to have another playmate and comrade!!

Erin

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?

my mom. When I was little, my mom and I lived on an orchard in Michigan. She often drove us to the middle of a field to watch shooting stars. Wherever I am, I see the stars and think of those nights!

Erin

My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…

it is diverse, safe, walkable, neighborly and has excellent schools, parks, and Atlanta perks!

Erin

Dogs or cats?

both, and all other animals too! We have currently only have two dogs, but we both love animals and our dream is actually to retire to a big farm full of animals.

Ricardo

I would never...

betray the trust placed in me by my loved ones.

Ricardo

If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Yes. Either would be dope! Probably RVs are more realistic to visit a diverse range of places, sights, and terrains.

Erin

If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?

If I were older, I would say Bruce Willis.

Ricardo

Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”

coffee. (Also my family, friends, and pups, of course.) But, also, coffee...

Erin

If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...

economic systems and structures that create inequality across communities and limit our abilities to self actualize.

Erin

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

I believe that there are things we do not or cannot fully understand, but are still incredibly important.

Ricardo

When you argue, what’s it about?

I have always been a peacemaker, so my arguments are often more about focusing on finding common ground.

Ricardo

We are the best choice because…

we are good people, doing our best in the world. We believe in kindness and creating a loving community. We will center our child in our lives, and make sure they know how much we (and you) love them!

Erin

My favorite place in the World is...

wherever my husband is. But preferably he is on and island in the Caribbean, on a balcony overlooking the ocean.

Erin

Favorite season and why?

I love Fall - I can't get enough of quiet walks in the woods when the leaves are changing.

Ricardo

We are the best choice because…

We will always put our children first, and there is no sacrifice that we will not make for them.

Ricardo

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?

I am often humbled by the immensity of the universe, and how in the vast, quiet, nothing there is a little planet called Earth that is brimming with life!

Ricardo

In five years, our relationship with you will...

whatever you want! We are open and loving and trust you to make the best decision for you. We would love to have you in our lives in whatever form serves you.

Erin

What is the best word to describe your family?

Loyal.

Erin

Dogs or cats?

Both!? We love animals in my household! We have dogs, but all of us love cats, including the dogs!

Erin

I would never...

there are few things I wouldn't try once. But, I would never order sweet breads for dinner again...turns out "sweet breads" are intestines, not a baked good!!!

Erin

If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?

A sailboat for sure! I love closing my eyes and feeling the sea breeze on my face and the rhythm of the ocean.

Ricardo