Aja
Caregiver
Gender:
Female
Status:
State:
Washington
Religion:
None
Education:
Master’s Degree
Profession:
Executive Director, Nonprofit
Political Affiliation:
Lean Liberal
Sam
Caregiver
Gender:
Male
Status:
State:
Washington
Religion:
None
Education:
Some College
Profession:
Social Services
Political Affiliation:
Lean Liberal
Hello and welcome! We are just a couple of nerds who love each other and have everything we need to create a loving, stable home for a child or siblings. If you’re reading this, we know you have not come here lightly. Please just know that whether you choose to learn more about us or not - we are sending you strength and peace as you navigate what is best for you and your baby. Lots of love,
Aja & Sam
Sam’s happy place and truest nature
Spring hike 🏔️
My favorite Instagram account is:
We Rate Dogs. They're all just such good doggos.
-Sam
My philosophy on parenting is...
that children are people. They have a whole unique experience and identity that is all their own. It's my job to make space for that, nurture it, and provide guidance and support to ensure they can be that self in a safe, loving, and healthy environment.
-Sam
In five years our relationship with our child’s birth mother will…
depend on her needs and the needs our family. We’re all about open communication!
-Aja
My favorite place in the World is...
swimming in the ocean in Puerto Rico!
-Aja
Our first trip to NYC together!
We started a piano band. 🤣(Our close friend’s kids)
My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…
we have a lot of young families; kind, thoughtful neighbors; great schools and parks nearby; and just a short drive to the beach!
-Aja
What scares you?
It scares me that Sam and I met each other too late in our lives to have children and that we’ll never get to be parents together.
-Aja
What is the best word to describe our family?
Safe, silly, and loving. (O, that was three words.)
-Aja
Favorite season and why?
Oh, I love spring and fall equally. I feel excited when the leaves come back and everything is green again, but I adore the colors of changing leaves, sweater weather and all the cozy things that come with fall.
-Aja
If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?
I would live in an RV, if only for the fact that I would be seasick constantly on a boat. Also, an RV can be shipped to any place for the right price. :)
-Sam
Dogs or cats?
we have both!
-Aja
When we argue, what’s it about?
Sam and I are really good communicators. We don’t raise our voices to each other or name call or “fight” in the traditional sense. Of course, we disagree and get frustrated with each other over things like saying something petty or thoughtless or forgetting to put something back in the fridge (It’s me, I’m the one who does that sometimes.) We also have different styles/comfort levels when it comes to money so sometimes we have to reset and talk about that, too. Our “fighting” style tends to be “Hurting your feelings is never more important than what I’m upset about.” We always apologize to each other when the situation warrants.
-Aja
Sam & Eleanor
Big bodies can do everything, even rock climbing!
Dogs or cats?
Yes. 😂
-Sam
If I could have dinner with anyone—dead or alive—I would pick...
my grandmothers.
-Aja
In five years our relationship with our child’s birth mother will…
know that we have her back and have the support she deserves to process the ongoing experience of adoption.
-Aja
I hope our child’s birth mother is…
open, kind, understanding, and feels like she/they can speak her/theirmind with us.
-Aja
X-Country skiing with friends in Montana
Aja’s best friend, Abbie, who will be like an aunt in our family! (reference letter available)
Aja’s broski and our niece. Our family loves the beach!
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?
How incredible, unlikely, and special our lives are in such an infinite expanse.
-Sam
My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…
It's quiet, full of friendly neighbors, and has schools close enough to walk. Connected enough to have access to the benefits of a city while detached enough to maintain the pace and feel of a small quiet town.
-Sam
We are the best choice because…
we will love your baby even more than we love each other (and that’s a lot). We will love you, too, and likely come to think of you part of our extended chosen family - not just for making it possible for us to have a family of our own but because you are forever a part of this tiny human’s story and identity.
-Aja
My best friend would describe me as...
her platonic soulmate.
-Aja
I'm super competitive when it comes to...
arcade games! lol
-Aja
Favorite season and why?
Spring. Everything coming alive, the return of sunshine, and the lengthening days makes it feel like the future is full of good things.
-Sam
We are the best choice because…
We have a worldview, skill set, and intent rooted in kindness, and empowerment that is informed by years of social services experience. We have the stability, temperament, and resources, and can provide not only for a child's essential needs, but also the space and resources for them to grow, explore, and be their whole self.
-Sam
Nova is not very helpful when it comes to house projects! ;)
That time we made the backyard into a movie theater. 🍿
Rosie waiting in the window for Sam to come home. ♥️
If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Definitely a sailboat. Sam gets a little seasick at times, so the sailboat might have to stay on land. :)
-Aja
My philosophy on parenting is...
to center empowerment, love, respect, healthy boundaries, communication and JOY! To treat our child as a the separate, autonomous person they are — with their own complex wants, needs, and desires that may very well differ from mine and have fun along the way. We do everything we can to let our lights shine brightly around here - and we will do the same for our child.
-Aja
If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?
Someone big and beautiful and hilarious.
-Aja
Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”
finding new ways to be joyful, have fun or laugh. I had to be a serious kid, so really embracing joy is something I had to learn in my 30’s. Now it’s a life line for me. 🤍
-Aja
Our little oasis.
Rosie at the office - hard at work! haha
Our wedding day 🤍
The most special thing I own is...
the home I get to share with my family.
-Sam
I would never...
use physical punishment or emotional withholding as a parent.
-Aja
Jean Luc Picard 🖖🏼
Aja and Meshayla (reference letter available)
All the baby joy right there!