Justin
Ruler
Gender:
Male
Status:
State:
Florida
Religion:
None
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree
Profession:
Business Professional
Political Affiliation:
Lean Left
Ernesto
Neighbor
Gender:
Male
Status:
State:
Florida
Religion:
Spiritual
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree
Profession:
Educator and Author
Political Affiliation:
Lean Left
We want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for considering us, thank you for bringing your child into this world, and thank you for being brave enough to trust that we might be the family your child was destined to find. It seems so strange to consider that we don’t know each other, strange to consider that we have never met, and strange to imagine that we might bring to each other life’s biggest change imaginable, through a single impossible choice. We know that choice is yours and we know that choice seems impossible, but we know that you’re going to make it anyways. We know this because we know that you are already a mother, and mothers can do the impossible. You’re doing it this very moment, and you’ll be doing it each moment after, as you decide and decide again to do what is right for your child, because deciding to let go isn’t a decision you’ll make once. It’s a decision you’ll make every day, even after the decision is made. Sometimes trust can’t be given, it can only be built, and we hope to build it with you if we are the family you choose. We promise not to be perfect, we promise to make many mistakes, we promise to learn from them, and we promise to love your child through all of them. In our family we have a saying: “I have two emotions, but one of them is always love.” We can have annoyance and love, we can have frustration and love, we can have disappointment and love, and in the best moments we can have love and love, because we can feel many things, but one of them will ALWAYS be love. Our family is imperfect and we lack in many things, but the one thing we have in spades is love. We say “I love you” often and we say it multiple times a day, not because we need reminding or reassurance, but because it is a feeling that is constant, and a feeling that deserves repeating. In our family your child will receive love. They will never have to earn it, and they will never have to keep it, because once they are ours, they will forever be it. They will be the heart that beats outside our chest, and they will be the ALWAYS part of love. With sincerity and love, Ernesto & Justin
Justin & Ernesto
Anniversary date at Disney Springs
New relationship memories
Grand Canyon fun
What scares you?
Sometimes I get scared of social interactions. I'm more of an introvert. I think that having a balanced introvert/extrovert household will be helpful for a child so that whichever they end up being they will know that they belong.
-Justin
If I could have dinner with anyone—dead or alive—I would pick...
I would love to meet Hilarie Burton Morgan one day. I am inspired by the transformative nature of her life. She began her career as a television host before transitioning into a popular actress, but that was just the beginning of her life journey. In the second act of her life she went on to reinvent herself as an author and social activist. She advocates for those who can't advocate for themselves and uses her platform to give back to her community (all while being a love out loud active and involved parent). She inspires me in many ways but what I love about her most is the no holds barred way in which she cheerleads her friends through life. She writes what can only be described as love letters to the people who matter to her, make impacts on her (big and small), and nourish her in return. When she thinks of a compliment she doesn't just say it, she says it with multiple paragraphs to make sure you heard it. She is the kind of friend I'd like to have and the kind of friend I strive to be.
-Ernesto
My best friend would describe me as...
My best friend is my husband. Words he would use to describe me include weird and random. We're always poking fun at each other and having a laugh. With other people I can tend to be introverted but with him I can be my full self.
-Justin
We are the best choice because…
We won't be the right choice for everyone, but if we are the right choice for you I'd like to think it is because we offer a fun and balanced home with a great support system.
-Justin
Exploring Sedona
Our proposal story
San Francisco rooftop
My philosophy on parenting is...
Things that I would value in parenting would be following my child's interests, teaching them the importance of manners, responsibility, and a good work ethic. I plan on being an active and involved parent.
-Justin
If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?
I would want the movie to be animated and I would probably want to play myself. I have a deep love for animation and the joy it is capable of inspiring. If it was live action then I'd probably want an unknown actor to take the part. I like the idea of supporting someone new in their career who simply needs someone to believe in what they are capable of.
-Ernesto
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?
I don't give much thought to the night sky, but if I did I would probably think of my sister and the memories I hold of her singing "Somewhere Out There" with me when we were little. We probably watched "An American Tail" about a hundred times together growing up. I hope to give our first child a sibling one day as well so they can build their own special memories.
-Ernesto
What is the best word to describe our family?
I would describe our family as accepting. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community we both have developed strong empathy for others whether they are of the same community or stand out in their own way.
-Justin
If I could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be:
I enjoy a variety of sandwiches. I like that they can be casual and enjoyed on the go. It's fun to come up with new creations. Whenever I make a new sandwich that I really like, I quickly add it to my recipe box.
-Justin
If I could have dinner with anyone—dead or alive—I would pick...
I would pick my maternal grandmother, Renate. I remember her being a loving and kind influence in my life but she passed away when I was in the 9th grade and I wish I could share with her my accomplishments since her passing and the life that I've built today. I hope she would be proud of who I turned out to be and I wish the child that we raise would have been able to meet her. I hope to take what she gave me and instill those same wonderful qualities in them.
-Justin
Dogs or cats?
Dogs. We currently have two pups; a chiweenie (half daschund, half chihuahua) and a toy poodle.
-Justin
Exploring Florence
Confetti eggs at Easter
Breezy beach day
My best friend would describe me as...
Honestly, my best friend would probably just call me a dork. What are best friends for? Other common descriptors others have used to describe me through out my life are creative, kind, sincere, honorable, artisitic, and funny.
-Ernesto
My favorite website is (...not your Facebook page :)):
I enjoy reading car websites, blogs related to personal finance, and exploring self-growth content.
-Justin
Favorite season and why?
I like Fall because the cooler weather allows for fun drives with the windows open, listening to my favorite music.
-Justin
My favorite place in the World is...
My favorite place is the jetty in the town Justin grew up in. He introduced me to it and I fell in love. For someone who loves the water but hates the sand, it's the perfect place to be. Walking out onto the water with waves crashing on rocks while pelicans and gulls go by, it's not just breathtaking, it's magical. I hope to share that magic with our child one day.
-Ernesto
Kayaking with friends
Sparkler send off
At the Colosseum
My best friend would describe me as...
Honestly, my best friend would probably just call me a dork. What are best friends for? Other common descriptors others have used to describe me through out my life are creative, kind, sincere, honorable, artisitic, and funny.
-Ernesto
My philosophy on parenting is...
I've always like the saying: "When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos." - L.R. Knost
-Ernesto
If I could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be:
My mom's apple crisp recipe holds a lot of love and memories for me. It is a special dessert that is unique compared to any other apple crisp I have ever had. She is teaching me how to make it myself now, because I hope to share this family recipe as a special treat with my own child one day.
-Ernesto
If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...
I would love to see higher education available to more people. I believe in the value and importance of a strong education and the diversity it can bring to your world view and how you treat people.
-Justin
My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…
Our neighborhood is centered within our support system. My sister and mother live just seven minutes away, but I also have three sets of aunts and uncles nearby and cousins as well. I like living in a suburb outside of a larger city. It offers local comfort with opportunities to explore more unique places within a short drive.
-Ernesto
If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?
I would have to pick an RV. I'd like to see more of the rest of the world one day, but there are so many places I'd still like to see right here in the U.S. At the top of my list are seeing New York, New Mexico, and Colorado. I'd also like to visit Alaska and Hawaii one day.
-Ernesto
The most special thing I own is...
I don't like to think of it as owning them, but our pets are really important to me. Our indoor pets include our two dogs, Gadget and Lou, but I also have many outdoor "pets". I enjoy feeding the birds and wildlife that visit our backyard. I've even developed a special bond with our backyard squirrel that we named Squirrel Fran. She enjoys eating out of my hand and comes to look for me every day on our patio.
-Justin
Ready for a show
Niece and nephew wedding love
Mirror maze in San Francisco
We are the best choice because…
The truth is we might or might not be. There are so many families waiting for a child right now, and they are all capable of showering your little one with a lifetime of love. We don't hope you'll choose us. We hope you'll choose the right family for your child. Only you can know who that family is, but if it is us, just know that we are honored and we are immeasurably grateful.
-Ernesto
What is the best word to describe our family?
I would describe our family as forgiving. We always enjoy being on the same page, so when we’re not, we tend to resolve things very quickly. There are always differences to be had, but we find that we are happiest when we find common ground and are able to move forward. Building a life with my best friend certainly helps with this. He’s the best partner I could ever ask for.
-Ernesto
Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”
I can't live without stories. When I was young I always loved books, movies, and puzzles. Now I see that a good story of any kind is the best kind of puzzle. Justin likes to watch me watch both movies and television shows because he loves the way I get lost in them. I hope to teach my child the adventure of escapism as well. I want to see them immersed in a great book, eyes aglow with wonder at the movies, and excitedly telling me stories all their own that were born from the stories that inspired them. One day I'll tell them the story of how they joined our family and I hope it will be one of their favorites.
-Ernesto
If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?
I would choose an RV because I love road trips as well as traveling and exploring, and an RV would allow our family to experience new places in an extended way at our own pace so that we can let our interests guide us and lead the way.
-Justin
Glass floor on the Space Needle
The Fremont Troll
First Beach at La Push
We are the best choice because…
The truth is we might or might not be. There are so many families waiting for a child right now, and they are all capable of showering your little one with a lifetime of love. We don't hope you'll choose us. We hope you'll choose the right family for your child. Only you can know who that family is, but if it is us, just know that we are honored and we are immeasurably grateful.
-Ernesto
Dogs or cats?
We're a small dog family. We love our toy poodle Lou (our forever baby, because he's so tiny) and chiweenie Gadget (who is happiest with daytime naps and soft blankets). I think having a dog in the home promotes empathy, responsibility, and caring. We hope our child will become just as fond of our cozy snuggle pups as we are.
-Ernesto
If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?
I would want the movie to be animated and I would probably want to play myself. I have a deep love for animation and the joy it is capable of inspiring. If it was live action then I'd probably want an unknown actor to take the part. I like the idea of supporting someone new in their career who simply needs someone to believe in what they are capable of.
-Ernesto
I'm super competitive when it comes to...
I wouldn’t describe myself as super competitive at anything, but I do enjoy friendly competition and banter when playing board games. Monopoly is my favorite. It’s a special game filled with memories that my best friend and I started playing together 25 years ago and never stopped. Now we play with her daughter included. I look forward to including my own child in game nights one day and letting the tradition carry on.
-Ernesto
Favorite season and why?
I enjoy Fall because it reminds me of childhood memories, jumping in piles of leaves, and cool weather. I love seeing the change of colors when I can, warm apple cider, and apple cider donuts!
-Ernesto
My favorite place in the World is...
I really enjoyed our time on our honeymoon in Italy. It was my first time outside of the country. I especially liked the culture and how the locals focused on time spent with family, and the importance of community. Being in Italy made me feel more relaxed but also willing to try new things. I hope to go there again one day and discover more of what Italy has to offer. Maybe the next time we go our child will be along for the ride.
-Justin
I would never...
I would never disown my child because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or faith preference. We don't know who our children will love, how they will identify, or what they will believe once they are grown. But it is our job to support them as they are, not who we want them to be. Love should never come with qualifiers, and a child should never age out of love.
-Ernesto
Exploring the Hoh Rainforest
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?
I don't expect to see one but when I look up at the night sky, I like to imagine that I'll see a shooting star. I've seen them before in my life and hope that I'll see one again someday.
-Justin
What scares you?
I had a phobia and vampires as a child after watching 1992’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” film. I’m still not a fan of bats, but ironically “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” would go on to become my favorite television show.
-Ernesto
Favorite season and why?
I enjoy Fall because it reminds me of childhood memories, jumping in piles of leaves, and cool weather. I love seeing the change of colors when I can, warm apple cider, and apple cider donuts!
-Ernesto
When we argue, what’s it about?
We squabble constantly (usually about household tasks and who's turn it is to do them). We also make up constantly. Its one of my favorite parts about us. Some parents never argue in front of their children, but mine were the opposite. It is a gift I will always be grateful for. It taught me from a young age that conflict is not just conflict. Conflict is also dialogue, expression, communication, and most importantly resolution. I wasn't just told to make up with someone, I was also shown how. I received invaluable first hand knowledge that you can (and will) disagree with the people you love, and it does not negate the love you have for them. When you know that simple truth you are given the freedom to truly express yourself and we hope that our child will be free to express all of their feelings with us, whether they be love, frustration, or any emotion in between.
-Ernesto
If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?
I'm not as familiar with pop culture so I wouldn't know who to choose but I would trust my family and friends who know me best to decide who could represent me best.
-Justin
I would never...
I would never say never. I have surprised myself in life with things I never thought I would do. As introverted as I am I never thought I would be willing to take large risks like packing up my car and moving to California for an internship that would become the next 10 years of my professional career. I love surprising myself with what I’m capable of.
-Justin
My favorite website is (...not your Facebook page :)):
I frequently visit IMDB (Internet Movie Database). I love movies as a storytelling medium so I love viewing new movie trailers, reading articles about upcoming films, and using it as a resource for casting characters that I've created in my writing endeavors.
-Ernesto
The most special thing I own is...
My most special possession is probably a piggy bank in the form of an ice cream truck. I grew up in a small town where an ice cream company got their start and my father worked for that company through all of my childhood. He’s since passed but he gifted this momento to me and it holds a lot of special memories from growing up. I always thought my dad had the coolest job in the world working for an ice cream company, and we always had a fully stocked freezer filled with delicious treats!
-Ernesto
I'm super competitive when it comes to...
I like to win small arguments with my husband - does that count? ;)
-Justin
When we argue, what’s it about?
We squabble constantly (usually about household tasks and who's turn it is to do them). We also make up constantly. Its one of my favorite parts about us. Some parents never argue in front of their children, but mine were the opposite. It is a gift I will always be grateful for. It taught me from a young age that conflict is not just conflict. Conflict is also dialogue, expression, communication, and most importantly resolution. I wasn't just told to make up with someone, I was also shown how. I received invaluable first hand knowledge that you can (and will) disagree with the people you love, and it does not negate the love you have for them. When you know that simple truth you are given the freedom to truly express yourself and we hope that our child will be free to express all of their feelings with us, whether they be love, frustration, or any emotion in between.
-Ernesto
Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”
Cars have always been very important to me. From collecting and playing with Hot Wheels when I was little, to working in the automotive industry, and simply enjoying going on a relaxing drive in my adulthood. I'll teach our child to follow their interests as well so that they know what matters to them is important.
-Justin
Dogs or cats?
We're a small dog family. We love our toy poodle Lou (our forever baby, because he's so tiny) and chiweenie Gadget (who is happiest with daytime naps and soft blankets). I think having a dog in the home promotes empathy, responsibility, and caring. We hope our child will become just as fond of our cozy snuggle pups as we are.
-Ernesto
If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...
Equity is important to me. I would love to see more kindness and inclusion from the world around me. I believe that everyone deserves to hold space and be a part of their community.
-Ernesto
Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”
I can't live without stories. When I was young I always loved books, movies, and puzzles. Now I see that a good story of any kind is the best kind of puzzle. Justin likes to watch me watch both movies and television shows because he loves the way I get lost in them. I hope to teach my child the adventure of escapism as well. I want to see them immersed in a great book, eyes aglow with wonder at the movies, and excitedly telling me stories all their own that were born from the stories that inspired them. One day I'll tell them the story of how they joined our family and I hope it will be one of their favorites.
-Ernesto
My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…
We live in a newly-built gated community with a lot of young families and diversity. I feel very safe here and we have a sense of community with our neighbors. We live in a suburb but close enough to visit local attractions such as theme parks, entertainment venues, and relaxing waterfront locations. It's also nice that we're only a few minutes away from family.
-Justin
My philosophy on parenting is...
I've always like the saying: "When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos." - L.R. Knost
-Ernesto
I would never...
I would never disown my child because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or faith preference. We don't know who our children will love, how they will identify, or what they will believe once they are grown. But it is our job to support them as they are, not who we want them to be. Love should never come with qualifiers, and a child should never age out of love.
-Ernesto
My favorite place in the World is...
My favorite place is the jetty in the town Justin grew up in. He introduced me to it and I fell in love. For someone who loves the water but hates the sand, it's the perfect place to be. Walking out onto the water with waves crashing on rocks while pelicans and gulls go by, it's not just breathtaking, it's magical. I hope to share that magic with our child one day.
-Ernesto
When we argue, what’s it about?
When we argue, it's usually about cleaning or small silly stuff but it never lasts long because we are always dying to make up with each other. Arguments in our household never last more than a day. We enjoy being friends and being on the same page so we always make the effort to resolve things quickly.
-Justin
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