We are the proud parents of our daughter, Elliot Rose, whom we lovingly call Lottie. She joined our family through adoption, and we are endlessly grateful every day for the joy she brings into our lives. She is now three years old and is everything you’d hope for in a little girl: outgoing, curious, silly, and full of wonder. Like Mea, Lottie is a book lover through and through. It’s not unusual for us to find stacks of books tucked into her bed, under pillows, and across the couch, she “reads” wherever she goes. She has a vivid imagination, a joyful spirit, and a knack for making people smile. Our house is always filled with laughter, music, and pretend play because of her.

Lottie loves dressing up in sparkly clothes, dancing in the living room, baking in her play kitchen, and making new friends wherever she goes. She’s also a little helper and takes pride in pitching in, whether it’s stirring pancake batter, sweeping the floor, or anything else she can do 'by herself.' She’s especially drawn to babies and younger kids. Her nurturing side shines when they’re around, she wants to sing to them, show them toys, and make sure they’re included. We have no doubt she’ll make a wonderful big sister. She has so much love to give and can’t wait to share her world with a sibling.

We believe adoption should never be a secret. From the very beginning, we’ve made Lottie’s story a natural, celebrated part of her life. She’s only three, so our conversations are still simple and developmentally appropriate, but they are honest and consistent. We read books about adoption together, talk about her birth parents with love and respect, and keep framed photos and special keepsakes in her room to help her stay connected to her story. We never want her to feel like she has to wonder about where she came from or who she is. Her adoption is something we talk about openly and lovingly. We visit with her birth family a few times a year, and she knows them as extended family, people who love her deeply and will always be part of her life.

For any future adopted child, our approach will be the same: open communication, age-appropriate honesty, and a home environment where every part of their story is honored. We will meet them where they are emotionally and developmentally, always ready to answer questions and hold space for their thoughts and feelings. Our goal is to raise children who know they are wanted, chosen, and unconditionally loved, not just by us, but by their birth families as well. Adoption may be how our family begins, but love is what makes us whole. We are committed to building a family grounded in trust, connection, and the celebration of every child’s unique story.

We have two large, lovable dogs—Dewey and Dot—who are truly part of our family. Dewey is our 100-pound gentle giant. Calm and affectionate, he thinks he’s a lapdog and loves to cuddle. Dot, about 60 pounds, was a surprise adoption that turned out to be the perfect fit. She’s alert, curious, and quick to let us know if even a leaf falls in the yard! Both dogs have been incredibly patient and loving with Lottie. She dresses them up, gives them pretend checkups, and includes them in all her games. Dewey and Dot don’t just tolerate her attention, they happily soak it up, especially when she “accidentally” drops food for them at dinner.

One moment that solidified Dewey’s bond with Lottie happened when she was just five months old and seriously ill with COVID and two other viruses. After a scary ER visit, we struggled at home with her breathing. Dewey seemed to sense something was wrong. Breaking the rules, he jumped on the couch and curled protectively around Lottie and Mea while she slept. Lottie rested her head on Dewey’s belly, and her breathing improved almost immediately. It was a moment of deep connection and comfort we'll never forget.

Our family is built on love, laughter, and togetherness. We are Nick and Mea, and our home is filled with warmth, playfulness, and the occasional chaos brought by our two giant, cuddly dogs, Dewey and Dot. Our daughter, Elliot, whom we all call Lottie, is the heart of our family, and we are excited to grow our family once more through adoption.

Family is everything to us. Mea’s parents, Nonny and Poppy, Nick’s parents, Mimi and Papa, and Uncle Ben and Auntie Lala all live in Chattanooga and love spending time with Lottie. Aunt Bug and her husband, Jared, serve in the military and are stationed in Hawaii. Our extended family is big, loud, and full of scuba divers and even a handful of certified mermaids! Our family is also made up of Lottie’s birth family, with whom we share a positive and open relationship.

From the moment Lottie arrived, our families embraced her completely, showering her with love as if she had always been with us. They celebrate every milestone with joy and are eager to welcome another child into our family with the same unconditional love. We cherish time together: watching movies, playing games, diving and traveling! Our Christmas traditions include exchanging ornaments that represent special milestones each year.

We love calling Alabama home, and our community is a wonderful place to raise a family. Our neighborhood is peaceful and family-centric, with a strong sense of support and connection. We are surrounded by a close-knit circle of church families who navigate life together, always ready to help, encourage, and celebrate one another. There are more than a dozen children within that group, playmates for every age, ensuring that the child we adopt will always have friends to grow and explore with.

Our home is a cozy, two-story house with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The heart of our home is the open concept living room/kitchen, where we cook, eat, watch movies, play games, and entertain. Mea’s favorite spot is her craft closet, packed with unfinished projects and endless possibilities. Our backyard is a favorite hangout for Lottie and our two dogs, Dewey and Dot, who love running in circles together. In the summer, we bring out sprinklers and a mini pool to enjoy the sunshine. Mea also has a small garden that she tends, somewhat unsuccessfully, but with plenty of enthusiasm!

We are praying for you, for this journey, and for you to find peace and joy in whatever decision you make. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our family. We can only imagine the weight of what you’re walking through right now, and we want you to know that we see you with deep respect and compassion. We’re grateful that you’re considering adoption as a possible path for your child, and we’re honored to be one of the families you’re exploring.

We’re Nick and Mea. We’ve been married for over seven years, and while we joke that murder is cheaper than divorce, the truth is that we’re wildly in love and genuinely enjoy doing life together. We were high school sweethearts, took some time apart to grow as people, and somehow found our way back to each other, stronger, more grounded, and certain that we were meant to be a team. Our relationship is special because we balance each other in the best ways. We believe that God has called us to adoption, it's the clearest path He’s ever placed in front of us, and we trust that He’s guiding your story and ours, even in this very moment. We adopted our first daughter, Lottie, a few years ago, and through that journey, our love for open adoption has only grown. We currently share photos, letters, and updates with her birth family through a private Facebook page, and we visit a few times a year. We are open to whatever level of contact you feel comfortable with: letters, emails, texts, phone calls, video chats, and in-person visits. You will always be spoken of with love and gratitude in our home, and we will honor the space you hold in your child’s life, no matter what that relationship ends up looking like.

We believe adoption should never be a secret. From the very beginning, we’ll talk to your child about their story with honesty, love, and joy. We’ll read books together, share photos, and answer their questions in ways that are appropriate for each stage of their life. Their story will be something they carry with pride, and you will always be part of it.

Our home is filled with love, laughter, and lots of energy. We love music, storytelling, games, art projects, and movie nights with popcorn. We’re raising our family in a safe, stable home in a quiet neighborhood with a big backyard and great schools. We also have two large, goofy dogs, Dewey and Dot, who we lovingly call our “house cows.” They are sweet, gentle, and surprisingly patient with children, tea parties, and being dressed in costumes. We are excited to complete our family with a second child. We hope this child will experience a childhood full of travel, adventures, laughter, cuddles, and creativity. We dream of them feeling free to be completely themselves, supported and celebrated every step of the way. We do and will continue to pray for them to feel safe, cherished, and surrounded by love, from us, their big sister, our extended family, and, if you are open to it, from you too.

We come from big, loving families who are already praying over this next child and the journey ahead. Our parents, siblings, and cousins are involved, supportive, and ready to welcome another little one with open arms. Lottie, especially, is excited to be a big sister. She’s already practicing how to share, help, and sing lullabies (whether or not they’re requested).

We want to offer you the reassurance that we are not just adopting a child, we’re embracing the story and love that comes with them. You will always have a place in our hearts and in your child’s life, if you desire it. We know this decision is not easy. Please know that no matter where your path leads, we are cheering you on and praying for peace and clarity as you decide what is best for you and your child. If you feel a connection with our family, we would be honored to walk this road with you.

With gratitude, love, and open hearts,

Nick & Mea