Kylie & Zachary

We both are huge lovers of greek mythology. Our second son's middle name, Atlas, was a testament to that, as it is derived from greek mythology and the titan Atlas. So when we travelled to Tennessee, we were so excited to see a remaking of the Parthenon in Greece. This building was huge, and housed a giant sculpture of the goddess Athena. Towering over 42 feet high, it was miraculous to see the rendering of the true statue that went missing years ago. One of our dreams is to visit Greece and experience the art and history for ourselves.

While in Tennessee visiting family we traveled to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. Here we did a walkthrough tour of his home, and his estate along with many museums highlighting his career as a musician, father, and military man. Kylie grew up with her grandma's love for Elvis, but we were stunned by the sheer amount of success he had. It was very interesting to see his life as it once was before he passed away. Our personal favorites from Graceland were Elvis's collection of cars, and the iconic bodysuits he wore during performances.

We were fortunate enough to spend a week away with Kylie's family in their home in Tennessee. They were so excited to show us around their town, as it was our first time visiting since they had moved. One of the activities we did was go to a drive-through safari park to feed the animals. There were zebras, camels, little deer, llamas, bison, pigs and so much more. We are HUGE animal lovers and enjoyed every minute of this experience.

One of our favorite things to do is take a weekend trip to a new place or just get out and explore. On a long weekend we drove to San Antonio for the weekend and got to experience all they had to offer. In Zachary's early military career, he attended bootcamp in the area. We spent the day walking around the riverwalk, shopping in the trinket stores, a boat ride on the river, and so much more. This was such a fun trip, and a great opportunity to see more of our new home state.

Cherry Blossom season in Japan was our favorite part of spring. The colors of pink and white were so beautiful and the culture and celebrations during this time were unforgettable. We love to get professional photos done at least once a year and this was a must.

Halloween 2022 we dressed up as the characters from Toy Story. This was our first year with our cat Miso so he was the “little sheep” while Kylie was Bo Peep and Zachary was Woody. We would love to do a family costume with our little one for Halloweens to come!

We spent our Valentine’s Day in Dallas for the weekend. We went to dinner at a Brazilian steakhouse for the first time, and went to a dome theater with digital art. Another excuse to get dressed up and spend time with one another!

While living in Japan for three years we were fortunate to visit a myriad of places in that beautiful country. One of our favorites was Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. We visited two separate times and were even able to bring Kylie’s brother along since he was also stationed in Japan at that same time. The difference in food and rides is so interesting to see since we grew up with Disneyland California. Our favorite ride was Beauty and the Beast , we could ride that every day!

Our little Baker bug is such a ball of joy. His big personality fits just perfect in his little body. He’s a very interesting cat, one who LOVES belly rubs! And he also loves to play fetch. Not sure if he’s more dog than cat with those two traits haha. Baker is such a sweet little guy, and definitely a nocturnal creature. Sleeping all day and awake all night he is a great addition to our little family.

Jackson was born on March 23, 2023. 3/23/2023. Every year on his birthday we celebrate him with a cake and white flowers. This year we planted flowers in honor of his second heavenly birthday. Our family members send flowers, and we remember how much he meant to us, and continues to mean to us even when he isn't here physically. We are so thankful to have gotten to hold him for as long as we did and only wish it could have been longer. It is our hope to remember him for the rest of our lives and to involve our future children in the life of their siblings who have passed on.

Our pets are like our kids! Miso is the first pet that we adopted when we lived in Japan, and he has added so much joy to our life. His favorite thing is looking at the birds outside and watching the wild bunnies in our backyard. He will bring us his favorite toys and even play fetch. He is a VERY vocal boy always screaming in the house when he is feeling happy. Miso loves his dad and sleeps by our feet each night. We couldn't have asked for a better cat he is such a love bug!

When Zachary was active-duty military, we would attend the annual military ball in celebration of the Air Force's birthday. It is a nice chance for us to get dressed up and enjoy some good food, entertainment and a night out of the house. We are definitely people who enjoy activities at home but every once in a while, we love to go all out!

We decided to begin our adoption process with Gladney while living in Montana. Knowing we'd like to move to Texas in the future it seemed like the best fit for us. After finding out about their orientation we booked a trip to Texas and spent a few days exploring the area. The Botanical gardens in Fort Worth were so beautiful, despite it being so HOT!! We visited downtown and tried Whataburger for the first time, the true Texan experience. This trip further solidified our decision to move and to continue with Gladney as our adoption agency.

Glacier National Park is hand down our favorite place we have ever visited. We truly cannot explain the sheer beauty of this park. The greens are greener the blues are bluer; the water is the most clear and beautiful we have ever seen. We talk about this trip so frequently because we had the time of our life. We dream of this place and would like to visit again. In one day, we saw streams, and trees, snow and mountain goats! The surrounding town and the gift shops were so nice and so cute. We had some of the best Mexican food while visiting. Genuinely we cannot recommend this place enough it has stolen our hearts forever.

We visited Yellowstone National Park with our family, Zack's brother, sister-in law, our niece and her little brother (in mama's tummy). This park had so much to offer! From the scenery to the rolling plains, the various wildlife and the lakes and valleys. We loved everything about this place. We camped in the back of the truck bed with our truck tent and enjoyed cooking over a fire. By the end of each day, we were exhausted spending 10 hours in the park per day and hiking over 15 miles! One of our favorite moments was getting to see a bear and her cubs cross the road. Seeing the wildlife in their element was truly amazing!

In November 2024 our family went to Salem, MA to experience what it is like around Halloween/Fall. Kylie's grandma and her have always dreamt of seeing this city as they are fascinated by witches. Since Kylie was born so close to Halloween, they have always had a special love for all things fall and spooky. During this trip we visited the Salem witch museum, visited the house from the set of Hocus Pocus, ate a ton of delicious food, and even visited neighboring Boston where Kylie's dad and grandma lived for some time. This was one of our favorite trips to date and we hope to visit again someday in the future to explore even more!

Each weekend we try and find one thing to do outside of the house that we haven't done yet. This weekend we decided to explore the Dallas Zoo. As animal lovers we enjoyed looking all of the different creatures and walking around in the nice weather. Some of our favorites were: the cheetahs, penguins, elephants, and lemurs. We somehow always find a way to compare the large animals at the zoo to our pets. The lemurs especially reminded us of our Miso and Baker. We will 100% be returning to the Dallas Zoo, hopefully to explore with a little one soon!

Happy Easter!! We spent our Easter with family in our home. This is the first time in about 4 years since we have been able to spend easter with the family. Kylie cooked a big dinner for everyone, and we played yard games, board games and enjoyed each other's company. Thankfully the weather was nice so we could get outside and be active! We hope you had a great Easter!

This past weekend we attended a fundraising event for Kylie's job. Working as a medical assistant she serves in a community that has developed funding to help low-income families seek care. This event was a chance for the community to come together and donate to this cause in a positive way. There was live music, food, and conversations about daily operations in the medical center to give the donors a better picture into the work done at the women's health clinic. Another plus was getting to have a night out, dress up and spend time with each other working towards a positive goal in the community.

We ran our first 5K at the zoo in the beginning of April. Since we moved to Texas, we have wanted to get involved in community organizations in order to get to know the area more. This 5K was a fundraiser to raise money towards ending trafficking in Texas and the surrounding areas, providing resources to the individuals affected by this. We had so much fun running/ walking mostly ... haha, as well as enjoying all of the animals at the zoo!

After years of moving from California to Japan, Montana and then Texas with Zachary's military service we have decided to settle down and buy our first house here in Texas! One of the things we looked forward to the most was setting up the nursery. Having this room in our home serves as a symbol of hope after so many years of pain through losing our sons in 2023. Each detail in this room was thoughtfully chosen with intention and so much love. Zachary did such a wonderful job at the carpentry and transforming the room into the perfect little sanctuary for your baby.

FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY - “I could not think of more deserving people to be parents” - MACY - CHILDHOOD FRIEND - “They are both kind, patient, and wonderful humans. So caring, truly would be the best parents." - ALYSSA - FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR - “They complement each other perfectly! The yin and the yang!” - KARYN - ZACHARY’S MOTHER -“They’re always picking each other up, truly the best couple!” - CHLOE - FRIEND - “There’s no doubt in my mind that their child will always feel every ounce of love these two have to give.” - MONTANA - FAMILY FRIEND - “Their journey has not been traveled lightly and they still continue to put their best feet forward.” MIA - FAMILY MEMBER

”Distance makes the heart grow fonder.” As a military family, our time with loved ones is limited, but we cherish every moment together. We make it a priority to see both sides of our family at least once a year, despite them being spread across California, Tennessee, and Japan. Kylie shares a special bond with her brother Spencer, while Zack is close to his brother and his family, including our niece Amelia. The loss of Zack's sister in 2009 has strengthened his family ties, reminding us of the importance of cherishing one another. Amelia. The loss of Zack's sister in 2009 has strengthened his family ties, reminding us of the importance of cherishing one another. Our family has been incredibly supportive through our journey, especially as we navigate the heartache of losing our children. Their encouragement means the world to us as we embark on the new path of adoption, and we’re grateful to have such a strong support system ready to welcome your little one into our hearts and home. OUR TRADITIONS - Matching Family Pajamas at Christmas time - Matching Halloween costumes as a couple or as a family - Every birthday we have a special plate that the person uses for breakfast and cake - Annual family vacations, and family photos - Game nights, camping trips, craft days, and movie showings at home

WE LOVE TO TRAVEL We have seen a lot of the world together, and it is our goal to show the world to our children. Some of the places we’ve been included: Tokyo, Japan, Yellowstone National Park; Monterey California, Glacier National Park, Disneyland Japan; Universal Studios Osaka; Seattle; and countless more. We were very fortunate to live in Japan for three years and experience what that side of the world is like, giving us endless opportunities to make memories overseas. Our current adventure bucket list includes places like Mexico, Disney World, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Italy, and Greece. While we have visited some of these places individually, we would like to experience them together. When we go to new areas, one of our favorite things to do is try their food. Japan had some of the best, and we still miss it to this day, but even things like Montana Huckleberry catch our eye when we visit new places. Fun Fact about Kylie: She went on forty airplane rides to visit family before she was four years old! Travel has always been her favorite! - OUR FAVORITE PLACE EVER: GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA - WEIRDEST FOOD WE'VE HAD: COWS TONGUE MISAWA, JAPAN - GREATEST EXPERIENCE: TOKYO, JAPAN

ABOUT MISO & BAKER Miso is our first-ever pet together! He is a white American shorthair, which is ironic since we adopted him when we lived in Japan. He is three years old and absolutely spoiled to the core. One thing we adore about him is how vocal and protective he is. We never could have believed that such sass could be packed into such a tiny body! He is truly the best first pet we could have asked for; he is affectionate and cuddly and always ready to play. Miso is very friendly with new people and kids, but more curious than anything. Baker is our other kitten! He is the complete opposite of Miso in nearly every way. He is a long-haired tabby. His demeanor is calm, with a hint of jumpiness. As he grows older, he seems to be coming out of his shell more and more. You could hear him purr from houses away! He is very affectionate and never quick to turn down a treat. We adopted Baker only about four months after Miso for companionship, and they are the best of buds. Baker’s favorite spot to sleep is our nursery. We often times find him cuddled up in the crib or the changing table!

After three wonderful years in Japan, we now call Montana home, and we couldn’t be happier. This beautiful state, with its stunning wildlife and diverse terrain, has captured our hearts. We love immersing ourselves in nature—fishing in crystal clear rivers, hiking breathtaking trails, and exploring national parks like Yellowstone and Glacier. Our two-story duplex has a large backyard, perfect for play, and we’re part of a diverse community on a military base with many children and a school within five miles. The general feel for our home is “comfy-cozy.” We prioritize cleanliness and security in a space where we can relax at the end of the day. As Zachary prepares to retire from the military, we’re excited about moving to Texas in the new year. This transition marks a new chapter, and we look forward to the stability of settling in one place. We can’t wait to explore Texas's rich culture and vibrant communities as we build a home where we can finally put down roots.

Losing three children has left a mark on our hearts, a void that can never be filled. Each birthday brings a bittersweet mix of celebration and sorrow as we honor their brief lives and the joy they brought us. Though they are no longer physically with us, we carry them in our thoughts and memories. Every moment is a reminder of the love we shared and the dreams we held for them, and we strive to live in a way that keeps their memory alive, embracing the lessons they taught us about love, resilience, and the preciousness of time. We realize nothing can replace them, and there is so much love left for us to give your baby, just as we love our own. HERE FOR A MOMENT LOVED FOR A LIFETIME.

WRITTEN BY KYLIE “Zachary is truly the love of my life. The thought he puts into the people he loves is more than admirable. Whether it be surprise flowers after work or planning trips and date nights, he is always thinking of others. In the years we’ve been together, I’ve seen him blossom into what I believe will be a wonderful father and protector of our children. It warms my heart to see him with our niece, nephew, and even our pets. He is patient, dependable, protective, honest, and loves to use humor in all aspects of life. I see him being the kind of father who is hands-on, and always open to learning with his child as they grow together. For years he has made the sacrifice to serve our country, and I know he will be more than happy to serve as a father and family man for the years to come. Zachary is so deserving of the love a child could bring our family. I CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH HIM BECOME A FATHER”

I’m Zachary, born and raised in California with my brother and sister, along with my parents. Shortly after graduating high school, I enlisted in active duty military, and that’s been my life for the last six years. My career has taken me all over the world, from Qatar to California, Japan, and now Montana. Outside of the military, I have a variety of hobbies, including fitness, video games, hiking, and grilling on the smoker. I love spending my weekends grilling delicious food and relaxing with good movies and great company. Some of my favorite memories have been created on vacations with my wife. Whether exploring new cultures or simply enjoying time together in beautiful places, those trips have deepened our relationship and filled our lives with joy. Each adventure has brought us closer, allowing us to share laughter, discover hidden gems, and see the world together. ZACHARY’S FAVORITES - FOOD : Vietnamese Pho - HOBBIES: grilling, video games, fishing, fitness, graphic design, and hiking outdoors - COLLECTABLES: Funko pops, and shot glasses from all the different places he’s been - MOVIE OR TV SHOWS: Harry Potter, and The Office

WRITTEN BY ZACHARY “Kylie is the most beautiful, amazing, and selfless person I have the privilege to spend my life with. She always puts those she cares about at the top of her priorities to make them feel special. While I was deployed, she would decorate the boxes with the holidays or include cute little notes. She continues to do that even for other people's birthdays back home; it helps make it a little more personal and thought out, and you can feel the love. Kylie will be a wonderful mother to your child because she loves helping children day in and day out. Her past jobs have been specifically to help kids and take care of them. She has sacrificed a lot to support me while I have been in the military. Now it’s her turn to make our dream of having a child call her momma come true! SHE WILL BE A WONDERFUL MOTHER!”

Hi Mama! I’m Kylie! I was born and raised in California with my mom, dad, and brother. Both my brother and I are adopted, and that experience, along with the diversity it brought, has shaped who I am. I truly believe that love makes a family, and that has been a guiding principle in my life as an adoptee. Some of my favorite hobbies include photography, travel, cooking, and baking. I love experimenting in the kitchen and trying new recipes from different cultures and cuisines. When I’m not baking, you can usually find me lost in the pages of a good book or planning my next travel adventure. I’m passionate about my work as a pediatric medical assistant to help children and their families feel better. On my ideal day off, I enjoy watching movies and spending quality time with my husband and our pets. Your child will add such a light into our lives as we grow as both a couple and as individuals. KYLIE’S FAVORITES - FOOD: homemade sourdough bread, and Mexican - HOBBIES: baking, reading, gardening, crafting, and traveling to new places. - COLLECTABLES: polaroid photos! (current collection dating back to 2016) - MOVIE OR TV SHOWS: Grown-ups and Gilmore Girls

We love to explore the outdoors! Whether it be camping, hiking, going on daily walks, or exploring a new area. When we’re not outside we love to curl up on the couch together and watch movies, and TV shows. We both enjoy reading and usually end our days in bed with a good book. Nothing is more fun than the company and comfort we find in each other.