Michelle & Matt

Family traditions are the heartbeat of our lives, and we’re excited to share them with a child. Sundays were sacred growing up—every week, extended family would gather at our grandparents’ apartment or meet up for Dim Sum. Those gatherings were filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of presence that makes a child feel truly supported and surrounded by love. That spirit of togetherness still lives on in our lives today. We both come from families who celebrate holidays with heart and joy. Hanukkah parties, New Year’s get-togethers, Friendsgiving, and Sunday meals are still big events in our home. Christmas Eve is especially meaningful in our family, full of fun games, homemade Mexican food, and attending Catholic mass together. It’s a night filled with laughter, warmth, and love. It’s a night filled with love, laughter, and joy. On Easter, one of our favorite traditions is cracking colorful confetti eggs on each other’s heads—it always ends in lots of giggles and unforgettable memories. These moments are some of my most cherished, and they’ve made me even more excited to become a parent and create meaningful, joy-filled traditions with a child of our own. One of the most special things we do each year is take one of our nieces or nephews on a one-on-one trip to the city of their choice. It’s our way of creating lasting memories, celebrating their individuality, and nurturing their sense of wonder. Those experiences have been some of the most joyful and meaningful parts of our lives—and a beautiful reminder of how ready we are to be parents.

Family means everything to us. We both grew up in a warm, supportive household. Matt’s family: My parents met when they were counselors at a summer camp. I grew up with my parents, sister, and several dogs. I was lucky to grow up with my grandparents, great-grandparents, and even my great-aunt nearby. They showed up for everything—every sporting event, birthdays, and make-believe plays—and created a foundation of love and consistency that shaped my entire childhood. My father passed away when I was 12, and I was fortunate that his brother (my uncle) was like a hero to me growing up, and we were and are very close. He was the best man at our wedding. Michelle’s family: I’m the youngest of six, with three sisters and two brothers. I’m also a proud aunt to eight wonderful nieces and nephews. We spend a lot of time together, and I’m often babysitting on weekends. One of our favorite activities is baking and trying out fun recipes together. These moments bring me so much joy and have given me lots of hands-on experience, nurturing and caring for little ones.

Our home is in a newly built community filled with young families, lots of kids, babies, and friendly neighbors. It’s the kind of place where kids ride bikes on the sidewalks, parents chat while walking dogs, and everyone shows up for the neighborhood events. One of our favorite parts of living here is the park just beyond our backyard—it’s an easy walk and features a great playground where families gather often. The neighborhood also has a community pool, a dog park, and fun family activities hosted throughout the month, like outdoor movie nights and seasonal celebrations. Inside, our home is filled with natural light that makes it feel bright, open, and peaceful. The backyard is one of our happy places—we love sitting outside, listening to birds, and grilling dinner together. We also have a cozy movie/playroom that's perfect for a child to explore, play, and make memories. It's already filled with love and ready to be filled with laughter.

Winnie is our lovable Cavapoo—half King Charles Spaniel, half Mini-Poodle, and 11 pounds of pure cuddle and personality. She’s gentle, endlessly friendly (especially with kids), and a champion tennis ball chaser. Walks, naps, and barking at bicycles are some of her favorite pastimes—and she’ll absolutely be your best friend the moment you meet her.