We once planned a relaxing getaway to Cabo San Lucas that turned into more of an adventure than we bargained for. A winter storm hit Traverse City the day we were supposed to fly out, and our flight was canceled. Determined not to miss the trip, we rented a car and drove to Chicago overnight. That flight got delayed too, and somehow, we ended up rerouted through Texas before finally landing in Mexico days later.
We lost a few days of the trip, but we made up for it with tacos, sunshine, and a good story to tell. What could have been a stressful mess turned into one of our favorite memories. We laughed, rolled with the chaos, and reminded each other that attitude is everything.
That trip taught us that things rarely go exactly as planned, but if you stick together and keep a sense of humor, you can make the best of any situation. We know parenting will come with unexpected moments too, and we are ready to face them as a team.
We met in 2012 during the Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Nate had just returned from serving in the Army, and Rodney had recently moved back to town. From the moment we met, we were inseparable. That summer sparked a connection that quickly grew into a deep and lasting relationship. We were married in 2023.
Our relationship is built on trust, humor, and mutual respect. We balance each other in the best ways. Rodney brings the planning and big ideas, and Nate brings a calm and steady perspective. We are both grounded, family-focused, and enjoy the simple things in life.
One of the things we love most about each other is how well we work as a team in everyday life. Whether we are working on house projects, planning a weekend away, or walking our dog, Merle, we genuinely enjoy doing life together. We support each other through challenges, celebrate each other’s wins, and never take for granted the love we share.
We talk often about growing our family and look forward to raising a child in a home filled with love, laughter, patience, and support.
We love being outdoors and spending time on things that bring us joy. On weekends, you will often find us camping, fishing, or working around the house. We enjoy taking care of our yard and garden, and we have taken up beekeeping together, which has been a rewarding way to connect with nature and each other.
Nate enjoys hunting, building projects, and staying active with workouts and outdoor chores. Rodney is more focused on creative thinking, small business ideas, and following the stock market. We both enjoy traveling and discovering new places, but we are just as content with a quiet night at home watching a movie or playing cards.
We value our time with family and friends, whether it is sitting around a bonfire, sharing a meal, or catching up on the porch. We try to live in a way that is simple, grounded, and intentional.
We look forward to including a child in every part of that life. From day-to-day routines to new adventures, we are excited to create a home full of love, curiosity, and connection.
Sex: A Boy or A Girl
Ethnicities: Caucasian,
Age: Newborn to 5 Years Old
Total of: 1 to 2 Children or 2 Siblings
Child Care: Family Member Child Care  Nanny Â
We Live In: Northern Michigan
Our Belief: Christian
Our Pets: Dog(s)
Our Children: No Children Now
We are approved to adopt a child of white/Caucasian background. This decision was made after thoughtful consideration of what we feel most comfortable with and best equipped to support.
We also live in a small community in Northern Michigan where the population is predominantly white. This influenced our decision, as we want to ensure that a child’s sense of belonging and cultural identity is supported not only at home but also within the broader community.
This choice was made with care and respect, with the intention of providing the most stable, understanding, and connected environment possible for the child we welcome into our family.
Family is a big part of our lives. We are close with Rodney’s parents, his sister, brother-in-law, and our nephew, Gunner. We see them often for dinners, birthdays, and weekend visits. Each year, we take a trip to Florida to visit Rodney’s parents, who spend their winters there. It is a tradition we all look forward to and one we are excited to share with a child someday.
Nate has built strong friendships through his work in law enforcement. Many of his close friends have young children, and we enjoy spending time with them outside of work. We often get together to grill in the backyard, go camping, or let the kids play while the adults catch up.
We feel lucky to be surrounded by people who truly care and show up for one another. Our family and friends are warm, dependable, and deeply supportive of our adoption journey. They are the kind of people who lend a hand without being asked, make room at the table, and celebrate life’s big and small moments.
A child raised in our circle will be loved, encouraged, and surrounded by strong role models who help them feel safe, connected, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
We live in a spacious and welcoming home in a quiet Northern Michigan neighborhood surrounded by trees, nature, and friendly neighbors. There is plenty of room for a child to grow, play, and have space of their own. The big backyard is perfect for running around, playing catch, or roasting marshmallows by the fire.
Our neighborhood is peaceful and family-friendly. Kids ride their bikes down the street, people wave hello, and the community feels safe and close-knit. We are near lakes, trails, and small-town festivals, which means there is always something fun to do close to home.
Inside, our home feels warm and lived-in. The kitchen is the heart of our space, where we cook together, talk about our day, and share meals with family and friends. We already have a room picked out for a nursery and are excited to turn it into a space filled with comfort and joy.
We plan to stay in this home and community long-term. It’s where we feel rooted and connected. We are looking forward to filling it with even more love, laughter, and everyday moments as we grow our family.
We see education as one of the most important gifts we can give a child. It is not just about grades or schoolwork, but about helping them discover who they are, what they enjoy, and how to think for themselves.
We will support our child’s learning by being present and involved. That means helping with schoolwork, encouraging their interests, and showing them that learning can be fun. We believe in creating a home where questions are welcomed, creativity is encouraged, and mistakes are seen as part of the learning process.
We also believe that learning happens outside of school too. Exploring nature, trying new things, and having real conversations all help shape a curious and confident child. More than anything, we want our child to know they will always be supported in becoming exactly who they are meant to be.
We believe discipline is about guidance, not punishment. Our goal is to help a child understand their emotions, learn from their choices, and feel safe knowing that they are always loved, even when mistakes happen.
In our home, we will use discipline as a way to teach responsibility, respect, and empathy. We believe in setting clear boundaries and being consistent, while also staying calm and patient. Every child is different, so we will always try to understand what they need in the moment and respond with care.
We also believe in leading by example. Children learn so much from how adults handle frustration, solve problems, and treat others. Our focus will be on connection, communication, and helping a child grow into a kind, confident person who feels secure and understood.
We were both raised in Christian households where values like kindness, compassion, and community were a big part of everyday life. While we are not currently active in a specific church, those core values have stayed with us and continue to guide how we live and treat others.
We believe in showing love through action by being good to our neighbors, supporting our family and friends, and raising a child with a strong sense of empathy and respect for others. If our child is interested in exploring faith, we will support them with openness and honesty.
Our focus is on creating a home filled with love, stability, and understanding. We hope to raise a child who is thoughtful, inclusive, and confident in who they are.
I work as a Business Manager for a medical practice, where I help support the staff and patients and ensure things run smoothly each day. I enjoy working with people and solving problems. I’ve always found meaning in creating an environment where others feel cared for and supported.
In addition to my job at the medical practice, I also help friends and family as a licensed real estate agent and co-own two self-storage facilities. My schedule is four days a week, which gives me a consistent routine and extra time at home. These roles allow me to stay flexible while building long-term stability for my future family.
While I enjoy the work I do, family is always my top priority. I look forward to raising a child in an environment that feels secure, loving, and filled with support, encouragement, and time together.
After placement, I plan to take parental leave so I can be home full-time during the early months. My workplace has been very supportive, and I’m fortunate to have a flexible schedule that will continue as we grow our family.
Once I return to work, I plan to continue in my current position with the ability to adjust my hours if needed. My husband and I have had many conversations about child care, and we plan to use a mix of in-home care and part-time help from close family and trusted caregivers. Our top priority is making sure our child feels safe, loved, and supported every day.
I’m excited to be a hands-on parent who is present for both the big milestones and the small, everyday moments. Creating a stable, nurturing environment where a child feels known and cared for is one of the most important commitments I can make.
I work as a Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant. What I enjoy most about my job is being able to help people and make a difference in the community. Whether it is keeping someone safe, calming a tough situation, or being a steady presence when things feel uncertain, it means a lot to know I can be there for others.
I also value the teamwork and leadership side of my role. Supporting my fellow officers and working through challenges together has taught me patience, responsibility, and how to stay calm under pressure. These are lessons that carry over into how I approach life at home and the kind of parent I hope to be.
I know that being a strong parent means showing up consistently, communicating clearly, and leading with care. These are all things I practice daily in my work and look forward to carrying into fatherhood.
I plan to continue working full time as a Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant after placement. I am eligible for FMLA leave and will take time off in the beginning to be home during the early months. My schedule also includes built-in days off during the week, which will give me meaningful time at home with our child even after I return to work.
Rodney and I have had many conversations about child care and what we want that to look like. We plan to use a combination of in-home care and support from trusted family members. Our top priority is making sure our child always feels safe, supported, and surrounded by love.
Even with a demanding job, I am committed to being a present and involved parent. I look forward to the everyday moments just as much as the big ones. Whether it is helping with bedtime, spending time outdoors, or simply being there to listen, I will always make sure our child knows they are deeply loved and never alone.
I was born and raised in Northern Michigan, where my family has lived for generations. I come from a small, close family that includes my parents and my older sister. Our background is mostly Northern European, with roots in England, Germany, and Scandinavia.
We value simple traditions and time together. Some of my favorite memories are of gathering as a family for Christmas and Thanksgiving, sharing home-cooked meals and stories around the table. In the summer, we spend time at the lake, especially at our family cabin, where we fish, grill, and enjoy being together outdoors.
These experiences taught me the importance of connection, consistency, and making time for the people you love. I look forward to carrying those values into parenthood and building new traditions with a child of our own.
I come from a close-knit family with deep roots in the Midwest. Our ancestry goes back to England, Germany, and Scotland. I was raised in a home where spending time together mattered more than anything material. I am one of four brothers, and growing up in a house full of boys taught me the value of patience, humor, and teamwork.
Some of my favorite memories are simple ones. We took scenic car rides, played Euchre around the kitchen table, and cheered on the Tigers during baseball season. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, and family holidays were always full of laughter, good food, and shared stories.
I also grew up fishing and camping, which taught me to love the outdoors and appreciate quiet moments. Those experiences helped shape my values and taught me the importance of being present, staying grounded, and making time for the people I care about.
I look forward to sharing these parts of my life with a child and creating a home filled with love, adventure, and meaningful time together.
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. We can only imagine the strength and love it takes to consider an adoption plan, and we have deep respect for you as you navigate this decision.
We are Rodney and Nate, a couple from Northern Michigan who have built a life grounded in love, laughter, and family. We’ve been together for over 12 years and married since 2023. Our home is filled with warmth, support, and the kind of moments that make a childhood feel safe and full of joy. We are excited to welcome a child into our lives, to grow our family, and to offer a life full of love, stability, and opportunity.
We would be honored to get to know you, hear your story, and understand what kind of connection feels right to you. No matter what you choose, we want you to feel respected, supported, and never alone in this process.
With care and gratitude,
We hope our adoption journey includes a lasting and meaningful relationship with you. In the best circumstances, we imagine openness, trust, and mutual respect guiding the connection we share. We would love for you to be part of your child’s life in a way that feels right and comfortable for you, whether that means sharing photos and updates, spending time together, or staying in touch as life unfolds.
We believe it is important for a child to know where they come from and to feel the love of everyone who cares for them. Your presence, your story, and your voice are all part of that. We want your child to grow up knowing that your decision came from a place of love and strength, and that you will always hold a special place in their heart and in our lives.
Our hope is that this adoption marks the beginning of a relationship rooted in shared love, understanding, and ongoing connection.
We hope our adoption journey includes a lasting and meaningful relationship with you. In the best circumstances, we imagine openness, trust, and mutual respect guiding the connection we share. We would love for you to be part of your child’s life in a way that feels right and comfortable for you, whether that means sharing photos and updates, spending time together, or staying in touch as life unfolds.
We believe it is important for a child to know where they come from and to feel the love of everyone who cares for them. Your presence, your story, and your voice are all part of that. We want your child to grow up knowing that your decision came from a place of love and strength, and that you will always hold a special place in their heart and in our lives.
Our hope is that this adoption marks the beginning of a relationship rooted in shared love, understanding, and ongoing connection.
Just one more thing...We hope our adoption journey includes a lasting and meaningful relationship with you. In the best circumstances, we imagine openness, trust, and mutual respect guiding the connection we share. We would love for you to be part of your child’s life in a way that feels right and comfortable for you, whether that means sharing photos and updates, spending time together, or staying in touch as life unfolds.
We believe it is important for a child to know where they come from and to feel the love of everyone who cares for them. Your presence, your story, and your voice are all part of that. We want your child to grow up knowing that your decision came from a place of love and strength, and that you will always hold a special place in their heart and in our lives.
Our hope is that this adoption marks the beginning of a relationship rooted in shared love, understanding, and ongoing connection.
