Brittany & Phil

How We Met

We met in freshman science class in high school, where a friendship quickly grew into something more. We dated throughout high school and college before getting married, then moved away from home for graduate school to begin building our life together as a family.

Our Dog

Gracie is our 9 year old chihuahua, who is an absolute cuddle bug. She loves cool whip, broccoli and carrots, and her favorite pastime is sunbathing. She will answer to: Gracie, bean, bean bug, noodle, and noodle bug.

Our Hobbies

We love being on the move and making memories together, especially through travel. We try to plan a trip each quarter and enjoy making each one a unique experience—whether that means time at the coast, exploring national parks, or heading to the mountains. Spending time with family is especially important to us, and each year we take a big extended-family trip with our nieces and nephews, meeting up in a new location each time.

At home, we enjoy daily walks through our neighborhood with our senior chihuahua, Gracie, which has become a favorite way to slow down and connect. We also make time for a weekly game night where we unplug, laugh together, and focus on being present. On top of that, we love hiking the Austin greenbelt, spending time downtown at concerts and festivals, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops. Whether close to home or far away, we value shared experiences and time together.

Parenting Philosophy

We believe parenting is about creating a home filled with love, stability, and kindness, where a child feels safe, supported, and deeply valued. We understand that every child is unique, and we believe in meeting a child where they are, adapting as they grow, and responding with patience and respect. When challenges arise, we will approach them calmly—using open communication, trust, and guidance from peers.

We also value curiosity and hands-on learning, from time outdoors and reading together, to creative play and shared experiences. While we recognize the role of technology, we plan to keep screen time limited and focus on connection, family time, and meaningful moments that help a child feel confident, loved, and encouraged.

What Adoption Means to Us

Adoption, to us, is rooted in love, hope, and connection. While we are unable to have children of our own, our hearts are full and eager to grow our family in a meaningful way. Adoption has been on our hearts for many years, and we see it as a beautiful way to build a family grounded in love, openness, and respect.

We believe adoption is about honoring every story involved and creating a life filled with support, understanding, and stability. Our greatest hope is to provide a safe, nurturing home where a child feels deeply loved, celebrated, and encouraged to be exactly who they are. We have so much love to give, and we are excited to share it with a child and with you, in whatever way feels right.