James and Jeffrey

We're so excited to be parents, and we're ready to get to know your child and you. We've put together a few notes about our life, our family, our pets so you can get to know us a little better.

What we want to say most is this- we've spent our lives together building towards starting a family. We've taken every step possible to provide the stability, love, and care that every child deserves, and we're just so happy that you're here, reading this, considering us.

I spend my days as a Software Product Manager and my nights as an aspiring baker / dog walker / chef / and video gamer.

Outside of all that- I'm always looking for the next adventure for Jeffrey and I. Whether that's a cooking class in Venice, or a hike to Sacre-Coeur, traveling the world is only as magical as the person by your side (and I count my lucky stars every day that guy is Jeffrey).

Born in Phoenix, AZ and grew up in Orem, UT. Throughout my life I've tried many hats- I went to school for theater and then business and I've worked in retail and now software.

I've wanted to be a dad and start a family my entire life, and from the day I met Jeffrey- I knew he was the person I wanted to do that with.

I want to show our child the world, let them learn as much as they can, try any and every hobby, sport, school subject they want- I'm going to be there to support them along the way, kiss scraped knees, and attend every school concert, art show, soccer game. I want th let them be themselves, and help them do that every day.

I've spent years perfecting dad jokes too, because I know they'll come in handy.

I'm a UX Designer by day, and a Pokemon master by night (Lvl. 41 Pokemon Go). The only way to become a Pokemon master is to spend your evenings walking around the park with your dog, Ziggy. It's a science.

Originally my family is from the state of Jalisco in Mexico, but I was born in Provo, UT and grew up a few miles south from there in Payson.

Growing up I was a quiet kid that enjoyed books, movies, video games, and daydreaming over the physical and seeming repetition of school.

My best memories from childhood included a few close and dear friends going to concerts, diners where we had breakfast at 2am, and dreaming of finding community in the big city- Salt Lake (or if we're really dreaming, New York).

We met at Forever 21, 2009 holiday season (James' favorite time of the year, and least favorite time to work in retail).

I, James, fell in love with Jeffrey at first sight. Which feels impossible, but it's completely true. Jeffrey was a flat-ironed hair pushed forward over one eye,skinny jeans vision, who was cool, calm, and collected to my nervous energy.

However, I, Jeffrey, had my worries- and it took a solid three months before I worked up the courage to ask James out on a date- and even then, I framed it as a combination of an accidental butt dial-slash-"oops I was sleeping" accident.

But I have to say, going on that date with James was the best decision I ever made. I never thought that I would have been fortunate enough to understand this kind of love. Love that is curious, kind, and freeing- knowing that in all the messiness of life I have a person who is as invested in my joy and success as I am.

16 years later, we've ditched the skinny jeans and flat irons, but still spend as much time together as we can. We carpool to work almost every day, and spend our evenings together on the couch playing a video game or watching a movie. Most weekends we're at the movie theater seeing either the latest animated feature film (Jeffrey's choice) oe the newest art-house hit (James').

Outside of the day to day, we love to travel, whether that's to Disneyland or Disneyland Paris, Tokyo, or Rome- we're happy that we've been able to see the world together.

16 years from now we hope to be sharing these moments with our child.  Jeffrey's excited to be crying in the theater as 'Wall-E' comes back to life- with his child next to him. James can't wait to share the fifth or sixth gelato in Rome, because when you're on vacation as a family ice cream can be dinner.

Ziggy Star Dog

I'm Ziggy, a 4-year-old Border Collie Australian Cattle Dog, Labrador Retriever Super Mutt adopted as a puppy from the Utah Humane Society.

I'm a lay on the couch all day kind of guy, who loves all the people in my life, rawhide bones, treats, and my classmates at doggy daycare. I'm best friends with my 1-year-old niece and I tolerate my sister, Betty- though I'd rather be the one getting petted, not her.

(This biography was dictated to his parents, as when asked to write it he said "woof", then rolled over and asked for a treat).

Betty

I'm Betty, and I joined the family 15 years ago with my sister, Nigel. Since that day I've enjoyed a pampered life of cuddles, and endless supply of treats, and all the food that I want, and probably more than I should be allowed to have.

I'm constantly trying to discover the source of the mysterious red dot that I've chased around the house for years, as well as destroy the feet-shaped lumps I've recently found under the blankets in my parents' bed.

We believe that every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, seen, and deeply loved- and that's exactly what we will give your child. They will know that they are cherished beyond measure, not for what they do or accomplish, but just for being exactly who they are.

We hope to be able to provide a love that never wavers, that lifts them up in every season of life, and that lets them know they are never alone. We'll strive to provide them the grace and patience to grow, to make mistakes, and to learn without fear.

They will have a home where their voice matters, where their feelings are heard, and where they can show up fully as themselves every single day. And they will always be able to count on us to be in their corner. Whether it's at school, in their friendships, or in navigating the world around them- we will be their biggest, loudest (to the point of embarrassing at times I'm sure), and proudest cheerleaders.

We believe the world is a beautiful place to explore, something that we are hoping to share with them. We're excited to travel as a family- visiting new places, meeting new people, and learning from different cultures and perspectives along the way.

Our home is already filled with diversity- from the warmth of Jeffrey's family's Mexican traditions to the richness of James' Jewish-American heritage.  We speak multiple languages, share stories passed down through generations, and celebrate holidays with food, music, and rituals that remind us who we are and where we come from. Your child will grow up with a deep appreciation for identity, heritage, and the power of inclusion.

Above all, our greatest hope is to raise a kind, open-hearted human who feels deeply rooted in love and endlessly curious about the world. That journey starts with us- and we can't wait to share it with your child.

We are two incredibly lucky people. Lucky to have found each other, to have fallen in love, and to have built a life together. We've been fortunate to find success in careers that challenge and fulfill us, and we are proud of the home and life we've created together.

But the truth is, something is still missing. We know in our hearts that we're meant to be dads, and that our story isn't complete without a child to share it with. Of watching them grow and thrive, knowing they are loved unconditionally and supported every step of the way.

And for us, adoption isn't just our path to parenthood- it's a choice that reflects everything we believe in: love, inclusion, and the idea that families are built through connection, not just biology.

Our hearts are ready, our home is ready, and our lives are ready for the joay and transformation that family brings.

We know adoption comes from a place of incredible courage and love, and we are deeply honored to be considered as adoptive parents. Thank you for taking the time to learn about us and for considering us as potential parents. We don't take that lightly, and we're filled with hope and gratitude as we take this next step.

Contact Children’s Service Society at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text 801-656-8527.