Erin & Ricardo

If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?

ohh good question! Not sure, but probably somebody hilarious ;)

Erin

When you argue, what’s it about?

I have always been a peacemaker, so my arguments are often more about focusing on finding common ground.

Ricardo

I hope you are...

comfortable to be your whole, authentic self with us. We will never judge you. We will always hold you in a loving glow. Your child will know that you love him or her.

Erin

We are the best choice because…

We will always put our children first, and there is no sacrifice that we will not make for them.

Ricardo

I would never...

there are few things I wouldn't try once. But, I would never order sweet breads for dinner again...turns out "sweet breads" are intestines, not a baked good!!!

Erin

Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”

Food! Not just in the obvious sense that without it I would starve, but in that I truly enjoy cooking and providing for those I love, and sharing a meal with family, friends, and strangers alike.

Ricardo

What scares you?

I am most scared of disappointing those who rely on me.

Ricardo

What scares you?

becoming unlovable. Also, climate change.

Erin

If I could have dinner with anyone -- dead or alive -- I would pick...

John Lewis. He was my Atlanta Congressman until he died last year. He was also a civil rights activist, marching with MLK, working tirelessly to improve his community in big and small ways.

Erin

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

Spiritual. We believe strongly in community, empathy, empowerment, and civil and human rights. I work closely with religious organizations of shared vision to bring opportunity to our neighborhood.

Erin

If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...

economic systems and structures that create inequality across communities and limit our abilities to self actualize.

Erin

My philosophy on parenting is...

to be as curious about my child as they are about the world, and to foster their sense of wonder. To guide and protect them, but also build up and encourage them to take risks!

Ricardo

My philosophy on parenting is...

nobody knows your family better than your family.

Erin

What is the best word to describe your family?

Nurturing. We always make a conscious effort to challenge and support one another so that we can be the best versions of ourselves.

Ricardo

If you could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I really love sushi and seafood in general.

Ricardo

If I could have dinner with anyone -- dead or alive -- I would pick...

I always loved Carl Sagan's outlook on life and the world, and I would really enjoy to hear what he thinks of the great advances in modern science.

Ricardo

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

I believe that there are things we do not or cannot fully understand, but are still incredibly important.

Ricardo

In five years, our relationship with you will...

whatever you want! We are open and loving and trust you to make the best decision for you. We would love to have you in our lives in whatever form serves you.

Erin

The most special thing I own is...

our house. Not because we own it, really, but because it is a permanent safe haven for us and ours, offering fun, security, and expression of our growing lives! It brings many of us together.

Erin

My favorite place in the World is...

somewhere I haven't been before, especially if I am traveling with Erin. She is an excellent travel partner, and I love to experience new places and cultures with her.

Ricardo

Dogs or cats?

both, and all other animals too! We have currently only have two dogs, but we both love animals and our dream is actually to retire to a big farm full of animals.

Ricardo

Favorite season and why?

I love Fall - I can't get enough of quiet walks in the woods when the leaves are changing.

Ricardo

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?

I am often humbled by the immensity of the universe, and how in the vast, quiet, nothing there is a little planet called Earth that is brimming with life!

Ricardo

Do you have kids? How would they feel about a sibling?

No we don't have kids, but we do have a niece and a nephew and we know that they would be ecstatic to get a new cousin!

Ricardo

My favorite place in the World is...

wherever my husband is. But preferably he is on and island in the Caribbean, on a balcony overlooking the ocean.

Erin

Three years from now, I hope our birth mom is…..

living her best life, happy, fulfilled, empowered, and connected to us!

Erin

Dogs or cats?

Both!? We love animals in my household! We have dogs, but all of us love cats, including the dogs!

Erin

If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?

A sailboat for sure! I love closing my eyes and feeling the sea breeze on my face and the rhythm of the ocean.

Ricardo

I hope you are...

not too hard on yourself. We are all doing our best with what we've got, and it's important to know how to keep your head up.

Ricardo

Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”

coffee. (Also my family, friends, and pups, of course.) But, also, coffee...

Erin

If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...

more trains! I love to travel, and there is something so relaxing about watching the countryside pass and listening to the rhythm of the tracks. Bonus: they are the most sustainable transportation!

Ricardo

What is the best word to describe your family?

Loyal.

Erin

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?

my mom. When I was little, my mom and I lived on an orchard in Michigan. She often drove us to the middle of a field to watch shooting stars. Wherever I am, I see the stars and think of those nights!

Erin

In five years, our relationship with you will...

be whatever you need. Of course we HOPE that you will be a part of our family in way that is comfortable for you, but recognize that situations and feelings change over time.

Ricardo

Three years from now, I hope our birth mom is…..

Living the life that she wants to live.

Ricardo

I would never...

betray the trust placed in me by my loved ones.

Ricardo

If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Yes. Either would be dope! Probably RVs are more realistic to visit a diverse range of places, sights, and terrains.

Erin

When you argue, what’s it about?

Generally, human rights or projects that impact wellbeing of those around me.

Erin

If you could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Indian or Mexican food-- particularly extra spicy!

Erin

We are the best choice because…

we are good people, doing our best in the world. We believe in kindness and creating a loving community. We will center our child in our lives, and make sure they know how much we (and you) love them!

Erin

My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…

it is diverse, safe, walkable, neighborly and has excellent schools, parks, and Atlanta perks!

Erin