We are the Shoe family: Chris (coffee lover), Tiffany (tea enthusiast) and Penny (fuzzy puppers).

Chris and I met in 3rd grade when he transferred to my elementary school. He used to tease me on the playground, back when girls had “cooties”. We became friends in high school, attending school and church events with the same group, but didn't start dating until our junior year of college. By that time, I was attending college in Los Angeles and Chris was finishing his degree in New York. We fell in love, survived a long-distance engagement and in August 2008, promised forever.

We have always wanted to be parents. When I (Tiffany) was little, I used to say all I wanted to be was a wife and mommy when I grew up. Unfortunately, the road to parenthood has not been easy or quick. We tried for years to get pregnant, sought medical help and were left with only questions. When we were engaged, we talked about adopting. I admit, we had a very rosy view of how and when this would all happen...but God’s ways are not our ways and our plans are so limited.

Through time, tears and His grace, we have learned more about ourselves and God’s character, prepared better for parenthood and sought out adoption stories, podcasts, books, advice and groups. Our rosy view has become more grounded - we understand more of the complexities of adoption, the emotional risk, the uncertainty. We don’t know what the future looks like, but we will choose adoption today and tomorrow and the next day.