Richie &

Daniel

Picture this: us, backpacks on, exploring a bustling market in a new city, soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells. That's our jam. We're both adventure seekers, always down for a spontaneous trip or a new experience, whether scaling a mountain (Richie's thing) or getting lost in a museum (more Daniel's style). Richie's the social butterfly, the one who strikes up conversations with strangers on airplanes or sparks adventures with local vendors. I tend to be more reserved at first, but give me a little time, and I'm all in.

The best part? We balance each other out perfectly – Richie pushes me outside my shell, and I help him appreciate the quieter moments. We're both easy-going and spontaneous, so life with us is a mix of exciting adventures and chill movie nights (with the occasional questionable food choice, thanks to Richie's adventurous spirit!).

We can't wait to share that with a child, to create a home that's full of laughter, exploration, and a healthy dose of "let's just see where this takes us!"

Travel is our shared language, a way to learn and grow together.

The Beginning….

 
How did we meet

The military can be a funny thing for connections. We actually first matched online through a dating app while stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois. Talk about almost-meant-to-be! But, a twist of military protocol kept us from even saying hi. Richie, bless his heart, was already in a staff position, while I was still in training, and fraternization wasn't an option.

Fate, however, had other plans. Back home in California for the holidays, guess who popped up on the same app again? This time, miles apart but with a connection undeniable, we decided to finally meet – in the same virtual spot where we first matched. It turns out, the universe has a wicked sense of humor. Not only did we discover our families lived in the same neighborhood back home, but even crazier, we both had orders to Norfolk, Virginia!

Once settled on the East Coast, things finally clicked. We started dating, and the rest, as they say, is history. We've been together every day since, and every day feels like a new adventure.

Building Memories Together

Adventures Big & Small (and Everything in Between)

We're all about building memories, both the epic kind and the everyday ones. We love exploring new places, whether it's a weekend beach getaway, a trip overseas, or a spontaneous road trip. We also cherish quality time with friends, catching up on good food, or cheering each other during friendly intramural games.

We believe that shared experiences and fostering a life full of laughter, discovery, and teamwork build a strong foundation for a loving family.

We can’t wait to explore new hobbies and interests with our child and discover what they're passionate about, too! It’ll be our most profound life adventure. 

Creating Our Adventure Journal (Together)

We're both foodies at heart, so trying out new cuisines (both at home and on the road) is a must. We also enjoy live music – from catching local bands to bigger concerts, there's something special about sharing that energy with a crowd. But honestly, some of our favorite moments are the simplest ones – cooking up a storm in the kitchen, laughing over a good movie night, or just relaxing with a walk in the park with our dog.

Daniel and I are huge believers in the magic of travel. It's not just about checking places off a list; it's about diving headfirst into new cultures, savoring unknown flavors, and experiencing the world in a way that textbooks just can't capture. Travel stretches your mind, opens your heart, and shows you life from a whole new perspective. We can't wait to share that journey with our child, explore ancient ruins together, wonder at breathtaking landscapes, and learn as much as possible about the human experience. Travel isn't just about the places we go, it's about the way it changes us, and we can't wait to embark on that journey together as a family.

Finding Our Balance (Fitness, food & Creativity)

Here's the thing: I like to stay active. Daniel here (that's me!), I get a kick out of a good workout routine. It helps me clear my head and feel energized. But there's another side to me – Richie. He's the artistic one, always sketching or lost in a world of colors with his paints. We both crave that feeling of accomplishment but in different ways.

We're big on flavor at our place! We love exploring bold tastes in food; Weeknights often have a Mexican flair, thanks to Richie's amazing enchiladas, chiliquilas, and albondigas (seriously, those meatballs!). He's got a whole collection of family recipes that keep things interesting.

My famous chorizo and eggs – a tradition that warms the house and our bellies. We also know how to relax and unwind with movie nights fueled by classic pizza. We appreciate good food, but more importantly, the connections and memories it creates.

We both love getting lost in a good story, though our tastes take slightly different paths. I (Daniel) lean towards the fantastical, getting swept away by magic, mythical creatures, and adventures in worlds like Harry Potter (books and movies!) and anything else that sparks his imagination.

For me (Richie), it's a genre buffet. I love a good laugh with a comedy, a thrilling whodunit, or a well-made documentary that dives deep into a fascinating topic. Surprisingly, we both find ourselves strangely entertained by the Real Housewives – maybe it's the unexpected magic of reality TV?

The point is that we appreciate the power of stories, no matter the genre. They're a great way to connect and unwind, and we're always open to discovering new favorites together.

We can't wait to share those moments, the big adventures and the small ones, with the most incredible gift of all – our child.

Weekends: Our Family Recharge

Weekends are all about chilling and reconnecting with the people who matter most.

We usually hit snooze a few times (who doesn't?), then fuel up with a delicious brunch at a local spot or sometimes a massive bowl of cereal at home - it depends on the vibe that day.

The afternoons are for soaking up the sunshine with our friends who live nearby. Depending on the weather, we might all hang out by the pool, catching some rays and laughter, or head to the beach for a full-blown family day out.

We are a couple who find joy in the creative and the active. When we're not out on the beach, we like to explore museums or catch live music; you might find Richie lost in photography, capturing the world through his lens. I (Daniel) thrive on pushing my limits, whether it's a personal workout routine or cheering on my favorite team. We both value hard work and dedication, but we also know the importance of unwinding and appreciating beauty in all its forms.

As the evening rolls in, we unwind by cooking dinner together and catching up on our favorite shows. It's a great way to relax, share stories from the week, and get ready for the adventures ahead (and the work week, of course!).

Daniel and I, Richie, aren't your typical family, but that's what makes our love so expansive. We built our home on laughter, adventure (sometimes a little too much!), and a whole lot of support for each other. We can't wait to share that with our child – someone to splash in puddles with, cheer on at their first game, and maybe even teach us a thing or two about the coolest new video game or trend of the moment. More than anything, we offer a home overflowing with love, endless patience, and enough high-fives to last a lifetime. We can't wait to welcome a little one and start this incredible journey together.

Our Furry Family

We share our home with two amazing rescue animals! Lolita, our sassy cat, joined us from the Virginia SPCA in 2016. She's a social butterfly who loves nothing more than zooming around the house and showering us with affection. In 2018, we welcomed Roxy, a dog who came to us from a neighbor's unfortunate situation. Roxy's blossomed since then, shedding her shyness and discovering her inner playful pup. These two best friends love racing around the house together and splashing in Roxy's very own mini pool (it's a big deal!).

Our Curated Home: A Mix of Modern, Rustic, and Us

We've created a space that reflects our personalities – a blend of modern, clean lines, cozy rustic touches, and pieces that whisper stories from our travels. We love finding unique treasures that spark conversation and add a layer of personality to our home.

This might sound simple, but one of the things we love most about our home is that we built it from the ground up. We're the first ones to make memories here, and it's become a true reflection of who we are. It's more than just walls and a roof - it's our happy place.

We also have a beautiful view of one of the few ponds in the neighborhood. It brings a sense of peace and nature right outside our window, and it's always a conversation starter with guests.

We live in a vibrant suburban neighborhood that feels young and fresh! There's a sense of community here, with friendly faces walking dogs and kids playing in neatly kept yards. It's close enough to the city for easy access to everything we need but quiet enough for peaceful evenings and starry skies. We think it's the perfect place to raise a dog (or cat!) and most certainly our child! And build a happy life together!

Our Home Is A Blend of Fresh Start and Family Vibes

Building Our Crew: Respect, Fun, and Finding Your Beat.

Building Our Crew: Respect, Fun, and Finding Your Beat.

We believe everyone deserves respect, no matter what. Manners are our way of showing that respect, but we also want our child to feel free to be their own unique person. That means expressing themselves however feels right for them, whether it's through clothes, hobbies, or even how they say hello.

Our backgrounds are both Mexican, and we're excited to share those traditions and stories with our child. Holidays will be filled with delicious food, big family gatherings, and maybe even learning a few Spanish phrases!

Most importantly, we want our home to be a place of laughter and support. We'll be there to cheer them on, pick them up when they fall, and give them the space to be whoever they're meant to be. We love the idea of exploring youth sports together, and maybe even finding a cool instrument to learn as a family. Who knows, maybe they'll teach us something new!

Building a Family Adventure

We're a couple who are ready to embark on the incredible journey of parenthood—watching our child grow up into an adult. It's not about finding a mini-me or fulfilling some pre-written script. We're excited to create a space where our child can feel safe, loved, and supported. We want to be that launching pad—providing the tools and knowledge we've gained from our own families and experiences to help them chase their dreams.

We picture a Saturday morning fueled by laughter and chorizo. Our future child, wide-eyed with excitement, joins us in bed for cartoons while breakfast sizzles in the kitchen. Soon, the house fills with the warmth of family as relatives arrive. We pack up the car, the sound of children's chatter filling the air, and head for the beach. We spend the day building sandcastles, catching waves, and simply enjoying the company of our loved ones. As the sun sets, we return home for a delicious BBQ, basking in the joy of a big, connected family. The evening winds down with a movie and cuddles on the couch – a perfect end to a perfect day.

This is just a glimpse into the kind of life we envision for ourselves and our child. We're not after a picture-perfect postcard but a genuine connection filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures.

We've built a strong foundation together, and our hearts are brimming with love to share with our child. We envision a nurturing and supportive environment where a child feels cherished and empowered to blossom into their full potential. We can't wait to welcome her/him into our loving family.

- Richie & Daniel.