From Our Friends and Family

Patricia, aka Nana.

Maegan's Grandmother and Elias' Great Grandmother

Maegan and Josh are a well-educated, hardworking young couple. Together they have created a warm, loving, and beautiful home for their amazing son, Elias.

Maegan and Josh have planned each room of their home not only for comfort but to create spaces where Elias and a new sibling can play and create. They both play backyard baseball, do arts and crafts, and cook with Elias. They are a great model of the motto "The Family that plays/prays together stays together."

I was fortunate to have attended school graduations, and fun proms, taking photos along the way. As a family, we have enjoyed years of holiday get-togethers.

Maegan and Josh already are incredible parents to Elias! They are raising him with love and guidance through each stage. They continually instill confidence in him and teach him how to treat others with kindness, thoughtfulness, and consideration. As a result, he can't wait to be a brother.

Both my husband Herbert and I are excited to welcome our second great-grandchild to our family. We can't wait for visits with him/her. We view our grandchildren as truly special gifts!

-Nana

We are John and Irma, Maegan's parents and Elias's grandparents, aka Coco and Benji.

Maegan and Josh are amazing parents. They work very hard to provide a safe and loving home. Maegan is very creative and adventurous. Josh is quick-witted and is great at figuring out how things work (a true engineering mind), and they both have a great sense of humor. Together they make a great team in providing a nurturing environment for our grandson. Most importantly they continually teach Elias about kindness, how to treat others, and being respectful.

We have enjoyed many trips together and countless family dinners. We especially like Halloween and, as always, Christmas is extra special. We try our best to honor all of our family's cultural heritage during the holidays, such as Dia De Los Muertos, both American and Mexican independence days, and traditions during Christmas that include favorite foods (Mexican hot chocolate, tamales) and piñatas.

We take an active part of Elias's life and try to spend as much time with him as we can. We enjoy taking him out on whatever outing we can like the parks, zoo, museum amusement parks. We are excited to welcome another child into our family.

-Coco and Benji

My Uncle and Aunt, Josh and Maegan, are two people who I have the utmost respect for, and I consider them to be a second set of parents to me. As I was growing up, they were always unquestioningly there for me and still are. Josh and Maegan would encourage me to be myself and their love has always known no limit. They have mentored me on various obstacles life has thrown; between going to school, relationships, jobs, and how to find joy in life through difficult times. Josh and Maegan have taken me under their wing a few different times to ensure I had the foundation to stand as the man I am today.

They have a relationship I can only dream of having. Observing the bond they have with each other seems to be like a dream. They are undeniably the most reliable people I know in my life. This is exemplified through their commitment to each other as well as creating a nurturing environment that is conducive for their son Elias to thrive and grow. As a family unit, they demonstrate love without conditions and to the highest degree.

-Gavon

I met Maegan in early 2012 before either of us was married or had children. I've had the privilege of watching Maegan blossom through life's trials/ blessings, becoming a wife and mother with passion, dedication, and grace.

As my friend she patiently listens, finds humor in any situation, and gives gentle advice. Maegan’s heart has always dearly held the dream of being a mother. I know she holds the honor and role in the highest regard. As parents, Maegan and Josh are full of love, tenderness, and fun. They teach love and kindness, value education, and fun playtime! They are amazing providers, hard-working, consistent, open-hearted, offer many learning opportunities/activities, and are willing to do whatever it takes for each other and their loved ones. Their son is such a shining example of the fruits of their labor. He is such a happy little boy. He is kind, has manners, is smart, inquisitive, and loving. His eyes light up when he sees his parents. Their bond is so apparent. My children and I love being with them! I know this family's hearts are overflowing and just waiting for another heart and hand to hold. I would entrust them with my own.

-Anna

Maegan and Josh are extraordinary parents to their son (my nephew) Elias. They love that little one with everything in them. They are creative and competent in those moments when life’s not easy.

They have also been involved/deeply connected with my two sons - for their entire lives. Josh has been a constant in their lives since birth and Maegan while they were still little. So much more than a traditional “aunt/uncle” role. Maegan and Josh have always shown up. They make time. They prioritize family - always.

With Maegan and Josh that’s not a guessing game. They have remained consistent, supportive, empowering, and so very loving.

Both of my sons still (as always) actively seek their guidance and prioritize this relationship - because they know how loved they are and how they show up for them consistently.

I honestly can’t think of two better people to understand/ experience the bond that is far more than “blood family” - but the power of chosen family. They get it. They hold themselves, each other, and their loved ones with sustained consistent care. They are the real deal. And I speak these words as a direct witness for several decades.

-Rebecca

Josh and Maegan have wanted to add another child to their family for years and I know a new addition will be truly cherished. They have a strong support system close by and they also know if they ever need anything they only need to mention it and I would immediately drop everything to go help them.

I am extremely proud of what incredible parents both Josh and Maegan are. The best example I can provide to demonstrate what wonderful parents they will be to a new baby is to tell you a little about their son, Elias. Granted that as his aunt I could be considered slightly biased, but he is the most loving and kind four-year-old that I have ever seen. Their parenting skills are evident in the fact that they are able to make activities that most children are not fond of into something fun. Elias will make a wonderful big brother because he already loves sharing his toys and making up all sorts of games to play. I think the real evidence though that depicts the genuine love this family has for each other is the look of pure joy on Elias' face.

-Sarah

I am pleased to recommend Maegan and Joshua as perspectives adoptive parents. I have had the joy and privilege of a very close friendship with Maegan since my young childhood. They have been so attentive, protective, and engaged as parents to their son Elias. They are very child-centered and create opportunities for fun and learning for Elias based on his age and stage.

They live near a park with many amenities and it is part of their routine to take family walks with their dog and utilize the play area. They are excellent at incorporating Elias into their daily activities such as cooking. Joshua and Maegan are very family-centered and spend time with their friends’ children, family, and extended family on a regular basis. The couple have stable careers and are committed to their marriage and family. As a family, they enjoy being active, and engaging in imaginary play. Faith and having excellent character is important to them. Their home is a place filled with laughter and love.

-Chloe

I've had the privilege of knowing both Maegan and Josh for over 10 years. I first met Maegan while starting my career out of college. She became a mentor to me and helped me grow professionally. As we developed a working relationship, we also bonded outside of work and became best friends.

I watched Maegan and Josh go through many trials and obstacles and celebrated many achievements, birthdays and life events together. Witnessing them become and grow as parents has been an honor. I have loved doing things together with our growing families and I can say that Maegan and Josh are fantastic, caring, and loving parents. Their son Elias is an excellent reflection of his parents and it is a joy watching him become an intelligent, respectful, and compassionate person. Maegan and Josh have worked hard to excel in their careers to be able to provide a safe, reliable environment for their family to grow in.

As Maegan and Josh prepare to become parents again, I have no doubt in my mind and heart that their future child will feel nothing but love, comfort, and support. I am excited and very happy to watch their family grow once again.

-Joanne

My Uncle Josh and Aunt Maegan are people I have always looked up to. When I was young, Uncle Josh helped raise me. Both of them have showered me with love, embraced my imagination, and fueled my love for adventure. As I grew up they have become my mentors, offering me advice and guidance on anything imaginable. Now they are showing me how to be a loving father and husband. Seeing the bond that Uncle Josh and Aunt Maegan share with Elias is special to me. Elias is lucky to have such an amazing and loving dad and mom.

- Austin