Mike has a niece and several nephews, but Liz will be the first among her sisters to parent. Liz's Mom recently retired from teaching and her Dad is a pediatrician – both have lots of experience nurturing children's growth. Everyone in our families is supportive of our plans to adopt.

The majority of Mike's family live in the Bay Area and host family dinners, barbecues, and gatherings all through the year. Liz's parents live in the high desert east of Los Angeles, and her sisters live in Las Vegas, Dallas, and Boston.

We also have a close group of friends, some of whom we have known twenty years. Several have begun their families already and have small children. In addition to having a ready-made community for our child, our friends will provide us with valuable support, guidance, and hand-me-downs, which will make us even stronger parents.