We are Kirk and Mandy (and Kenna) from Colorado. Thank you for taking the time to look at our profile and learn a a little more about us. We have been married since September of 2013. After many years of trying to start a family we were lead to the path of adoption, and in 2018 we welcomed our daughter Kenna into our family. Through the miracle of adoption, we were blessed beyond measure. Kenna's first mom gave us the most selfless gift when she gave us the gift of parenthood. 

While we aren't perfect, what we can promise is that if you choose us to parent your child they will always have our unconditinal love and support. They will be guided without judgement through lifes ups and downs, and we will cherish every moment that we are gifted with them.

We hope that by looking at our profile you can get to know us a little better. Please know that we have a great amount of admiration for you and the journey you are embarking on. We know that we can't understand what you are feeling, but we do offer our sincere support and prayers. 

We first met in March of 2012, at a local spot that we both enjoyed going to with friends. Our connection was a quick one, and we married in the mountains of Colorado in September of 2013. It was a great day (that almost didn't happen due to flooding!) surrounded by family and friends. 

After we first married in 2013, we knew that we wanted to start our family right away. However, after trying for over three years, both on our own and with specialists, we decided that adoption was the right path for us. Our lives were blessed by adoption the first time in 2018 when we met our amazing daughter, Kenna. Because of the selfless love that Kenna's first mom had, we were able to become a family of three. As our family has grown, so have our hearts. We are so excited to expand our family, share our love with another child, and for Kenna to become a big sister!

We celebrate Kenna's "forever family," day each year. We know that we would not be able to celebrate this, one of the best days in our life, without Kenna's first mom, Maranda. Therefore we not only celebrate our family but we also honor Maranda. We use this day to really acknowledge where Kenna came from. She loves to hear her story.

Things We Love To Do: 

• Spend time with our friends and family
• Going for Hikes
• Going to the zoo
• Playing in our backyard
• Watching football
• Riding in our Jeep
• Celebrating Birthdays, Christmas
• Watching lots of Disney+!

I am a real estate agent that loves spending time with friends and family above all else. I enjoy going on Jeep trails in the mountains, watching football (especially the Packers), taking Kenna to new places, and playing with our puppies in the backyard. I can also appreciate a lazy day around the house! What I love most about being a father is showing Kenna the world. Showing her and teaching her new things and getting to see her reaction and growth, especially while making her laugh. She is a fantastic reminder that there are wonders all around us if we just slow down and look, especially through the eyes of a child.  

What Mandy Says About Kirk

“Kirk is the best dad! Before we adopted our daughter he was so scared that he wouldn't know what to do, but he has been a natural and grown stronger every day.  It melts my heart to watch him and Kenna together. He is so calm and patient, not just with her but with me too. He is the yin to my yang. I lose focus from time to time and can get a little anxious about things, but he balances me out perfectly and can quickly remind me that it's not a big deal. Kirk has never met a stranger, and has never made an enemy. He is always smiling and has a huge heart. He is typically the first to volunteer to help out a friend or family member, and can always be counted on to follow through. Kenna and I are so lucky to have him!”

I have been an elementary school teacher for 14 years. While I have taught many grades, my most recent assignment has been in kindergarten. I love my job, and the connection that I get to make with the kids and their parents every year. However, the job I love the most is being a mommy. Every morning I look forward to hearing "mom!" coming from Kenna's room so that I can go in and hear about her dreams and snuggle under the covers for a little bit longer. After spending some many years praying that I would one day add "mom" to the list of things people call me, it is certainly one of my favorite words.

What Kirk Says About Mandy

“Mandy is a super-mom! I often don't know how she does it, but she makes being a parent look easy. She has her Master’s degree in elementary reading and makes such a big difference in the lives of the kids she teaches. It fills her with joy that's easy to see. Mandy is my rock. She helps me stay steady and constantly keeps me focused and motivated. I tend to start multiple projects and get focused on the big picture. Mandy helps me complete a project before moving on. She is full of ideas for activities and crafts, I am in awe of her creativity. Mandy consistently puts others before herself and always gives without expecting to get anything in return. Mandy is the perfect partner and parent. Kenna and I couldn't imagine a better fit to our family.”

Kenna is four-years-old. She is equal parts princess and superhero! She loves swinging, jumping on her trampoline, and playing house. Kenna also loves dressing up, getting to play with her friends and cousins, soccer, dance, and reading with mom and dad.

Kenna's first mom, Maranda, gave us the greatest honor when she chose us to parent her baby. We are doing our best to honor her by talking with and reading books to Kenna about adoption. One of her favorite books is Twice as Tight. It's an adoption story, and one of the ways that we honor Maranda. It often leads to talks about how much she is loved and how brave and kind her first mom is. 

We have stayed in close contact with Maranda and, because we live near each other, we get together when we can. We usually have her over sometime around Kenna's birthday, in March, and then a few other times throughout the year.

Mandy’s Family

Mandy is from a small town in Northeastern Colorado, about 3 hours away from where we live now. Most of her family still live around there. Her brother (Uncle Ryan) lives there with his wife (Aunt Alicea) and two kids (Shawn and Jaxson) in the same house that Mandy grew-up in. Mandy's parents (Grandma Sue and Papa Marv) live two houses down from Uncle Ryan's family. Mandy's sister (Aunt Amy) lives with her boyfriend (JB) in the same city as she does, about 15 minutes away.  

Kirk’s Family

Kirk is from a city in Southern Colorado, about 45 minutes away from where we live now. Most of his extended family still live around there. His brother (Uncle Grant) lives with his wife (Aunt Jenny) about 15 minutes away in the same town as us. Kirk's dad (Papa Roger) lives about 45 minutes away and visits often. Kirk's sister (Aunt Amy) lives with her husband (Uncle Craig) and her son (Owen) in Austin, TX.  

Our Dogs

Meet Chloe and Rowan. Chloe has been Mandy's constant companion since 2009, and we adopted Rowan together in 2017 when she was just seven-months-old.  

Holidays and Traditions

Our holidays and traditions pretty much revolve around family time. Some Christmas traditions include the Electric Safari at the zoo, gatherings with family, a visit to see Santa, and driving around to look at Christmas lights. Fall events include pumpkin patches, riding a train to see changing leaves, going to Boo at the Zoo for trick-or-treating, and family gatherings for Thanksgiving. Other holiday traditions include Easter Egg hunts with the cousins, small town fireworks, Kenna and Daddy Valentine's date, and New Year's Eve fondue. It is also a tradition for mommy to make Kenna's birthday cake each year. This past year she couldn't decide if she wanted a princess or superhero cake, so it was both!

Faith and Education

When it comes to education and faith, we know that strong foundations are very important. As parents, we will ensure that the kids are given the opportunity to build these foundations and explore in a safe, inclusive, non-judgmental, differentiated environment. We will walk the walk when it comes to living our values so that they learn by example. More than anything we want the kids to grow into kind and happy adults that just “go for their goals.” We will make sure that they feel supported to follow their own paths and fulfill their dreams.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11

Thank you for taking the time to look at our profile. We hope you have come to know us a little through this snapshot of our life. We wish you the best in everything you do, especially in the coming months. It is obvious the plan you are making is being made out of love, courage, and selflessness and that you are trying to make the best decision for this child. Know that if we are given the gift of parenting your child they will grow-up knowing what you have done for us. You will always hold a special place in our hearts and as he or she grows they will know that you made your decision out of love and compassion. Whatever family you choose to parent your child, may God bless your journey and give you peace and comfort.

With Prayers,

Kirk & Mandy