Kevin and Doug’s story began at a mutual friend’s house party back in 2010 during Thanksgiving break from college. What started as a strong friendship quickly turned into something deeper, and after a few years, they realized they had fallen in love. The couple now live in central New Jersey, where they bought their home in 2019.
For both Kevin and Doug, becoming dads was always part of the plan, though they weren’t sure how or when it would happen. In 2022, they began exploring options and agreed that adoption resonated with them most.
On the recommendation of friends, they reached out to GWK Academy and had several conversations with Brian, the head coach. With Brian’s guidance and the resources from GWK Academy, they explored a number of LGBTQ+-friendly adoption agencies before deciding that Friends In Adoption was the perfect match for them. Soon after, they began moving forward in their adoption journey and were informed that it could take up to two years to be matched with a birth family.
On July 20, 2024, Kevin and Doug welcomed their son Niko! They are overjoyed to have adopted their beautiful baby boy, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Niko made an early entry into the world on July 20, 2024 (his birth mom was scheduled to be induced on the 24th), so it wasn’t until the 22nd that Kevin and Doug met their son. Holding him for the first time was an overwhelming and indescribable moment, filled with love and joy.
However, the most emotional and unforgettable moment for the couple wasn’t meeting their baby boy, but rather the first day they brought him home. Having those precious moments alone as a family of three was an experience they’ll cherish forever.
Throughout their journey, they’ve maintained excellent communication with Niko’s birth family, who has been wonderfully supportive throughout the process.
For other gay dads considering adoption, Kevin and Doug offer this advice: approach the process with a positive mindset and plenty of patience. While the journey can be challenging with paperwork, appointments, and waiting, they promise it’s all worth it when you finally get to hold your baby at the end of the journey.
Congratulations to Kevin and Doug! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey! We can’t wait to follow along as you begin this next chapter as a family of three and proud dads through open adoption.
