Cody loves cake. It's his desert island food. Half our vacation photos are just his desserts.

A few years back, we planned a vacation to Europe. Our first stop was in Vienna, Austria—a city famous for its sweets of every kind—and Graham had a plan. After a morning touring art museums and royal palaces, he let Cody in on the afternoon's big adventure: a guided pastry tour of the city. We ate everything from chocolate cakes once served to emperors to apricot pies handmade by grandmothers (thankfully for our stomachs, it was a walking tour).

After our final stop, our tour guide surprised us with an offer: "Would you be interested in a charming rooftop bar overlooking the city? They even serve cake." Little did Cody know, Graham had arranged it all in advance (Cody's edit: I saw it coming). Up on the rooftop, instead of a cake, the waiter brought us a bottle of champagne and a ring. When Cody turned around, Graham was down on one knee and asked Cody to marry him.

Needless to say, Cody said yes. But to this day, he still teases Graham that he never got that last piece of cake.

Cody has played piano since the first grade, and looks forward to raising your child with a love of music. His favorite music to play is Scott Joplin's ragtime, and Cody's Christmas repertoire is an essential part of the holiday season. He is also quite the baker—so much so that our friends and family have come to expect his cakes on their birthdays. After work, Cody keeps active in his community by volunteering for a youth program that teaches students about government.

Graham is an excellent chef, something passed down from his dad and that he hopes to pass down to your child. His signature dishes include homemade pastas and dumplings, a love he picked up from a semester abroad in China. When he's not planning the next feast, you can find him on the couch with a good science fiction or history book, hiking in Rock Creek Park (the large, forested park running through Washington, D.C.), or trying his hand – sometimes successfully! – at home DIY projects.

We both love card games, our current favorites being Skip-Bo and 500 Rummy. On Sundays, Graham's mom usually joins in, but unluckily for us, she is ruthless at cards! We dote on our cat, host dinner parties, and binge watch our favorite shows (including 30 Rock, Avatar: the Last Airbender, and The Great British Baking Show). We also love to travel, most recently to Mexico, Scandinavia, and Austria, and we can’t wait to share these adventures with your child.

Cody about Graham: Graham is an excellent chef, an ideal travel companion, a font of trivia knowledge, and he is always up for a game of cards. He relaxes me when I am stressed out, and somehow we are always laughing together. Graham expands my horizons: he taught me to eat new cuisines and enjoy dark beer, and he encouraged me to read new genres. Most importantly, he has a strong sense of family. I really admire how Graham and his brothers rallied to take care of their mom after their dad died. That's one of the reasons I know that Graham will make a great parent.

Graham about Cody: Cody keeps our household running smoothly. When I lose my keys, he knows where to find them. When I forget about our dinner plans, he makes sure we show up on time. I admire that he gives 100% to whatever he's doing, whether it's his job, his volunteer work, or our marriage. I also love how well he fits in with my family—my brothers and I joke that he might be our mom’s favorite son! But just as important, Cody always keeps me laughing, and I can't wait to see our child cringe at his dad jokes.

We live in the heart of Washington, D.C., just three miles from the White House. We love the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital, with its world-class museums, embassies and cultural festivals, and incredible restaurants.

Our house is in a diverse, residential neighborhood that is home to many families with young children. We live steps away from well-maintained public parks, playgrounds, and pools; Saturday morning farmers' markets; and amazing tamales, Thai curry, and brick-oven pizza.

Our house is a classic D.C. row home that is over 100 years old. Although the house has been updated, it still has a lot of historical charm, including two eye-catching fireplaces. The house has two levels (plus a finished basement), with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a backyard where we like to host barbecues with our friends and family. The peaceful nursery across the hall from our bedroom overlooks the backyard and is perfect for playtime.

Cody's parents, stepparents, older brother, and younger sister all live in Arizona (where Cody grew up), but despite the distance, they are a regular part of our lives. Cody's dad is a practical joker, often playing elaborate April Fools' Day pranks on Cody that he planned months in advance. Cody's mom is the family organizer—a trait she passed down to Cody—and always ensures that big holiday meals are picture-perfect. Cody's five-year-old niece can’t wait to share the spotlight with a new cousin.

Graham grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and is the youngest of three boys. Graham's mom lives about 20 minutes from our house and is a piano teacher, making her the perfect duet partner for Cody, who is also a pianist. In her free time, she juggles her many book clubs and bridge groups, but she always makes time on her busy calendar for her sons. Graham's oldest brother also lives nearby and is often found cheering on his twin sons at their hockey games. While Graham's middle brother lives in Seattle, we stay close through frequent visits and family vacations. He and his wife have a baby boy on the way, and everyone is excited that our children will grow up with cousins around the same age.

Even before we met seven years ago, we both knew that we wanted to be dads—to experience the first words, wobbly steps, and yes, even the sleepless nights of raising a child. We were both lucky to be raised in loving homes, and want to pay forward to the next generation that same stability and support we received. Plus, our parents can't wait to spoil another grandchild!

We know that the day we bring home your child from the hospital will be one of the happiest days of our lives. We also know it will be one of the hardest days of yours. You are facing some incredibly difficult decisions: whether to raise your child, and if not, in whose care you will place your child. Nobody can tell you what the right decision is. But what we can do is offer a glimpse of the life your child would have if you trust us to be their parents.

Picture them at the piano with Cody playing holiday songs, flipping pancakes in the kitchen with Graham, or kicking butt at Chutes and Ladders with grandma. They'll grow up in a home where family dinner is a nightly custom, story time is never skipped before bed, and corny dad jokes keep everyone giggling.

As they get older, they'll always be encouraged to follow their interests and try new things. We'll cheer them on at soccer games, be the first customers at their lemonade stand, and set up the family telescope for stargazing. But they'll also have dads who know that sometimes kids just need to be kids: to run around the park playing tag, transform the couch into a kids-only fort, or stay up late at sleepovers showing their favorite movies to friends.

Throughout their life, you will always remain Mom. From an early age, we will be open with your child about where they came from. We'll be sure your child knows how much you love them, how you placed your trust in us to raise your baby, and how you changed our lives for the better.

But we also hope that you will remain a regular part of our lives so that your child can get to know you, and so you can know the child, teenager, and adult your baby grows up to be. We look forward to sharing photos and letters frequently, not only about your child's major milestones—birthdays, trophies, college acceptance letters—but also the little things—the silly jokes, favorite toys, and cute outfits. And if you are open to it, we'd love to arrange regular phone calls and in-person visits.

We hope this letter (and our profile) has given you a sense of who we are, but it's just a snapshot, and one of many we know you are considering. If it helps your decision, we'd love to talk to you further.

Thanks again for considering us.

Cody & Graham