Behind the Scenes
Derrick & Mike
What do you want to know?
Let’s see… I'm Mike! I'm a Network Systems Engineer by trade, but outside of work, I’m always exploring my passions—whether it's playing music on my keyboard or guitar, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or just relaxing with a good movie. I’m a huge fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the Gene Wilder version) and love the creativity and imagination it inspires. In fact, I’m all about finding joy in the simple moments, whether it’s reading a book (like Jurassic Park, one of my favorites), catching up on Bob's Burgers, or spending time with family and friends. I believe in balance—staying active, learning new things, and always being playful and goofy.
I’m excited about the journey ahead and am ready to provide a loving, fun, and supportive environment for a child to grow and thrive.
Dive into my world!
Hi there! My name is Derrick, and I’m a 6th-grade World History teacher with a love for learning and a passion for helping others. I’m currently preparing to start graduate school for Mental Health Counseling, as I believe deeply in the power of support and understanding. I’m a bit of a nerd at heart, and I enjoy spending my time playing video games, reading, watching anime, and going to the theater. My favorite color is royal purple, and while my music taste is pretty broad, I tend to skip over rap and country. When it comes to food, I can’t resist a good sushi roll or some delicious Mexican cuisine. Movies like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings have a special place in my heart, and I’m a huge fan of Star Trek. Beyond my hobbies, I’m committed to making a difference through volunteering and education.
I hope to share my passion for history and giving back with a little one someday.
Our story began with a first date at a sushi restaurant in downtown Orlando, where, in true Derrick fashion, he didn’t realize his shirt was on inside out for the first half of the evening. That moment broke the ice and set the tone for the easygoing, fun-loving relationship we’ve built together. Over the years, we’ve found joy in traveling, playing board games, watching movies, exploring new restaurants, and visiting theme parks, concerts, aquariums, and museums. Every adventure, whether big or small, strengthens our bond, and we can’t wait to share that love and sense of curiosity with a child.
Our Vibe…
On the weekends, we love to start our days by sleeping in a little (usually around 8 or 9 a.m.) before enjoying a leisurely breakfast or brunch, either at home or at one of our favorite local spots. Our time together is a mix of relaxing and doing the things we love, whether that’s playing video games, catching a movie, or spending time with friends and their children. During the cooler months, we make a point to visit theme parks, and when the weather is warmer, we enjoy board games and more laid-back activities. We live in a vibrant, urban neighborhood where we can walk to restaurants, parks, a local theater, and even a science center.
Our home reflects our love for all things nerdy, from our Jurassic Park-themed bathroom to our Star Wars-inspired room.
We love that we’re surrounded by so much to do, and our home is filled with warmth and character, making it the perfect place for creating lasting memories.
Integrity, empathy, servitude, loyalty, & kindness
Core Values:
We are two guys who can't wait to become dads. Our home is filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for creating a nurturing environment. We're committed to building a family based on integrity, empathy, servitude, loyalty, and kindness. We believe in fostering a supportive, educational, and inclusive atmosphere where our child can feel safe, loved, and empowered to be their authentic selves.
Traditions:
Building a Family Together
While we're still in the process of creating our own family traditions, we're excited to start with cherished holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve with family, and Christmas Day just the three of us.
Shared Interests:
Nerds and Foodies
We're both big nerds at heart and love sharing our passions. We can't wait to introduce our child to the world of traveling, board games, crafts, and theme parks. We're also foodies and enjoy exploring new restaurants and trying different cuisines.
Our Vision for Parenthood
Parenthood is a journey we're both incredibly excited about. We're looking forward to sharing our love of life's simple pleasures, guiding our child's growth and development, and teaching them valuable life lessons. We believe in the importance of education and want to provide our child with the tools they need to thrive. We're also passionate about teaching our child about the world and the importance of acceptance and love for all people.
Our Family: A Blend of Adventure and Comfort
Our family is a harmonious blend of adventure and comfort. We love exploring new places together, whether it's a fascinating museum or a thrilling theme park. A perfect day would start with a leisurely breakfast, filled with laughter and shared stories. From there, we'd embark on an exciting adventure, creating lasting memories. As the day winds down, we'd find solace in a cozy restaurant, savoring delicious food and each other's company.
Our home is a sanctuary where love, laughter, and support flourish. We can't wait to welcome a new member to our family and share these precious moments together.
Bringing Joy, One Wag at a Time: How Loki and Shinobi Complete Our Family
Our dogs, Loki and Shinobi, have brought so much love and joy into our lives, and we know they’ll do the same for a child. Loki is the older of the two, a black and white sweetheart who just wants to be wherever we are. He follows us from room to room, always eager to be close and part of the action. Shinobi, on the other hand, is our cuddler—he’s happiest snuggled under a blanket or sneaking in a nap, unless, of course, he’s on the hunt for his next snack! Both are incredibly laid back, spending most of their days lounging around, but when we get them excited, they’ll join in on some playful fun. They love going for walks too, and we can already imagine a child laughing alongside them. Their easygoing nature and affection would only add to the love and joy in our home, making it even more special for a little one.
A Home Filled with Love, Laughter, and Adventure
We are so grateful you have taken the time to learn about us. Our hearts are full of love and anticipation for the possibility of welcoming a child into our lives.
We envision a life filled with joy, adventure, and a sense of wonder and discovery. We believe in the importance of self-respect and respect for others, and we strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment where our child can thrive. We want to instill a love of learning, a passion for exploring the world, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life.
Our home is a haven of creativity, filled with nerdy decor and a love for all things fun. We enjoy traveling, playing games, and exploring the world together. We are excited about the prospect of sharing our love of movies, music, and different cuisines with our child.
We would be honored to have the opportunity to embark on this incredible journey together. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Derrick and Mike