Occupation 

Senior Technician

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Hobby

Gardening, cooking, camping, fishing, tinkering/repairing, & gaming

Favorite Food

French Cuisine 

Favorite Family Activity 

Antiquing & going to local markets

Favorite TV

Spongebob(Seasons 1-4) 

Favorite Place to Travel

Thailand 

Occupation 

Senior Data Engineer

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Hobby

Painting, crafts, antiquing/thrifting, travelling/exploring, fashion, & gaming

Favorite Food

Cinnamon rolls 

Favorite Family Activity

Going to museums 

Favorite TV

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Favorite Place to Travel

Mexico

Our Story

We met at work in 2018 and quickly became friends. With a little encouragement from my friends (who immediately loved Josh) our friendship naturally grew into something more. I was drawn to Josh’s curiosity, his thoughtfulness, and his ability to fix just about anything. He fell for my humor, creativity, and ambition. Early in our relationship, Josh adopted two cats, Hazel and Winston, at my enthusiastic suggestion. Then in 2019, we got engaged, much to the excitement of everyone who knew us.

We got married in 2020, and like so many others, our plans were downsized due to the pandemic. Josh’s mother, an ordained pastor, officiated the ceremony at her church with just our wedding party and a handful of loved ones present. That night, we ended the day in the most fitting way possible by watching the SpongeBob SquarePants musical together at the hotel. Just four days later, we closed on our first home, which we were actually in negotiations for on our wedding day.



In 2021, we celebrated the wedding we had originally planned, surrounded by people from every chapter of our lives: former bosses, professors, cousins, family friends, and more. My maid of honor, a dear friend I met while living in Shanghai, was there by my side. The dance floor stayed full all night, but the moment no one will forget is my mom kicking off her shoes and absolutely stealing the show with moves none of us knew she had.

Our Home

Our home has over 3,000 square feet of space. Between the 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, we have plenty of room to grow. We sit just outside the city, which means we get the best of both worlds: easy access to everything the area has to offer, with the feel of a quiet, welcoming neighborhood. Kids play outside, neighbors wave hello, and local ducks from the nearby pond waddle around.

Our backyard is fully fenced and made for spending time in. We just finished installing a brand new extended patio, and we have a garden in the works. Even with all of that, there is still plenty of open space left to run around and enjoy.



Our home is a place where people gather. We host game nights in our living room, craft days in our craft room, and casual get-togethers. We would love nothing more than to add a little one to the mix.

We are lucky to have a lot right at our doorstep! Within walking distance, there are community pools, a splash pad, ponds full of friendly ducks, playgrounds, and walking trails.



Within driving distance, the list gets even longer! Lakes, museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, farmers markets, flea markets, state parks, wildlife rescues, water parks, arcades (don't challenge Josh in Mario Cart), shopping malls, concerts, and sports stadiums. Then there's the Fort Worth Stockyards, Six Flags, and of course the Texas State Fair (where a corndog will run you $8, but you won't regret it). Whatever they're into, we'll find a way to do it.

I grew up with both sides of my family nearby, with our home in Hondo, Texas, sitting almost directly between them. Because of that, time with family was a natural part of life, and holidays and gatherings were shared throughout the year. My mother's family are ranchers, while my father's family are farmers, and both sides continue to hold onto their land and traditions today.

My mother is a pastor, and my father is one of the hardest-working people I know. Together, they gave me a foundation of faith, integrity, and love that continues to guide me. I am the oldest of three children, and growing up close in age to my siblings meant there was always companionship and support. We continue to stay connected through calls, visits, and family gatherings whenever possible.



My parents are excited to become first-time grandparents and welcome a new generation into our family. Growing up in a small town where neighbors genuinely looked out for one another taught me that family extends beyond a household. It is built through love, presence, and support, and those are the values I hope to pass on to my own children.

Iffy's Family

I grew up shaped by two rich cultures. My father shared his Nigerian heritage through food, music, and traditions, including annual village reunions where families from the same region gather to celebrate, socialize, and dance well into the night. My mother's side brought its own deep roots through generations of Southern cooking, shared history, and a strong sense of family. When my parents settled in Aggieland, home to Texas A&M University, those two cultures came together, and I was fortunate to be raised with the best of both.



Family, to me, has always extended beyond blood. On my mother's side, cousins were as close as siblings. On my father's side, respect and connection extended to elders, neighbors, and close family friends who were treated like family. I grew up surrounded by a large village, and my loved ones cannot wait to welcome a child. My immediate family is especially excited for the arrival of their first grandchild.

This past spring, I lost my mom to cancer, a loss I carry deeply. One of my greatest hopes is that the love, patience, and grace she shared so freely will continue to be felt by future generations. Her presence lives on in the way we love and care for one another, and I hope every child in our family grows up surrounded by that same warmth and intentional love.

Josh & Iffy - A Look Into Our Life

Adventure Awaits 

Travel is a big part of our lives. Between the two of us, we have been to Europe, China, Mongolia, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, and much of the United States. We try to take at least one international trip and a couple of shorter trips closer to home each year.



Iffy has one rule when traveling: do everything at least once. Eat the fresh coconut, try new foods, take in every experience. Josh’s approach is simpler: rest, enjoy the moment, and take things as they come. Together, it balances out perfectly.

We are excited for all that is still ahead. We hope to take an extended family trip through Spain, France, Germany, and Italy in the coming years, travel to Nigeria with Iffy’s father, and return to Shanghai so Iffy can visit her host family (especially her little host sister, her "mèimei", Joy). Japan, Indonesia, and more Mexico cruises are also on the list, and honestly, the possibilities feel endless. We cannot wait to share the wonder of the world with a child!

Furry Friends

Hazel, 7: "Hazel-Basil"
What's a couple of extra pounds except more cat to love? Hazel loves attention, toys, TREATS, chirping at birds, pets, and most importantly, her dad. She is 100% a daddy's girl. 1 of 2 cats Josh adopted in college.

Sebastian, 5: "Sebbie-Webbie"
He's super shy but super loving! Sebbie loves to curl up right next to mom in bed (often pushing her off said bed) and follow her around the house. Strangers often don't even know he exists— but once he warms up to you, he'll steal your heart.

Winston, 7: "Princey-Wincey"
Our sweet, shy, and smart gentleman. He loves to talk and open doors by himself. Winston loves giving and receiving affection and always comes when you call him! 1 of 2 cats Josh adopted in college.



Elouise, 4: "Ellie-Bellie"
Our vibrant German Shepard! She loves cats and humans— always asking you to play with her or begging for treats. Her favorite foods are Costco's rotisserie chicken and the occasional piece of jerky.

Non-Furry Friends 

We are lucky to have a wide, close-knit group of friends who come from all kinds of backgrounds. They are funny, warm, and the kind of people who show up. Over the years, they have become just as much family as the ones we were born into.



Many have young children, which means any child coming into our family would have a built-in crew of playmates! There are Easter egg hunts, Bluey birthday parties, and celebrations on the horizon!

What the Future Holds

We look forward to sharing everyday life and new experiences with a child, whether that means traveling oversees, exploring different parts of the country, or simply finding small adventures close to home. We imagine spending time outdoors camping, visiting museums, discovering hidden gem restaurants, and enjoying simple moments like spotting turtles at the pond down the road or playing in the backyard on summer evenings. At home, we would love sharing things like games, music, crafts, and favorite movies and shows, while also encouraging them to explore their own interests (whether that leads to sports, art, music, or something entirely their own).

We are also excited to continue family traditions and create new ones together. Holidays are a special time in our family, from Christmas Eve picnics and Thanksgiving traditions to Easter celebrations and lively family reunions filled with music, food, and dancing.



More than anything, we just want to watch them learn and grow; around the dinner table, on family trips, and everywhere in between.