Eli & Billy

Our journey began online, where a month of daily conversation laid the foundation for something extraordinary. When we finally met, sitting by a cozy fireplace, it felt like destiny; we knew instantly we’d found "the one." Despite the miles between us, we spent every weekend driving between states, fueled by the realization that our futures were inextricably linked.

As I, Eli, fell for Billy, I also fell for his daughter, Riley, and her sister, Taylor. Moving in a year later solidified our bond, and our home soon echoed with the laughter of two girls and the patter of paws from our first dog and two cats. For the past two years, living as a full-time family of four has been our greatest joy.

We’ve navigated steep hurdles—a serious leg injury and the heartbreak of infertility—yet these trials only deepened our connection. After nearly ten years, we aren't just partners; we are best friends. Life is a journey, and having each other makes every mile worth walking.

We love our New Jersey neighborhood and we feel lucky to live there; life is shaped by the beauty of the river near us and the warmth of our neighbors. One of our favorite traditions is grabbing breakfast to go and eating by the water, watching the sun sparkle on the river before taking our two dogs for a long walk through the nature trails.

We chose our neighborhood because it reflects the world we want a child to grow up in: diverse, friendly, and full of families but also 20 minutes away from the city, the perfect balance of both worlds. Our five-bedroom home is a peaceful retreat with plenty of room to grow. We love spending weekends in our big backyard, hosting BBQs for our neighbors while our pets roam the grass. With two dogs and four cats our house is a true sanctuary filled with wagging tails and soft purrs, a place of unconditional love and constant companionship. Our neighborhood is a wonderful mix of families from all walks of life, making it a safe, inclusive, and lively place for a child to explore and play.

Our support network in the U.S. is anchored by Billy’s parents and our two daughters, ages 13 and 18, who are eager to welcome a new family member into our home. Billy’s parents are overjoyed at the prospect of a fifth grandchild, bringing years of experience and warmth to the baby’s life. Beyond our borders, Eli’s large, vibrant family in Colombia remains a constant presence; we visit twice a year and share frequent travels, ensuring the baby grows up immersed in hispanic heritage.

Closer to home, we are surrounded by a 'chosen family'—a tight-knit group of lifelong friends, many with young children of their own, who are already planning future playdates. Our traditions reflect these deep bonds: we typically share a lively Thanksgiving with these dear friends and gather with Billy’s parents for Christmas. Every Christmas morning, his parents join us for breakfast and the joy of opening presents together, a tradition we can’t wait to share with a new little one.

Our home is a vibrant blend of cultures. Eli comes from a large, close-knit Colombian family, while Billy brings his Irish and Italian roots to our marriage. Together, we’ve built a life that celebrates both worlds. Our kitchen is often filled with the smell of empanadas, and our living room echoes with Spanish music—Riley’s favorite song is 'Despacito,' and Billy and I even traveled to NYC to see Shakira in concert!

We stay connected to my family through frequent FaceTimes where everyone jumps in to say 'Hola,' and I can’t wait to raise a child to be bilingual. At the same time, I’ve fully embraced American traditions like Saint Patrick's Day and Thanksgiving, which has become one of our favorite holidays. We believe our multicultural home—filled with different languages, foods, and traditions—will give a child a unique perspective on the world and a heart full of adventure.