Dany and Jeremy, an Austin couple approved to adopt a baby.

Victoria & Russell

Victoria and Russell have welcomed a new child into their home and are no longer available to be matched with. Other families are still waiting though, and you can VIEW THEM HERE. To learn about additional families or to speak with an adoption specialist, please call Adoption Advocates at (512) 477-1122.

Hi from our crazy, loud family to yours!

We are Russell and Victoria, with fur-baby Sugar HoneyBear. Thank you for visiting our page and taking the time to get to know us! We have known for many years that adoption would be in our family plan. We hope you can learn about who we are and the life we live!

We recognize that you are faced with the massive decision of choosing a family and we want you to know we support whatever choice you make and path you take. If we are chosen to be a part of your lives, we plan to maintain ongoing communication in order to keep you involved as our extended-family in ways that are beneficial for everyone.

We are so excited to grow our family so that Russ can get less sleep than he already does, and Vic can find something to do other than cook homemade dog food in the crockpot.

Things We Can’t Wait to Do as a Family

Play soccer | Read the Very Hungry Caterpiller | Travel to Asia | Visit splash pads in Austin | Celebrate birthdays | Teach him or her how to read and ride a bike | Watch classic Disney movies | Eat French fries | Bake birthday cupcakes | Make gift baskets for animal shelters

Sugar, brown and white short haired dog

Our Pets

We began fostering dogs 6 years ago, and “Sandy” was a new foster from a local Austin pittie rescue, Love-A-Bull. We had no plans of adopting a dog, but low and behold Sugar HoneyBear is our 4-year-old (actually we have no idea how old she is) American Staffordshire Terrier. She’s a giant cat and sleeps all day. Even though Vic cooks homemade food for her, she has always decided that the sun rises and sets on Russ.

Jenny and Steph, an Austin, TX couple that wants to adopt a baby, in their home with their extended family

OUR HOME

We bought property in November 2020 and built our first home with our future family in mind! We live in a single story, 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a large backyard. We love working on our home, especially the lawn and flower beds. We can’t wait to add a swing set to make memories with our children!

Vic and Russ after running a half-marathon together

OUR HOBBIES

We love traveling, cooking, eating, and staying active. Food is our love language. We cook mostly plant-based at home, specifically Asian and Italian cuisines. We enjoy the restaurant scene in Austin, too. We have been involved with dog rescue for 6 years, specifically volunteering & fostering for Austin Animal Center and Love-A-Bull.

We both incorporate hot yoga, running, and working out on a consistent basis. Vic has run countless half marathons and local races in Austin. Russ did his first half marathon with her a few months ago. Actually, Russ is an excellent, fast runner, but he stayed with Vic the whole way of the race rather than run ahead. We spend most of our time together on the weekends; we truly are best friends and enjoy being with each other.

Austin adoptive parents at their wedding

Parenting Philosophy

Our general philosophy about raising children includes unconditional love and acceptance; it is important for us to embrace and show affection, empathy, and understanding even when our children make mistakes. We plan to set clear boundaries and expectations because we know children thrive on structure and consistency; this includes rules about safety, respect, and responsibility, as well as consequences for breaking those rules.

Vic and Russell on a snowy day in China

A Funny Story

We traveled to Thailand for our honeymoon, and purposefully enjoyed a long layover in China. The tour guide brought us back to the airport early, with plenty of time. Vic decided she wanted us to have one more sit-down lunch in the airport. The Beijing airport is so big; even though we were there dining, we were a train-ride-security-line-long-walk away from our gate. We missed our flight back to the US. It’s funny now, but it would have been funnier if someone recorded Vic’s meltdown in the middle of the airport.

Vic, a white woman with long brown hair and big smile

5 Things About

Victoria

As a kid I wanted to be a singer; I literally can’t sing at all.

I have a doctorate degree in education.

I am really good at making plant-based dinners and desserts.

I am terrible at saying no, even to myself! Help me stop buying indoor plants.

I love planning, making lists, and being organized!

Russ, a white male with brown hair and goatee

5 Things About

Russell

As a kid I wanted to be a vet; now as an adult I volunteer with local dog rescues.

I have played soccer since I was 5 and continue to for fun in Austin.

I am really good at starting small talk with strangers.

I am terrible at public speaking.

I like to sing to the dog when I get home from work.