Chiacgo 2003: Christopher (l) and Richard
Galveston 2008: Sophia's very first Thanksgiving
April 2009: At their first Quinceañera
Memorial Day 2009: At the top of the Arch in St Louis
July 2009: Sophia’s celebrates her 1st birthday at Mimi and Popo's (Richard's parents') house in Galveston, Texas
July 26, 2010: Sophia's adoption at the Colorado County Court
Sophia’s adoption was finalized on July 26, 2010, two years after Richard and Christopher had first brought Sophie home. They celebrated their 5th "Gotcha Day" day earlier this year.
Chrismas 2010: Celebrating the Galveston Tree Lighting ceremony at Hotel Galvez
Lake Martin, Alabama 2012: Family trip to visit Aunt Katie and Uncle Kevin
Christopher is a stay-at-home dad, leads Sophia’s Girl Scouts troop and he is also on the PTO board. Richard works full time and is on the church's vestry (board); both Christopher and Richard share in the responsibilities of raising their wonderfully well-adjusted daughter. Christopher said "We are trying not to force anything, trying to live by example, [and] we've found that works best."
Salado, Texas 2012: First annual Stagecoach Inn Trip
Galveston, Texas 2012: Colonial steamship ride
Richard, Christopher and Sophia live in a diverse part of Texas, something for which they are thankful. They see many different types of families within their community; from Hispanic to bi-racial to young single parents.
July 5th, 2014: Christopher and Richard’s wedding in O'Fallon, Illinois
Easter 2013: Family photo at the Grace Episcopal Church, Galveston, Texas
Richard and Christopher enjoy traveling and seeing different parts of America. For this upcoming summer vacation, they're planning a trip through Selma, and then Montgomery to visit the Rosa Parks Museum, on their way to Martha's vineyard.
Christmas 2013: Family photo on Vanderbilt Beach, Naples, Florida
Christopher urges those considering fatherhood to get advice from other gay dads, but to not discount words of wisdom from the straight community; to look locally if you’re considering foster-adopt or adoption, and to always go with your gut; and, “Never sweat the haters!" Wise words to live by.
Spring break, 2015, at the Bryan Museum, Galveston, Texas
Thanks Christopher, Richard, and Sophia for sharing some of your family's story with us for this week's #GWKThenAndNow! If you'd like your family to be featured, please email Brian at brian@gayswithkids.com.