Hi! We’re Kristen and Rodrigo, and we feel privileged to share our story as we embark on this journey. We know the word “privilege” might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re facing the reality of not being able to carry a child. In 2020, after a series of medical complications, I was told that pregnancy would be too risky for me. I had to grieve the loss of carrying a child – but not the dream of becoming a mom. For us, learning about surrogacy has opened a door we thought had closed, and we see it as nothing less than a blessing and a privilege. We’re now hoping to grow our family with the help of someone truly special.
We’d love to tell you a little more about us and the family we hope to grow.
I’m so lucky to be a bonus mom to our two amazing daughters, Bela (9) and Lili (7). I came into their lives when they were just 2 and 4, and being a stepmom has been one of the most meaningful roles I’ve ever taken on. We live in Tampa, FL, and the four of us are so full of hope and love and excitement as we imagine welcoming one more into our family.
Our family is full of love, connection, and energy in the best way. The girls bring so much light into our lives, and we’re always finding small ways to have fun – family movie nights, board games, pickleball at the park, or impromptu karaoke in the living room. We love biking around the neighborhood, especially now that Lili has officially mastered riding without training wheels!
We live close to family, which we don’t take for granted. The cousin crew keeps growing, and it means a lot to raise our kids surrounded by people who love them. I should also mention our two dogs, Brownie (the world’s sweetest 15-year-old lab mix) and Rosie (our energetic young boxer), who are always in the middle of everything!
Rodrigo and I both care deeply about the work we do. I’m a mental health counselor, and I specialize in helping teens, families, and couples navigate complicated relationships and emotions. I love what I do, and I’m grateful it gives me the flexibility to be present at home. Rodrigo owns and teaches at a Jiu-Jitsu gym that’s more like a second home for a lot of people. He leads with so much heart, helping people build confidence, discipline, and strength in all areas of life. He’s the kind of person who leaves people better than he found them.
We love being active, spending time outside, and traveling when we can – but we also really cherish the slower, cozy moments at home. There’s almost always music playing and something on the stove. We love trying new restaurants, but we’re just as happy staying in, having people over, and taking it easy.
As parents, we are deeply committed, loving, and intentional. We believe in creating a home that is structured yet full of warmth and compassion – where responsibility, kindness, and personal growth meet fun, playfulness, and understanding. We listen, we learn, and we grow alongside one another. More than anything, we want our kids to feel deeply loved, supported, and prepared to move through life with confidence and kindness.
Now, as we begin our surrogacy journey, we’re looking for someone who shares our values of partnership and open communication. We want to make sure that this is a truly supportive and meaningful experience for everyone involved. We’re excited about the possibility of growing our family and creating a lifelong bond with the person who helps us do so.
So, to all of the surrogates out there – thank you. Thank you for the strength, care, and hope you offer families like ours. You carry more than just a baby. You carry healing, possibility, and the dreams of people you may never have met.
If you’re a surrogate considering carrying for another family, we’d love to connect with you. This journey is about building something beautiful together, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for our growing family. Thank you for considering being part of our story!