Today marks a memorable milestone for the Martinez family. Florida residents, Carlos and Miguel Martinez, along with their six children, officially became a family on this special day! Earlier this afternoon, a court ruling solidified their bond, legally recognizing the kids as Martinezes.
Before the Children
In 2019, Carlos, who had recently moved from California to Florida, met Miguel online. Their first date felt more like an interview, complete with discussions about their “deal-breakers” and their mutual desire to become parents. They both shared a vision of family.
A couple of years later, amidst the challenges of COVID-19, Miguel proposed. They married soon after, albeit with one significant hurdle—the pandemic lockdown. With businesses and government offices closed, Carlos and Miguel had to find creative solutions to secure their marriage certificate. They eventually managed to get married at a local bank!
Growing Their Family
As the couple contemplated expanding their family, they researched their options and decided that fostering to adopt was the right path for them.
“We realized there were kids right in our own backyard who needed a safe and loving home,” Carlos shared. They began the foster care adoption process, which included months of classes, home studies, and background checks before they were approved.
“We knew we wanted a sibling group,” Carlos noted. “Siblings are tougher to place, but since we were starting from scratch, we were open to that.”
“How Committed Are You to Six Kids?”
As part of the approval process, the couple communicated to the agency that they were willing to take in up to six children. “Our vehicle can accommodate six kids,” Carlos joked.
Shortly after becoming part of the foster system, their adoption specialist asked, “How serious are you about six kids?” She presented them with a sibling group of six who had been separated across five foster homes for three years. Carlos and Miguel immediately said yes. Their once-quiet home transformed into a lively haven filled with the laughter and energy of children aged three to eleven.
Reuniting all six children brought immense joy. “It felt like no time had passed since they were last together,” Carlos remarked.
Navigating Florida’s Laws
With several children attending school, the couple grew concerned about Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay/Trans” law. They wondered if their kids could openly talk about their family dynamics, including having two dads.
“When the school requests a family photo, do we need to Photoshop someone out?” Carlos pondered. “We shouldn’t have to worry about such things.”
Fortunately, proactive communication with educators has led to positive experiences thus far. Their children have been embraced by supportive teachers and peers, who treat the Martinez family just like any other.
“The transformation in the kids from when they first arrived to now is remarkable,” Carlos stated.
The kids are flourishing as they adapt to their new routines both at school and home. They enjoy reading, love hosting pool parties in their backyard, and have a blast boating on Tampa Bay. After all, love is what truly makes a family, and the Martinezes have that in abundance.
A New Beginning for the Martinez Family
Today marks the beginning of a wonderful new chapter for the Martinez family—a party of eight ready to embrace all that life has to offer. If you’re considering starting or expanding your own family, resources like Vegas Pregnancy for sperm donor matching, Make A Mom for at-home insemination, and this guide on how at-home insemination works can be invaluable. For expecting dads, check out the essentials in this article on baby gear. If you’re looking for parenting inspiration, Modern Family Blog offers great outfit ideas for moms and children. You can also find helpful information about infertility on WomensHealth.gov.