THEO for the Acquaire family — VA
For Tanya and Matthew Acquaire, family has never been defined by biology, age, or the number of children around their dinner table. It has always been defined by love, faith, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves to belong. Childhood sweethearts, Tanya and Matthew recently celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. Together, they have built a beautiful, wonderfully chaotic life filled with laughter, adventure, and more love than they could have ever imagined. They are the proud parents of two adult biological children, ages 29 and 24, and four younger children who joined their family through the miracle of adoption.
Their adoption journey began with their son Jackson, now six, who came into their lives through embryo adoption. When Jackson was diagnosed with Level 3 autism at just two years old, their world changed in ways they never could have anticipated. What initially felt like an unfamiliar road became one of their greatest blessings. Jackson taught them to see the world through a different lens, to celebrate milestones that others might overlook, and to recognize the extraordinary beauty found in children whose abilities may look different from those of others. Most importantly, he opened their hearts to a calling they hadn’t yet realized was waiting for them.
Guided by their faith and a deeply held belief that children belong in families, Tanya and Matthew began exploring international special-needs adoption. Through Reece’s Rainbow, they found three precious little boys in Bulgaria who would forever change their lives. Ali, now 11, Vasil, now 7, and Miroslav, affectionately known as “Mouse” now 5, joined their family, each bringing his own unique personality, challenges, triumphs, and immeasurable joy.
Raising children with complex medical and developmental needs isn’t always easy. Their days are filled with appointments, therapies, unexpected challenges, and victories that sometimes look different from what the rest of the world might expect. But woven through it all are belly laughs, sibling mischief, bedtime snuggles, spontaneous adventures, and the beautiful everyday moments that make a family.
And somehow, in the midst of all that beautiful chaos, their hearts made room for one more. Now, Tanya and Matthew are returning to Eastern Europe to bring home their newest son, a precious four-year-old boy known as Theo on Reece’s Rainbow. He will be their fifth adopted child and the fourth little boy they have welcomed from Eastern Europe. Though he has not yet crossed the threshold of their home, he is already deeply loved, prayed for, and cherished as a member of their family.
At 48 and 50, Tanya and Matthew know that many couples their age are beginning to dream of quieter days, retirement plans, and traveling the world. But their dreams have always looked a little different. They envision little hands reaching for theirs, a house that is rarely quiet, and a lifetime of adventures with the children God has entrusted to them. They don’t dream of slowing down. They dream of making more memories, celebrating more milestones, and giving their children a lifetime of belonging. Their faith has carried them through every chapter of their story, reminding them that love is not diminished when it is shared; it only grows. They believe wholeheartedly that a child’s diagnosis does not determine their worth, that different abilities do not diminish a beautiful life, and that no child should have to grow up without the unconditional love and security of a family.
As they prepare to bring Theo home, the Acquaires are once again stepping forward in faith, trusting God to provide a way. International adoption comes with significant financial challenges, and they are incredibly grateful for every prayer, donation, and act of kindness that helps bring their little boy one step closer to home. Their family may look a little different from what they once imagined, but they wouldn’t change a single thing. Because at the heart of it all is one simple truth: every child deserves to be loved, every child deserves to belong, and every child deserves a family.
And for one very special little boy waiting in Eastern Europe, that family is already waiting for him.
10/31/2026 — FIRST TRIP COMPLETE; AWAITING COURT
The Acquaire Family has a $5000 matching grant from Reece’s Rainbow! When their FSP reaches $5000, they will receive an additional $5000!
