"Do you wanna get soup and be awkward together?" -Ellen, 2021

These words put into motion a relationship so awkward and amazing that Bailey and Ellen thought they had better legally celebrate it.

LET THE FUN BEGIN!

After quite a few dates, it became a full on relationship at the end of 2021. The pair have been enjoying being together ever since.

In spring 2023, they bought their first joint home in La Crosse, WI and seamlessly started cohabitating.

They took classes, got their foster care license, and started doing respite care for kids 0-14 years old.

Exactly one year later, after talking about marriage and rings, Bailey had the fantastic idea to propose. Ellen loves problem solving, and puzzles, so Bailey thought "I've got it! I'll do a scavenger hunt for Ellen to do, and at the end, she'll have a puzzle that she has to put together." All of this was under the guise of celebrating the anniversary of living in the home for a whole year.

Ellen was kicked out of the house for an hour while Bailey ran about frantically putting clues around the home. It had to be a perfect. When Ellen got back, she did the scavenger hunt, and found the puzzle. Unfortunately Bailey had accidentally ordered a puzzle with a hundred pieces instead of the 25 piece one. Ellen was confused about why it had to be put together right away... FINALLY, three hours later, the puzzle was done, a picture of Ellen and Bailey the day they bought the home. But oh no! There was one piece missing right in the middle.

Bailey went upstairs and Ellen heard a BANG! and a "help." When Ellen climbed the stairs, their song was playing ('Tennessee Whiskey'), and a trail of flowers lead her from the staircase to the bookshelf. Bailey was there on one knee with a ring box in hand, complete with macramé d pictures of the two of them on the box. In the box was a ring, and the missing piece to the puzzle.

Much to Bailey's nervous relief Ellen said "Yes!" and they were ENGAGED!

A month after the engagement, Ellen and Bailey adopted their baby doggy, Cheddar Biscuit from the CRHS. A laidback 5(ish) year old Golden Doodle, she has completed the McNamer-Forde household.

She can't wait for her moms to get married!!

Q + A coming soon!