Mike wanted a partner who would understand how important Matthew (his then 3-year-old son) was to him. So he did the only sensible thing a (then) 30-year-old could do, and went on Match.com to search for a partner with kids of her own.

He hit the Jackpot when he found Jess. Jess had her hands full with caring for her 1-year-old and 4-year-old while working full time and running her small business. While she wasn’t looking for anything serious, the potential with Mike was undeniable.

Mike and Jess texted before they met in person. They were trying to find a time to finally meet, but the only time that would have worked was when Mike was scheduled to take Matthew to the circus. Mike said “sorry, I don’t want to disappoint my son”. Jess said “if you wanted to disappoint him to go meet up with some woman you met online, I would no longer want to meet you.” Mike texted Jess and the kids about the circus. Julian was entranced by the elephants.

On their first date, Mike brought roses for Jess, a little snow leopard for Kaitlyn, and a beautiful elephant for Julian.

Mike met Julian & Kaitlyn.

Jess met Matthew.

The kids met each other.

It was right out of a Brady Bunch episode except less people and more diapers.

It got really cute really fast.