Jodi: We started texting daily, which turned into phone calls where we talked about anything and everything. The more we talked, the more we realized we were on the same page about everything. Alex was unable to come visit me until late December, but that didn't work for me. I needed to know that I was actually interested in him if I was going to invest so much time, so I went to see him 2 weeks after the cruise for our second date.

Alex: If you are old enough and reading this you remember the time before cell phones and were waiting for the phone call on the landline. That is how I felt. The conversation was so easy no matter how it was happening. And between each break in conversation I was waiting for that next piece of information to learn more about Jodi.

Jodi: In true Jodi fashion, I was super late - it was totally the traffic, and the last time I drove to Orlando on a Friday afternoon. We still made it to the wine walk, then went for some empanadas, and back home where we watched/played Harry Potter trivia until late at night. Saturday we slept in, had a lazy day around the house, then went out for dinner and dueling pianos. It was a perfect weekend, and I left knowing that this was someone I wanted a future with.

Alex: Honestly, no more to add. I talk about how perfect this date weekend was. Especially spending hours playing trivia and Harry Potter specific trivia.

Jodi: It was pretty perfect - and we discovered our love of Harry Potter! By date 3, we were in relationship territory, even though I wasn't quite ready. I came back to Orlando since Alex had tickets to Hadestown, and I met his parents - who weren't as scary as I thought. Saturday morning we had brunch with Mom and I got to meet Aaron. Then we headed down south to Boynton. Sunday night we went to Dan and Jordana's for Chanukah night 1, where everyone was surprised to see Alex.

Alex: I have to admit, I was a little nervous on the meet. It wasn't that I didn't think Jodi would like my family or that my family wouldn't like Jodi it was I didn't want to "scare" her away. But Jodi has said many times; "You can't say the wrong thing to the right person."

Jodi: I had asked Ilysse about bringing a plus one to her NYE party. Upon trying to introduce her and Ross to Alex at the Chanukah party, we discovered that Ross and Alex already knew each other and were friends. We had a great night, seeing lots of common friends and hanging out. By the end of the night, it was just me, Alex, Dan and Jordana. Then they all ganged up on me.

Alex: I have no recollection of teaming up on being a relationship. We talked about being exclusive and that Jodi didn't want labels. However, I knew that I wanted to be on the same page for direction. We had been dating nearly 2 months and I wanted to establish a direction of the future.

Jodi: Now, who's the one with memory issues? I wasn't comfortable with titles, but I finally admitted we were in a relationship - much to Dan's and probably Alex's happiness. The next night we had dinner with Jess and Ary. Jess congratulated me on finally finding a good guy, and also forced me into using the terms boyfriend and girlfriend.

Alex: Thank you Jess and Ary.

Jodi: On Saturday, we met my parents for brunch. I called them an hour before to let them know I was bringing Someone. It was freezing, and colder inside the restaurant we went to than outside. I was so afraid that Mom wouldn't like Alex, but apparently I didn't have to worry. I also didn't realize that I fell for someone who's very similar to my Dad - sometimes that still scares me.

Alex: While I may have been prepped I didn't need to worry. The cold helped bring the common small talk of all people: the weather. You would have thought the meeting of the parents would have been scary. It wasn't. I know I thought to myself then, these could be my parents too. I'm thinking I made an impression too, leaving it open for what kind of impression, but we decided to go to the Orange Bowl together within a week. I'd say the meeting of the parents was a success.

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