On January 25th, 2020, our lives changed forever when we matched on Facebook Dating. Juli Ann had a playful note on her profile that read: If you don’t play Fallout, we can’t be friends. As fate would have it, not only was Kevin familiar with the game, but he was also a huge fan. Our mutual love for Fallout sparked a conversation that quickly grew into something much more meaningful.

By February 29th, on Emerson’s 2nd birthday party, he asked me to be his girlfriend. That leap year day marked a significant milestone in our journey together. Just weeks later, in mid-March, COVID-19 hit, and the world came to a standstill. Suddenly, we found ourselves in lockdown together.

What could have been a challenging time turned into a blessing. Quarantined together, we discovered a deep connection that might have taken much longer to uncover in normal circumstances. Without the usual distractions, we spent every day and every hour together, strengthening our bond and realizing how much we had in common. It was during this time that we knew we were meant to be.

Our sons, Emerson and Kaiden, were just 2 and 5 years old at the time. The boys quickly formed an inseparable bond, creating a brotherly dynamic that continues to flourish. Their instant connection made it seem as though they had always been a part of each other’s lives.

As our love grew, so did our need for a space that could accommodate our expanding family. After outgrowing two homes, we finally found our perfect haven in Skokie. Our beautiful house became more than just a place to live; it was a canvas for our personalities and a playground for our dreams. Despite being a never-ending project, every corner of it is filled with love, laughter, and the promise of our future together.

Our story is one of serendipity, resilience, and the kind of love that transforms a house into a home. We look forward to continuing this journey, cherishing each moment, and embracing all the adventures that lie ahead.