Jordan and Rachel met on Facebook Dating (for those of you surprised, yes, it is a real thing). Rachel had never done any online dating before, but kept getting ads to sign up for Facebook Dating, so she decided to sign up, even though she didn’t think anything was really going to come of it. Jordan was interested in Rachel first online, then Rachel saw they had one mutual friend, so she asked her friend about him first. Her friend said he was a really great guy, so she decided to start talking to him. Jordan didn’t know Rachel was pregnant at the time, but found out when they started talking. They both decided to build a friendship first, and spent a lot of time out on dates and watching movies at Rachel’s apartment—movies that ended up not being watched fully because they couldn’t stop talking to each other. Jordan kept his distance a little bit at first because he was not completely sure if he was ready, but he quickly fell in love with not only Rachel, but the baby as well. They both quickly felt a strong feeling that they already knew each other somehow and were supposed to find each other, which was a feeling that neither of them had ever felt. Jordan and Rachel have their ups and downs, just like any relationship, but they always come back to one another. They both learn and grow from their mistakes, value communication, and take on obstacles as a team instead of fighting against each other. Jordan and Rachel are grateful for all they have been through up until this point and are excited to see what this next chapter holds for them!

Jordan and Rachel’s first time meeting was at Brann’s in Holland. Rachel and one of her friends were planning on going to Buffalo Wild Wings because this friend, who was also pregnant at the time, was really craving some fried pickles. Jordan texted Rachel and told her that Buffalo Wild Wings was really busy, and that they could come to Brann’s if they wanted to because him and his friend already had a table. Come to find out months later, Jordan shared with Rachel that he knew both places were equally busy that night, and that he just really wanted to meet her since it had been a few weeks since they started talking, but because of both of their busy schedules, they had not had the chance to meet in person yet. Jordan’s first impression of Rachel was that she was quiet, gorgeous, and she had a beautiful smile. Rachel’s first impression of Jordan was that he was friendly, open, humble, funny, and kind-hearted.

For Jordan and Rachel’s first date, Jordan picked Rachel up at her apartment. They drove over to Centennial Park, from which they walked downtown Holland to Peachwave to get some froyo. After getting froyo, they walked back to the park to sit at a bench and talked. They talked for over four hours, without even realizing how much time had passed. Jordan and Rachel opened up to each other more than they had ever opened up to anyone else so early on. Jordan kept apologizing for not getting Rachel any flowers, but she reassured him that it was okay, and that she wasn’t used to getting flowers anyway, so even the thought of him wanting to bring her flowers was special to her.

Jordan and Rachel had only been together for three months before Raelynn arrived. Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rachel was only allowed one person in the hospital with her, which was her mom, so Jordan was at home, hoping everything was going alright. Once Raelynn was born, Rachel and Jordan FaceTimed and he expressed how proud he was of her and how beautiful Raelynn was. The first week back from the hospital consisted of little sleep, questions and concerns about everything, all the baby snuggles, and many homemade meals from friends and family. Jordan would get up with Rachel in the night when she was breastfeeding and remind her how strong she was and continue to encourage her because it was very hard for her. Rachel and Jordan have somewhat different parenting styles, but they always seem to balance each other out and consistently try to learn from each other. They have loved watching Raelynn grow into the smart, sweet, and funny girl she is!

Around Tulip Time, the first elephant ear stand opened up nearby, so Jordan, Rachel, and Raelynn took a walk to it and got some! Afterwards, they all stopped at Centennial Park, where Rachel and Jordan had their first date. Jordan expressed to Rachel that he was certain there was no one else he would want to spend the rest of his life with and how much love he had in his heart for her and Raelynn. Rachel, of course, said yes with tears in her eyes, kissed him, and they walked back home. When they got back home, they shared a long hug and talked about how lucky they felt to have found one another. Times had been tough for both of them throughout their lives with previous negative relationships. Thankfully, now they feel at peace and like they both contribute to their relationship equally, and work together to make the best out of situations. They decided to go out to dinner together to celebrate.