We originally started talking through a dating app in 2023. I, Juliann, got nervous and decided against meeting. In the middle of June 2024, we re-kindled talking and on June 22nd, 2024 Mark asked me out. I was still my nervous self and agreed to a "meet and greet" with no pressure. We met at Hesslers. From the moment I met him, all my nerves went away and I felt very safe in his presence. We sang and danced to Shania Twain the rest of the night, and there was no awkwardness. After that, we went on a real first date out to dinner, and then planned to go bowling. I forgot socks, so we went to target and got matching socks (I know, so cute). When we got to the bowling alley, there were fire trucks and a dryer caught on fire. The outside was still open, so we had a couple drinks and watched people play sand volleyball. Two months later, Mark met Alexander and they immediately had fun together. I was at awe of how well Alex adapted to having Mark in our lives, and even more at awe at how amazing Mark was with Alex. 3 months later Alex and I asked Mark to trial live with us by creating a poster with all the reasons we love him. We hid and had Mark find us holding the poster. The transitions were so easy and felt like they were meant to happen. 3 months later, Mark sold his condo and we started ring shopping. On 04/18/2025 he planned the perfect proposal and I was honestly in shock, he had Alex write on a piece of paper "Mom, will you marry Mark". They hid the paper in a big gold Easter Egg, and once Alex got the egg he had me open it. I turned around and Mark was on his knee, with my family surrounding us, and our song (Next Thing You Know by Jordan Davis) playing. Now we cannot wait to get married in front of all the amazing people in our lives who have supported, loved, and helped shape us into the people we are now.