Robert and Chelsea’s love story began the modern way: by matching on Bumble. Unfortunately, after some less-than-thrilling messages, Chelsea left Robert on read. Over a year later, while still swipin’, they matched again — this time on Hinge, where things went much better. They bonded over all the important topics: dogs on furniture, children, and who has the best margarita in Kansas City. Then football season started... which meant Robert had approximately zero brain cells available for anything else and never followed through on their margarita date. Tragic. Still, Chelsea thought they seemed pretty darn compatible (Hinge even declared them “Most Compatible,” so basically science confirmed it). Before heading into hip surgery, she swallowed her pride and sent a bold message: “On a scale of 1–10, how hot are compression socks?” Shockingly, this did not earn an immediate date. It did, however, begin a joyful cycle of check-ins that went absolutely nowhere for the rest of football season. Then in December, it was Robert’s turn for surgery, and he reached out to what he lovingly referred to as “Chelsea from the Hinge Graveyard.” Frustratingly enough... it worked. Chelsea agreed to give him one date (after informing her friends he had been annoying to deal with, but she was intrigued). That first date felt like anything but a first date. The conversation was too good to end, so when 3 Halves closed, they had no other choice but to walk to Corner Bar. Sometime after 2:00 a.m., Robert texted his friends that he thought he had found the one. The months that followed were filled with hoursss of late-night phone calls (single mom schedule approved), an AFC Championship, many fun adventures, way too many rounds of queso and margs and meeting friends and family who immediately felt like home. Abram may not have known they were dating at first, but after a few adventures getting to know Robert, he quickly identified him as his kind of guy — smack talking, teaming up on Mom, and constantly asking when they’d see him again. Did Abram try to grow his hair out, request a “Big Dog” themed birthday party, and wear a fake sleeve tattoo in his school picture? Maybe. In his letter to Santa that year, he had one very important request: that Robert could please be his stepdad. You could say he’s been just as locked in as his mama — something she will never take for granted. As for Robert’s kids — Charli, Billie, and Augie , they were happy to welcome a Mama. They love their new home, their new brother, and all the adventures that come with their new life. Together, we’ve had so much fun, accomplished so much, pushed each other to grow in every way and learned what it truly means to be partners. We feel incredibly lucky to be here, to be loved by each other, and to celebrate with all of you.