Our Story

Love Comes When You Least Expect It

Ryan and I met while working together at the local movie theater.  We were both in high school but attending different ones.  At first neither of us thought much about the other.  I had sworn off dating until college.  However, we always had an easy time talking to each other and one day it just clicked. About 2 months after we met he asked me out. 

Our first date was February 13, 2001 and we had a great time, visiting the art museum and eating sushi.  He seemed so exotic and handsome and full of interests.  If I hadn't taken much interest in him before, I was definitely interested now.  The next day was Valentine's Day (apparently something Ryan didn't know).  I remember thinking how stupid Valentine's Day was when you didn't have a valentine.  Well, Ryan comes walking into work a couple hours into my shift, and suddenly appears by my side with chocolates and a rose.  He swears to this day that he had intended all along to do something sweet and he didn't realize until after he went to the store what day it was.  Either way, that gesture pretty much sealed the deal and we've been inseparable ever since. 

We were married on July 28, 2007.  Ryan had become Catholic earlier that year at Easter so we had a full Mass.  It was everything I hoped it would be.  The reception was really fun too - lots of dancing and karaoke.  For our honeymoon we spent a week at our favorite beach: Cannon Beach, OR. 

Let's Have a Baby

I was in law school when we got married so even though I was dying to have a baby we waited until I was through with school and the bar exam.  We got pregnant in January 2010 and welcomed our Chloe into the world on September 2, 2010.  She was just barely under 4 weeks early.  It's crazy - I knew all along I wouldn't go full term with her.  Though she was tiny (only 5lb, 14 oz) she was very healthy and has been growing like a weed every since. 

I put my law career on hold to raise a family.  As we struggled during that first year, we knew something had to change.  We both valued me staying home but Ryan's current job wasn't supporting us.  He had always wanted to join the Army and I was finally mature enough to handle that decision.  So, he initially enlisted December of 2011 and was sworn in May 2012. 

So Blessed

It's been incredible being married to my best friend.  We just get each other.  He's also an amazing father (as I knew he would be).  He's so kind and funny and patient.  We balance each other out really well, but we can also both get excited about something together and really have a great time.  Chloe's been an incredible addition to our family.  She has the best of both of us and it's amazing watching it come out through her own, unique personality.