My first impression of Konnor was that he was taller than I thought, had a nice preppy style, good hair and seemed pretty casual. After picking out an outdoor table, he went to get our beers. He promptly took a sip out of mine, set it down, and declared, "he didn't have Covid." I guess add confident to my list of first impressions. The next week he kept postponing our date - because he did, in fact, have Covid. We waited a month before agreeing to our next date. The good news was, he was now "parent proof." Since he had at least a few months of immunity, he was able to settle right into the family for the holidays. Now, 18 months later, I can say my first impressions were right...but I've learned so much more about Konnor. He's determined, steadfast, optimistic, kind-hearted, family-oriented, good with kids, generous and really funny. I've seen him almost every day of this pandemic. We bought a house together, road tripped to the west coast, celebrated our anniversary in Hawaii caked in mud on an ATV trail, and we are raising two angelic fur-babies. One slightly bigger than the other. Who knew that Covid would look so good on us.

Feeling perfectly healthy and showing no signs of Covid whatsoever, I was so excited to meet the girl I’ve been chatting with over the last few days. From the moment we started talking on that patio (after trying a sip of her Hefeweizen out of curiosity), I knew I got lucky when she decided to “Scroll right” on my picture. She was so funny, incredibly intelligent and an all-around laidback person. All of worldly travels she'd been on had me asking her all of the hard-hitting questions... like where's the best place to find a taco? During our date, we also talked about our families. It was then that Laura shared what her future family will entail. I’ll add “straight forward” to my list of first impressions. Leaving the brewery (again, perfect healthy!), I knew we had an instant connection. This was reinforced when we started texting later that evening while watching TV together – at our separate homes. Then I got Covid… and I had to call Laura to let her know. When I did, she showed up with groceries one day and Taco Bell the next. How lucky am I?! Since that first date, Laura has been a constant positive in my life. She truly puts everybody’s happiness at the top of her priorities. Her commitment to our family, drive to make a positive change in this world and her determination to accel in whatever comes her way are just a few things that I’m constantly in awe of. She makes everybody around her feel seen, heard and cared for. Between our trips to Colorado, Hawaii and California, we’ve shared so many laughs and amazing experiences together, and with special people in our lives. There are so many more memories to come and there isn’t anybody else I would want to make them with. I cannot wait to sell the rights to this Covid movie of the week to Hallmark one day.