Our Family is Growing

The first time I met Taylor, he spent the day with us at a friend's farm. It was the first time in over two years I witnessed Lauren return to her free-spirited, happy self. She laughed, jumped into a creek, played with animals and never once concerned herself with what anyone thought of her. She was relaxed and comfortable. She was back from the dark cloud of the previous two years. I also noted the first time they hung out together outside of work with a group of friends, he let her drive his truck and I had a gut feeling there was something special about this boy.

When I was pregnant with Lauren, I walked around for a week dilated to 5 cm with irregular contractions. The moment Lauren was born, she literally busted into our lives without a doctor present and no warning other than 37 minutes of intense contractions. I should have known then who Lauren would prove to be. She sits on the fence about all major decisions until she makes up her mind and then everyone is hard-pressed to keep up with her fierce determination as she barrels through whatever action she determines must follow.

Keeping up with Lauren has never been for the faint of heart. She is a force to be reckoned with and we are delighted with Taylor who has navigated many storms with our spirited girl. He has been her confidant, companion and calming voice the last two years. We couldn't be happier to have him in her life and ours.

Last week Taylor made some major decisions in his life and enlisted in the Army. He is utilizing the training and education to pursue law enforcement with the federal government. His enlistment meant he and Lauren would be making some serious decisions about their future. The original plan was to have him complete four years of college and then get married. She would then follow him wherever his job required. The Army has moved up plans for this couple. Within a few days of the decision, they also decided to get married. Soon. So very soon.

We are planning a wedding and no one is more surprised than us, except perhaps his parents. We've run through a whole host of thoughts, concerns and tears but in the end, this is their decision and they have our support. Rather than have them run to the court house alone, a quiet ceremony for immediate family will be held in the back yard next month; the simplicity perfect for this young couple.