One day in October, I actually had free time to spare in this crazy place called "college." I decided to use that time to watch some YouTube videos. YouTube suggested I watch this couple, Ellie and Jared, as they vlog about their day. I wasn't really a huge fan of "vloggers" at the time, but I decided to watch one of your videos, anyways.

I'm so glad I did.

For those of you who don't know who Ellie and Jared are, they are a young couple living in Utah who film their lives every day. They have documented their fertility struggles, their trips to YouTube conventions, pregnancy announcements, their last moments with Jared's grandpa and "firsts" with their babies, among other events. They spread the message of family, faith and happiness through their videos.

They are a pillar of strength for (young) couples experiencing fertility issues. Ellie has PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which has made growing their family difficult. Ellie is very open about her struggles with the disease and similar struggles young couples experience when they're trying to conceive.

They have made their viewers honorary Mechams. We are following them every step of the way at family get-togethers (especially with Ellie's sister, Bonnie), as well as the sad moments. We were there at Jared's grandpa's funeral, as well as the last video he filmed at his childhood home in Spokane. We watched Ellie give birth to both of her sons. (Don't worry, it was totally clean and PG.)

There's something exciting about watching a family grow right before your eyes. Ellie and Jared don't feel like a couple of YouTubers who film random moments of their lives to me; they feel like long-distance friends in Utah keeping us updated with their family.

Thank you, Ellie and Jared, for letting me join your family when I'm an hour away from mine at school. Thank you, thank you, thank you.