Brad & Angelina Broke The Rules & So Did I

We all know the song little Dick and Jane teased us with in Elementary School: "Katie and Johnny sitting in the tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g. First comes love; then comes marriage; then comes the baby in the baby carriage." There's just one problem with this song today. Maybe it should be rewritten to say: "First comes love, then comes the baby in the baby carriage, then comes marriage." At least that's how it seemed to happen for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

In fact, the two understand that family happens when it happens. With six children in tow, strong careers, as well as humanitarian efforts under their belts, the two haven't found the time in their busy schedules to tie the knot. After announcing their engagement, a flood of mixed emotions poured into the media. Some were happy for the pair while others begged the popular question, "why now?" Beating Infertility: We Will Become Parents, No Matter What

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Although many criticized their recent engagement, six children and seven years later Jolie and Pitt seem to be doing what works for them. According to Wonder Wall, Pitt told The Hollywood Reporter, "It seems to mean more and more to our kids. We made this declaration some time ago that we weren't going to do it till everyone can. But I don't think we'll be able to hold out. It means so much to my kids, and they ask a lot. And it means something to me, too, to make that kind of commitment." Angelina Jolie "Cried" When Brad Pitt Proposed In Front Of Kids

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Though the union of Jolie and Pitt — nicknamed Brangelina by the press — goes against the norm, the pair are just another example of many of us who did everything out of order. Once, I told my friends I did everything ass backwards. I had my daughter, met and married while in college, then moved into a career. Personally, I know many who fell in love, started careers and families, before ever getting married.

It seems that the order of operations, the fine line that was once drawn indisputably surrounding the order of things, is dissolving. At least this is the trend that seems to be happening more and more. Many families defy the traditional 'first love, then marriage, then baby' guidelines that once set the precedent for long-term relationships. Help! My Love Life Is Like A Celebrity's