Ah, love.

She once called him "dirty laundry."

He once dissed her mother in public, suggested she was "full of it."

Now, Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston, formerly estranged parents of 18-month-old Tripp, are engaged.

And Bristol's mom, Sarah Palin -- who once said Mr. Johnston was posing for "porn" when he appeared with his clothes off in Playgirl magazine -- seems none too happy about it.

According to an interview in US Weekly's latest edition -- done without telling her parents -- Bristol, 19, said the duo became engaged two weeks ago. "It felt right, even though we don't have the approval of our parents," she told the gossip magazine.

Love bloomed again, apparently, when they met to figure out custody arrangements for Tripp.

According to People, Levi is improving as father.

"Tons and tons of progress is being made," Bristol Palin told the magazine. "Like, he'll change a diaper without me even having to tell him."

What a shocker.

Bristol also told People that her mother hasn't forgiven Levi for criticizing her and her family in public, but there's always hope. "Actions will have to speak louder than words," she said. "And he'll have to get his education and a job and be willing to support Tripp the right way. And then I think she'll come around."

Hmmm.

Sarah and Todd Palin issued a statement that was read on the "Today Show" this morning: "Bristol at 19 is now a young adult. We obviously want what's best for our children. Bristol believes in redemption and forgiveness to a degree most of us struggle to put in practice in our daily lives."

Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Mackenzie Carpenter's video program, "Omnivore," is available exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.