Despite Ben and Erin Napier's desire to become parents, they weren't sure a biological child would be in the cards for them after they got the news that she had a perforated appendix.

But still, "Relief is not even close to the right word. It was joy," Erin, 34, tells PEOPLE of learning what was to blame for her health issues and the subsequent news that it "wasn't likely" for her to have children.

"It was a new lease on life. After 10 years and dozens of specialists, having the answer was life-changing. I could stop being afraid to eat! I stopped being afraid it was something long-term," she says.

As for expanding their family — which now includes the Home Town stars' 2-year-old daughter Helen — Erin tells PEOPLE, "We knew that if children weren't in the plan biologically, we would adopt. If we couldn't adopt for some reason, having each other would be enough."

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Home Town's Ben and Erin Napier Open Up About Their Love Story: "He Was Like a Celebrity Crush"

It's up in the air whether the couple will have more children ("It was a surprise the first time, [so] I figure it'll be a surprise the next time too," Erin says of getting pregnant), but for now, they are enjoying every moment with "Daddy's girl" Helen — who recently changed her tune of which parent she prefers.

"Every morning, she and I lie in our bed together and I read her a book while she drinks her milk. And this morning, she said, 'Don't want Daddy to lay with us, just girls,' " Erin tells PEOPLE. "She prefers Mommy right now and no one else gets anything for her."

"It's a sweet time," the proud mother adds. "I wish she could be 2 forever."

For more from Ben and Erin Napier, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now.

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