An Opportunity to Gush

I know that nobody wants to hear how excellent my husband is on the daily, so I'll spare you and only do it once yearly on February 7th. Today is Dylan's 34th birthday. We were both 24 when we met, so we're going on a decade of being acquainted! It has been my absolute pleasure, and I can only hope for many, many more decades of having him as not only my acquaintance but partner in everything, best friend, baby daddy and love of my life.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I struck gold when Dylan entered my life. I've learned to be my best self by having him as an example of how to live. Generous with everything to everyone, kind to all creatures even during the most trying of times, never passing judgement, patient and easygoing. His goodness is pure and unfaltering. I know it sounds extreme, but it couldn't be more true. I could go on and on about how smart, funny, personable and well-rounded he is, but I chose to elaborate on his most special (and my favorite) quality.

He takes such good care of our family. Not only by working his tail off to provide us a comfortable life, but in loving each one of us separately and in the best way. Even when we are total pains. Gavin, Graham and me...we can each be a handful in our own separate ways. But Dylan isn't phased. He loves us always and unconditionally. If ever he is irritated with me, which is rare, I know that I REALLY need to shape up.

Patient and caring to our sick little boy.

In this season of life of raising small kids, probably one of the harder seasons we will experience together, we have bonded as a team. My respect for this man only continues to grow...and my love for him has skyrocketed. We aren't exactly spending our days on the ski mountain, bike trail or traveling to exotic places and eating out at restaurants, as sometimes we so much wish we could. In fact, we hardly get a second alone together. However, we are helping one another out on the daily to make our family flow. Things are as good as they could possibly be. We have been blessed with two awesome boys, and it's been the best gift in life. Our partnership in this is the absolute best, and I appreciate it so much. I can't imagine how hard this time of life would be if I was married to a crabby or selfish person. With that being said, I look forward to future years of getting some alone time back but also having our two (slightly older) boys to love as well.

Thank you Dylan for being the guiding light in our family. Our boys will grow up to be exceptional humans, and I will owe it to you for setting the best example. You've improved me as a person ten-fold (or more) without ever intending to, you take great care of us and you take care of you, too, which is just as important! I want you to always be happy and fulfilled in life because you are literally my other...and better...half. I don't know where I would be without you, but I don't really care to find out! Happiest of birthdays...I love you more every day!

(Cue to gag.)