5 Years!

Five years ago, I married my very best friend in the world. Since then, we've had ups and downs, highs and lows, and most importantly, each other. We've grown as a family, we've learned how to be parents (lots of trial and error!), and we've seen our love multiplied a hundred times over. We've had some crazy rides, and I am so excited to just to keep on doing what we're doing and see what God has in store for us next!

I love you so very much, Eric! Thank you for being my husband, for caring for our family, for being an awesome daddy, for working hard, for supporting my dreams, for encouraging us, for persevering, for loving both of our boys and me, and for serving our awesome God. You are a great man, and I am honored to be your wife! Thank you for the past five years, and I look forward to at least 100 more together! :) I love you, and happy anniversary!

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Most years, I spend a day or two writing up a nice little anniversary blog entry with just the right amount of mush and sappiness, usually combined with lots of old photos and tidbits. This year, I spent most of my blogging energy for the week on yesterday's [record-breaking long!] post. I love my husband dearly, but haven't mustered the energy to romance him via blog this afternoon. If you want any more of my sappy sweet blogging, you're going to have to check out these past anniversary entries.....2010, 2011, and 2012!

Hey, I'm back!

Well, I'm not even sure where to start with this post. An update? Sure, that seems about right.....after a MONTH AND A HALF of absence. You know that last post about Levi's first haircut? Yeah, he's almost ready for his second! (Ugh , why have I turned into such a lazy blogger? Maybe because I'm a busy momma nowadays! Yeah, we'll go with that; it's totally not because I spend all of my free time on Facebook and Pinterest instead! Although, in my defense, I'm planning a birthday party, so Pinterest would be totally excusable....) Anyway, we have indeed been busy recently, but not in a bad way. It's summertime now, so our days have been full of playing in the sandbox, eating drippy popsicles on the patio, and visits to the zoo. Recently though, our days have also included lots of rain!
This particular week is Vacation Bible School at our church. I've had the pleasure of teaching the 2 through 3 year olds' class, where we've learned lots about the Armor of God through lessons, puppet shows, songs, games, and even snacks! And, of course, there's been more than a little chaotic playtime (Hey, it's the 2 & 3 year old class!). Nate is in my class, and I've loved watching him interact with the other children and leaders, as well as do his activities. His politeness just makes this momma's heart want to burst! Oh, when did my little guy get so grown up?!

A few weeks ago, Eric (and a group from our church) went on a mission trip to Honduras with Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International. They had an amazing time ministering and serving the people there! If you're interested, you can check out this video montage from their trip.


Though it seems like it was a million years ago now, I suppose it's worth noting that the week Eric was gone was the same week that both boys and I were ill. I had a sinus infection (that I'd thought was almost gone) flare up into a major issue that required TWO antibiotics. I'll keep the gross details to myself, but I can't even remember the last time that I visited the doctor for an illness previously. Then, both boys caught a horrible cough that kept us all awake for several days/nights. Nate kicked it relatively quickly, but Levi landed himself on antibiotics (ear infection) and breathing treatments for several days. Just about the time Eric returned stateside, we all recovered nicely!

In other news? Levi crawls now. Not scooting on his tummy "army crawling", but really truly crawling! And, he pulls himself up and walks along furniture too. Oh, he's getting so big! Nate has finally decided that the potty is an acceptable place to do all of his business. (Until last week, we've been entirely trained for #1, but not so much for #2.) Bribery, begging, punishments, ignoring the fact? None of it worked. We were up to our ears in frustration and worry that maybe it would never happen. And then, just like magic, he decided it was time. He has not had one single accident since he made the decision a week ago. Yeah, my kid is awesome like that. And, oh, I'm so HAPPY!

At the beginning of the month, we took a short weekend trip as a family to Eric's sister's wedding. We were honored to have Nathaniel be a ring bearer (even though he cried on his way up the aisle!). The boys enjoyed their stay in the hotel, and we enjoyed our time away from home. The weekend was a blast, and everything was gorgeous--most of all, my beautiful sister-in-law! Congratulations, Jessie & Chris!! (Sorry for posting these pictures in the same post that talks about my kid being potty trained!)


Other than those "bigger" events, I can' think of much that has occurred within the past month. I know, I know, that's silly since I've been "too busy" to blog, right? I guess life just gets in the way sometimes, eh? I do have several posts all wadded up in my brain that I'll need to unload here soon. Recipes for Mexican pizza or Greek yogurt, anyone? Burlap curtain tutorial? I promise to update again before the end of summer, preferably a little more often than of late! Hope you're having a most fantastic summertime!! We are!

Four years....

Oh, what a difference four years can make in our lives! Four years ago at this time, I was excitedly getting ready for my wedding. I had stayed up way too late the night before (stamping programs with my mom and practicing our father/daughter dance with my dad), and woke up way too early the next morning. The moment that I awoke, I realized with a panic that my earrings had been taken to our new home already. This was a huge deal to me, as the earrings were heirlooms from my grandmother, and they were my "something borrowed" (although she told me to keep them afterward!). I called my soon-to-be-husband, woke him up, and begged him to go get them before the ceremony (he obliged).
After I showered, I met my bridesmaids at the hair salon. Mindless chit-chat kept my nerves away, and I got a salad for lunch. Two bites in, and I knew there was no way I could eat it. I wasn't nervous, but way too excited to eat! We went to the church hours before the ceremony was to begin, and spent our time primping and prepping for my big day.
I felt completely relaxed (albeit very excited) all the way until the ceremony was about to begin. Everyone kept asked me if I was okay, if I was nervous; someone even if I was afraid Eric wouldn't show up! I wasn't afraid of any of those things. I knew he would be waiting for me at the end of that aisle, and I knew we wanted to be married. The only time on my wedding day that I was "nervous" was as I took my father's arm to be escorted down the aisle; he looked at me, and asked, "Are you ready?" It was a loaded question. I was ready to marry the love of my life, but I was suddenly terrified of walking down that aisle with all those sets of eyes focused solely on me. I don't like to be the center of attention, and that's what being a bride is all about! Thankfully, I didn't have to walk that aisle alone, and seeing Eric waiting at the end calmed my fears. The ceremony was a blur, but I know that it resulted in the best thing that had happened in my life thus far. I married my best friend!

After the wedding, Eric and I moved into our very first little home together. As I look back on those memories, it was as if those first two years of marriage were a continuous honeymoon. We both worked a lot, but every spare moment was spent together. We went on date nights every weekend, we spent lazy weekends at home, and we had no responsibilities other than ourselves. It wasn't until we bought our first house, and our first baby was born that the "honeymoon phase" seemed to end. We were responsible for a little life that wasn't our own, and it was a big deal. Parenthood changed our relationship with one another in more than one way, and it wasn't easy.

Eventually, we fell into some sort of a routine as a family. Our little boy grew, and so did our relationship. Then, we decided to add to our family again. Another little boy was born, and he rocked our family dynamic to the core again.

Having a strong relationship while being parents is tough. It might seem like the most sensible thing in the world--and it is. But, that doesn't make it any easier. Our time is now divided between babies when we're together, and that doesn't leave a whole lot of "us" time. Date night are fewer, lazy weekends are nonexistant, and life is made of responsibilities now. By the time both boys are asleep for the night, we hardly have enough energy to flop on the couch and attempt to reduce our 73% full DVR. We are not in the honeymoon phase any longer! But, we are in a good place. Our relationship is continuously growing and changing for the better. We are parents, and that takes teamwork, patience, and most of all, a strong relationship. Four years have given us a whole lot of changes, but I wouldn't give any of it up for the world! We are still best friends, but four years of marriage has made us so much more than that. We are truly halves of a beautiful relationship that has resulted in an amazing little family.

I love you, Eric! Happy Anniversary!!

Prom.

My husband is chaperoning our local high school prom right now, while I'm sitting at home in my pajamas, drinking hot tea, and blogging. Nine years ago, we were attending this same high school's prom together--but not "together." It's funny how things can change so very much in such a relatively short period of time, isn't it?
During our senior year of high school, Eric and I spent a lot of time together. I had quite a crush on him, and eventually he developed a mutual one. We dated for a very short period of time, and then he broke things off (about 2 weeks before the prom) because he was afraid that our relationship would ruin our friendship. In his words, "You're such a good friend, and I don't want to lose you. I know that by dating, we will eventually break up--and then things will be too weird to be friends." My response: "How do you know we'll break up? Maybe we'll keep dating, get married, and someday have a couple of kids!" In hindsight, that probably wasn't the wisest thing to say to a 17-year-old boy. We broke up.
But, for some reason unbeknownst to me, Eric still asked me to be his date for prom. I still remember getting up that morning to go to my hair appointment, anxiously applying my make-up at home, getting into the dress (I was convinced that it was the most beautiful dress in the world!), and feeling nervous butterflies in my stomach when I heard the doorbell ring! But, as soon as I opened the door and we got past the awkward hellos, the exchange of flowers, and the multitude of photographs in my front yard, things were normal. We were in the car (it didn't matter to where), and we were together. I remember talking to him, and simply enjoying his company again. We visited Eric's parents at their restaurant to show off our finery (I remember his mom wanted to see my shoes!), and then stopped at his grandparents' house to do the same. (That was the first time that I'd met Eric's grandparents, and I really didn't expect to see them again. Who would have guessed that we'd be taking our little boy over to that same house for them to spoil 9 years later?)

We ate our pre-prom dinner with two other couples at a local church that regularly hosted "teen night" events. We'd agreed to to come to the catered dinner as a favor to a friend who promised us that there would be "lots of people" there. The six of us had plenty to eat that night!
After dinner, we went to the dance. Honestly, I don't remember a whole lot about our senior prom. I remember talking to friends, taking a million pictures, and dancing with Eric. My most vivid memory is of us dancing the very last dance of the night together. He held me in his arms, we swayed back and forth, and we talked about some nonsense. I reallyreallyreally wanted him to kiss me! And, a few times, I thought he came close....but it didn't happen. At the end of the night, I felt a twinge of sadness because I "knew" that had been my last chance.
Eric did reconcile his lack of kissing me when we were in the car after the dance, by telling me that I looked beautiful that night, and he was sorry for not telling me so beforehand!
While my husband attends this prom alone, I am content to be here at home--listening for our sleeping baby, thinking about our own prom so long ago, and waiting for my husband. It is funny how things work out--that break-up meant to "preserve" our friendship? It completely ruined it for almost a year. After that, we decided to go ahead and give dating another try. Five years later, it turned into a marriage. Two years after that, Baby #1 arrived. And, in a few short months, Baby #2 is due to arrive! And, I'm happy to report that our friendship is still very much in tact!

Father's Day.

Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful daddies out there!
Nathaniel and I are so excited to be spending our Father's Day with the best Daddy and the best Grandpa/Dad in the world!
From the time that I met him, I've always known that Eric would be a good father. But, within the past 10 months, I have been blown away by just how right I truly was! Before Nate was born, Eric got so nervous about having an infant that I started to worry that he would be too scared to ever touch the baby! But, from time he wheeled that little bassinet back into my hospital room, he was totally at ease with our son. (When I asked him what they told him in the nursery, he told me that a nurse simply said, "You won't break him unless you drop him!" Apparently, that's all the advice that a nervous new dad needs!)

And, ever since we came home with our bundle of joy, Eric has plunged right into parenthood! He's never shied away from the "dirty" tasks, and he can't wait to come home and play with Nate--even after a long day of work! My heart swells up every time I see them together, and I know that my boy has the best daddy in the world! And, if you could see how excited Nathaniel gets when his daddy walks in the door each evening, you would know that he knows it too!

Thank you for all that you do for us, Eric! We love you, and we're so proud of you! Happy Father's Day!!

Valentine.

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you've had a wonderful day, sharing with all those who you love best!

{This might be my newest favorite picture of my little man! And, notice who he's spending his Valentine's Day with...!}
Eric had to work today, but we celebrated when he got home. We had a yummy dinner, a delicious dessert (recipe coming to the blog soon!), and a quiet night at home. We didn't really want to ask anyone to babysit for us on their Valentine's Day, and I'm so glad that we didn't! I know that Valentine's Day is focused primarily on romantic love, but I had a wonderful time with both of the loves of my life!
What an amazing thing it is to think of all the Valentine's Days that Eric and I have spent together! We've spent them together and apart, with throngs of people at restaurants and alone in front of the television set, and, now best of all, with our very own son. And, while I used to think that each year was better than the last; that we were oh-so-romantic with our roses and candlelit dinners, there is nothing better than this year! I'll take a baby interupting my romantic pizza dinner over any of those other dinners! We are older now, and more comfortable together. We have changed, yet we are still in love--it's not a love that needs to impress or flatter, but a love that can relax together. Sure, we still need "couple time" sometimes, and we'll get a sitter now and then for a date night. But, this love that has grown from a shy invitation to a Friday night football game, to a first kiss, to a New Year's Eve proposal, to a walk down the aisle, to a cherub-cheeked little one--this love is real. And, it is strong. And, it is oh so wonderful!

When we were in high school, Eric and I briefly dated, then broke up because we didn't want to break up later and ruin our friendship. Funny, huh? It wasn't so funny then, and it did ruin our friendship--which, ironically, was not truly restored until we began dating again (almost a year later). Anyway, I still remember Eric telling me that he treasured my friendship and didn't want to lose it. He said, "dating is just like being best friends, except that you get to kiss and hold hands." And, to a point, he was right. While marriage is a bit more than that, it still needs a strong foundation of friendship. We still have that, and I am ever so glad.

Eric, I love you more with each passing day, and I am honored to be your wife! Thank you for everything that you have done/are doing for our family. You are a wonderful husband and father--everything I could ever ask for! I love you! Happy Valentine's Day, Darling!

Ironically, Nathaniel had more Valentines than either Eric or I did! And, he got his very own little stuffed "Grover" from Nana. He also celebrated in his own way by popping his very first tooth through this afternoon. What a big boy!

Thankful, day 22.

 I am thankful that my son has such a wonderful and loving father.  I am thankful that Eric is so involved with our son, that he can't wait to get home to hug him after work, that he loves to play with him, and that he'll willingly change a stinky diaper!

I am thankful that Eric has taken such an interest in our little baby.  And, I am also thankful that my super-talented, language extraordinare husband is already teaching Nathaniel to speak Spanish through storybooks and conversation.

My Husband.

     Two years ago today, I married my very best friend in the world.  Eric and I met in a high school Spanish class, and it's been a whirl of romance, travel, and adventure ever since!  He truly is the love of my life, my partner, my other half, my husband.  We've had our ups and downs, but the journey has been amazing--and it gets better every day!  I cannot even begin to imagine my life without Eric.  He is everything I could want in a husband and a father for our son.  Eric works hard to provide for us, and he is always striving to better himself.  I admire him greatly, and I am beyond blessed.

     I love you, Eric!  Thank you for five years of dating, two wonderful years of marriage, and our beautiful son!  It still boggles my mind that a tiny bit of me, a tiny bit of you, and a whole of miracle gave us such a precious child to raise together.  You're an amazing daddy and a wonderful husband.  I cannot wait to see the next twist in this road that is our life.  I love you more than ever!