A ring and a camera and a bridge that’s still one of our favorite places. A trip down the aisle, absolutely in awe that we were finally married. A surprise honeymoon that exceeded every expectation and that will rival all other vacations for us. A new job and apartment together. Handwritten notes. Getting a pup who was definitely not over the max weight requested by our landlord. Reading next to each other in bed. After dinner walks on the trail. The way we like to stick together on weekends, especially when it means we’re going to Sam’s club. Job changes and promotions. Late-night conversations that stretch into the early morning. A spur of the moment puppy adoption, turned tiny best friend. Being at home during COVID and not-so-secretly being thrilled to be together even more. FinalVibe, vlogs and all that comes with doing projects together. The life-changing joy of becoming parents. Watching him grow, learn, and turn into a mini version of you in the best ways. Making our houses “home”. Countless deep conversations, debates, and rants (mostly yours) about technology, politics, and everything in between. Making up songs. The ability to make each other laugh, even when life is hard. Especially when life is hard. Watching you be the best dad, the kind of dad our son will always look up to. The comfort of knowing, no matter what, we’re in this together.
The list goes on and on. A decade in, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Because at the end of the day, the best part of our life isn’t the big trips or the big milestones—it’s the ordinary, everyday magic of being with you.
A Valentine’s Day box for his favorite team. The joy of tiny hands passing around his sports valentines. A pink drink treat just for me. A holiday that once meant dinner reservations and getting dressed up, now a slow evening at home. The way it shifts, from romance to simple sweetness, from big gestures to small delights. Construction paper hearts and a toddler’s excitement. Remembering our own shoebox creations of childhood. Watching traditions change but love stay the same.
The Good List: Two snow days for a boy who is really excited about snow. Sprinkled moments in the work (from home) day to play. Opening “presents” at my desk and helping put the final lego on top of the tower – too good. The way that golf and lawnmowing become winter activities. How he wants to be just like his daddy. Cozy blankets to snuggle with when we come inside. An incredible start to my 2025 reading goal. Snow gear from last year that still fits IYKYK. And together being exactly where we want to be.
Queen Anne’s lace (still growing wild). The joy of seeing our boys playing together after 10+ years of friendship. The first ever “are we there yet?” Trying new things. Never ending things to talk about and the opportunity for a roast that turns into sharing our favorite stories… into a microphone. Belly giggles and rock piles. Deeming this year the one where we moo-ed at the bull. 🐂
The Good List: mid-week PTO spent eating scones and roaming the pet store, waking up well rested, a trail walk to end a heavy week, rock collections in tiny hands, and late night projects to surprise our birdy-loving boy. 🤍
