love letters

Dear Em,

Today is a special day, Daddy's birthday. I can't tell you how blessed we are to have this man in our lives. He keeps me grounded, he keeps me laughing. He's my partner in all the beauty & all the craziness that is life.

For as long as I can remember, this has been his favorite song...

"See you and me

Have a better time than most can dream

Have it better than the best

So we can pull on through

Whatever tears at us

Whatever holds us down

And if nothing can be done

We'll make the best of what's around

Turns out not where but who you're with

That really matters..."

"Best of What's Around" by Dave Matthews Band

It's so true. This is the tenth birthday I've celebrated with your Daddy. When I think about it, it totally blows my mind how much has happened in ten years. We've really grown up together. I can't say that everyday has been sunshine & rainbows, but even the most awful days have been a blessing because I've had your Daddy to share them with. He's kind & tender. He's so fun & so funny. He's hardworking but adventurous. He's the sweetest & most amazing Daddy I know. I can't imagine us going through life with anyone else.

Today not only marks Daddy's birthday but another milestone, the first time you were able to sing "Happy Birthday" to one of us. This morning Daddy & I woke up, talking & giggling. I went & got you out of your crib & brought you into bed with us. You sang the sweetest rendition of "Happy Birthday" & then said "yay" when you were finished. Then you tackled Daddy with hugs & kisses. I can't imagine a better birthday present.

Tonight we're going to have a quiet but fun celebration with movies & hide-&-seek & baking (Daddy's birthday party is tomorrow), & I can't wait. I really do "have a better time than most can dream", as long as I have you & Daddy to celebrate life with.

I love you so,

Mommy