14 years.

{our one year anniversary!}

 

We have spent the past few days reminiscing about our 14 years together. Today we hit another anniversary. It is hard to put in to words just how far we have come, how much we have grown, and just how much we have learned.

 

I am trying to not get cliché, because Paul hates when I do that. Ya know what I mean...I married my best friend, business.

I have regrets about the first years of marriage, but not because of who was standing by my side. Mostly I realize that I wished away precious years of it being just us, and forgot to relish in all of the fun we could have had with him and I...alone. I don't think I truly learned to live in the moment until after Devin. That is a long time for Paul to put up with me wishing for the next step in life, constantly complaining about what I wanted, and never being happy with the here and now.

 

The other night Paul and I were talking about things the other person does that still irritate us. If we would have had this same conversation at the beginning of our marriage, I probably would have ended up in tears...and we would both have had a legal sized paper full of things. I love that we can laugh about it, and still love each other despite of our quirks.

I really did win the lottery when it comes to husbands. I almost married someone different, and am so lucky I didn't...I am reminded of this frequently. My life would not be as awesome without my Paul.

I am not nearly as skinny as I was at 18, or tan...but we are doing a good job at growing old together. He can make me laugh like no one else can, knows me better than anyone, and can see right through my fake smile.

{photo credit: Kim Orlandini Photography}

 

He takes such good care of me, and our kids. He even lets me bring up having baby #4, and doesn't throw it in my face that I said we were done.

{photo credit: Kim Orlandini Photography}

 

So, we made it...14 years. There is no doubt we will be make 14 more, and then some. Never been so thankful for a single person in my life. He loves me unconditionally, like no other has in my entire life...and for that I am sooo thankful.

 

Happy Anniversary Paul! If you ever start calling me Babe, I may take back all these kind words. ;)