To Chris

So I always post about our children, but I wanted to post about Chris today.

We're so wrapped up in raising and caring for two little humans, work, keeping up with household lists, planning and attending events, making our weekends count as a family, taking care of Jackson (yes, he always seems to come further down on the list but we love his just as much as we used to)... and the truth is, every day I'm so grateful I'm taking it all on with him. As much as we are good about telling each other "I love you," I don't think I voice how I appreciate him enough: who he is, how hard he works, how much I respect him, why he's my favorite person, that he prioritizes family, what it means to me that we're able to team up with me at home and him tackling such a big job to make it happen, that he gets me and respects who I am, that he values what I do for our family so much... I think it's important to take a step back and remember us as a couple beyond being parents. Chris, you still make me laugh and feel loved and special every day. Let's keep that up :)

I guess this post goes down as a sappy love letter, but I want to find it among posts someday as I look back at the blog or the books I've made from it. During these years full of so much joy, exhaustion, and busy days and nights with young kids, I want to remember how Chris and I really were a team. Even though date nights are sparse and "us time" is hard to come by when kids are finally in bed and work is left to be done before the next day, I am so grateful for our life together. I remember why we're best friends and partners, and I want to focus that more than I do. Because I believe that loving your spouse is one of the best things you can do for your family. Plus I can't help loving him.