an open letter to my husband...

J,

4 and a half years ago, we became a couple. At 18 and 17, we were just a couple of kids madly in love. We didn’t know a lot back then, but we knew one thing for certain: we belonged together. And now, I can say with absolute certainty that the years with you have been the best of my entire life. I’m only 22 now so maybe that’s not saying very much, but I mean it all the same. 

I don’t tell you this as often as I should, but I love being your wife. In fact, I’m proud to be your wife. You continue to amaze me year after year with your ability to selflessly love me. Like the facet that you work 7 days week, from sunup to sundown, you never complain and you are always willing to help someone out. Or like the times that you wake up earlier to take care of our daughter so that I can sleep. Or when you don't buy something you want so that I can get something that I think I need.

You would do anything for me. You put up with me and my shenanigans, day in and day out. You even put up with me when I was pregnant for nine months, and for that, you deserve a trophy.

You have always supported me. I would not be where I am today, doing what I’m doing, chasing dreams, without you. That is a fact. You have been my rock, my coach in the corner, and my daily encouragement for almost 5  whole years. Thank you for believing in me, and for helping me believe in myself.

We’re on a new adventure now,  and there’s nobody I’d rather be learning with than you. I love watching you with Isla, how sweet and attentive you are with her, calling her “peanut”, playing with her when you come home from a long day, and always being worried about every little thing.

You’re an amazing dad, and an even better husband, which is saying a lot. Our marriage is far from perfect, but I honestly believe it’s getting better and better with each passing day. Thank you for loving me the way that you do. Cheers to the next 5 years, and many many more to come. I love you, Jesse David. Always have, always will.

-A