On this, our third...

It has been a great three years.

Well, to be honest, the first year, not so much.

The last two, the best of my life.

Three years ago, I barely knew my husband.

Today, he is my best friend.



I have a friend (are you allowed to say that about someone you've never met?) who celebrates their anniversary as the "family birthday"- it gives you something to celebrate even when your spouse isn't around. The holiday isn't so much for the couple exclusively as it is a way to commemorate the birth of their new family. I think we're going to start doing that. Unfortunately, Sophie isn't much into parties at this stage in life... I think we'll just celebrate tonight by getting a double-chocolate cake from Ruby Tuesday and bringing it home to eat while watching The Office.

Chocolate cake and The Office are fun.

It would be much more fun if Jon were here.

Our first anniversary we were apart, but he was to come home a few weeks after it.

Last year we were together.

We are now apart again.

I remember at the CHOBC (Chaplain School) Spouses' Seminar, the school's commandant's wife was talking about how they spent about half their anniversaries together. At the time, I don't think I believed her- well, I didn't believe that would happen to ME, anyway. Of course, I was mere days away from my wedding at that point, and truth be told, was probably living in some distorted dream-world.

I have a friend who has spent exactly 0 of 13 anniversaries with her husband.

I can't complain.

Jon & I were talking yesterday about how, three years ago yesterday, our families met for the first time. Jon's dad, my parents, Jon, & I met for lunch. I had never met his dad, and he had only met my parents once. Our family really went out on a limb in trusting us through all that. I'm sure most people thought we were making a bad decision, and they just loved us through it. Thank you. Sometimes Jon & I look back at that day, shake our heads, and laugh. What else can you do? Beth & I watched parts of my wedding video last week (not the ceremony itself- we had people record messages to us in a separate room). It reminded me of the awkward moments of that day... oh, to be a fly on the wall in some of those car rides home... wait, never mind- I don't think I want to know...

We now have a beautiful daughter and a wonderful marriage.

Every year is better and better.

I love you, Jonathan. I love you, I love you, I love you...