To my husband, on his 32nd birthday:
1. You take AE to school every morning, because you know that particular brand of traffic makes me stabby.
2. You gave up your car and volunteered to drive my 9-year-old 4Runner without a second thought, because you knew that BMW was what I really, really wanted.
3. You genuinely love both of our children with all of your heart.
4. You’ll help me out with anything I ask, usually with only a minimal amount of grumbling.
5. You don’t mind matching and folding socks, which is great, because if it were left up to me we’d all have to dig for a matching pair out of a community pile.
6. You are sweet and kind to my nonagenarian grandmothers, treating them as if they’re your own.
7. You refill my wine glass without asking on days you can tell that I need it.
8. You indulge my crazy whims, and tame my wild streak.
9. You let me fall asleep before you come to bed, because you know that your CPAP noise often keeps me awake.
10. You’ve been nothing but supportive of my decision to go back to school, even though it often means more kid-shuttling and dinner-making and lonely TV-watching for you.
11. You recently bought me this shirt just because you knew I’d love it, and I do.
12. You always know how to make me laugh, no matter the situation.
13. You never seriously complain about the amount of money that I spend. Even if it is on yet another pair of shoes.
14. You don’t ever try to make me feel guilty about leaving you alone with the kids all weekend so that I can go see my girls.
15. I never, ever worry about how the kids are when you’re caring for them alone, because you take care of them just as well (if not better than) I do.
16. You love me for me, and I know that will always be true.
17. You inspire me to be a better person.
18. You’re the most thoughtful man I’ve ever met.
19. With very few (sleep-addled) exceptions, you don’t leave the toilet seat up.
20. You know when I need to just curl up in your lap and cry, and you don’t try to “fix it”.
21. You are an awesome travel partner, and there’s nothing better than a vacation with you.
22. You rarely fuss about the fact that I don’t eat – and therefore do not cook – beef.
23. You never mention my lack of cooking skills at all, as a matter of fact.
24. You will – and have had to – drive across town to save me from a cockroach donkey.
25. You listen patiently as I rant and rave and flail about my day, no matter how long it takes.
26. You watch movies that you hate, just because you know I really want to see them.
27. You’re my balance, since you are every bit as mellow as I am high-strung.
28. You completely trust me to handle our finances, and never seem to worry that I’m running us into mountains of debt (I’m not) or forgetting to plan for the future (got it covered).
29. You’re a great writer, and I always enjoy reading your blog.
30. You’re the perfect match to my closet nerd.
31. You excel at thoughtful, meaningful gifts for every occasion, and forgive me for the fact that I suck at gift-giving and don’t even believe in greeting cards.
32. You’re the most wonderful husband (and father) that I could possibly imagine.
I love you very much, babe. And even though we’re currently separated by several states, I hope you have a very happy birthday. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
Love, K
