If you had told the girl in the above photo that she was going to be married to her best friend for nine years ... That in that nine years they were going to finish undergrads, get masters degrees, be 8 months away from finishing dental school ... That they would be a family of 4 getting ready to start a great adventure ... She might not have believed you.  

But here we are. And we are doing it. Our last year in single digits, and we have accomplished so much, been through so much, learned so much. There were moments when I didn't think we would get this far, when I wasn't sure we would make it past 3 or 5 or 7 years. But we did. We have. And every year, month, day, and minute we get stronger, smarter, more insynch, fall more in love, and learn more about what it takes for our marriage to thrive. 

I am so blessed to have this man in my life. He pushes me, pulls me, and forces me to reach farther and stretch to my potential. I have loved watching him accomplish the many things he has set out to take on. And as we wind down in these last few months of dental school, I am excited, scared, and ready to see where the next year takes us.  

Thank you for being strong, for loving me despite my crazy, for encouraging me, supporting me, and being a solid rock in my life. You are an amazing husband. An incredible father. And I fall more in love with you everyday.  

Nine years.

You still fill me with butterflies.

You still put hearts in my eyes.

You still fill my life with lots of laughter.

You still make my heart go pitter-patter.

Everyday is something new.

But I'm blessed to go through life with you.

I love your smile,

I love your kiss,

And I love how fiercely you love our kids.

In nine years we've been through a lot,

I'm excited to see what this next years got.

I love you more and more each day,

Thanks for being amazing in every way.

Cheers to nine years baby! And cheers to many, many more.