Happy Birthday!

Wow! You're turning the big 34! HaPpY HaPpY dAy to you my love! Waking up this morning about fifteen times (sorry about the early alarm clock and repetitive slapping of the snooze!) pondering you and your HAPPY DAY, I thought to myself how lucky I am to have you as my partner in life.

As you ground your coffee beans and poured your 3 HUGE cups of coffe, I giggled to myself because there are some things in life we "need".... you are what I need. However, I do agree that you need your coffee. Without your coffee, the mornings would be quite a struggle ;)

You, Joshua, are the one thing in life that makes me live like never before. Your spunky ways, your quirky needs for BIGGER, faster, louder! I may never understand, but that's what makes it so wonderful... so very YOU. It would be odd if I understood "why" you do the things you do, and if you understood the things I do. It's the mystery that keeps it all alive!

Tonight we'll feast with family and celebrate you and your entry into your 34th year of life! I'll have to be sure and thank your mom and dad. I know I'll worry about things that don't really matter, but nonetheless, I will worry... Is the house clean enough? Will we have enough food? Will the food be delicious? Is there enough room for everyone? Do I have enough yummy food options for the kids coming? Should we eat right away or wait? Oh... heavens, I don't know why I even worry about it all because in the end the only thing that matters is that everyone is together and we are so very lucky to have such wonderful family and a wonderful event to celebrate together.

I hope you'll like your present. I'm so very excited for you to unwrap all of the wonderfulness! I'm thrilled that this is the THIRD birthday of yours we will spend together and that for the second time I can give you a present! ha ha.. I'll never forget that our second date was your birthday dinner at Kalai's house. I was so nervous and excited at the same time! I remember the great debate on whether or not to bring you a gift.

Me: "Kim, do I bring a gift or not? I mean, I've known him for a whopping day and I don't want to be rude!"

Kim: "Oh, just get him a card or something. I'll call Kalai and see what she thinks."

Me: "YEAH, that would be great! Call her and call me back." (Yes, this reminiscent of being in 6th grade and having your friend call the other friend who could find out info for you.)

Kim: "OK, I talked to Kalai and she says to just come over and don't worry about it!"

Me: "Oh gosh... it's so stressful! Are you sure it's OK? I mean, I know she "SAID", but what do YOU think?"

Kim: "Just do whatever. He'll be excited you're there. WHO CARES!"

Me: "OK... I'll see you at practice and we can decide then...love ya!"

Needless to say, I showed up empty handed with my smile in hand, butterflies in my stomach and just HOPING that you wouldn't care I was coming straight from practice in my sweats. Yet again, I fell back on the "if he really likes me, he'll like me for who I REALLY am". Luckily, it didn't matter that I was empty handed AND in sweats. WHEW!!! You answered the door with a smile (and Coors Light in hand). The night was fun. I met your family and some friends, was interrogated by a darling 3 year old niece of yours named Kira, and loved every moment of it all. Who would have thought that little Kira at the age of 3 knew that her question "When are you guys gonna get married?" would have been so very relevant and honest. She obviously saw what we felt. WOW... What a special night and now, every year after, I'll always think back to what a monumental night it was. Second "date", your birthday, our first kiss, the night I met your family (well, minus Kalai.. I already knew Kalai).

That night was great, but I hope today is as wonderful, exciting and special as you are. I can't wait for 44, 54, 64 and beyond.... I love you. I cherish our moments and memories and I'm excited to add to our story tonight. MUAH! Happy Birthday MY LOVE.