Recently while searching through old electronics for Hailey to play with, we came across that old digital camera of yours. It’s display screen is so tiny! Somehow it still had enough power to turn on. Thank goodness because it sure gave us a few laughs! The pictures must have been from 7 years ago or so, when you lived in Charlotte and me, in Atlanta. The pictures were us goofing around in your apartment, most likely before a night out on the town. We looked so silly, so young.
Part of me looks at those pictures, that girl. Who is she? 23 years old and always up for a night out of dancing, chatting it up and getting a little crazy. Highlighted hair that was always straightened, not left to go natural because of lack of time. She’s in pretty great shape with plenty of time to exercise, no stretched out belly button. She is full of energy and up for anything.
7 years, a marriage, a move and almost 2 kids later, she has transformed into… me. Yup, that girl has changed. She’s a wife and mom now. Her hair is often pulled back in a ponytail, little wrinkles are beginning to form around her eyes, she gets giddy over farmers markets and at the moment she waddles around with a big ‘ol belly, usually sans makeup, and exhausted from the day.
The way you look at her has changed, too.
You used to look at that young girl with a footloose and fancy free smile of adolescent love. …but now? Now your smile holds a deeper meaning. Have I told you lately how much I love your smile?
Now when you smile at me, I can feel the 10 years of love and friendship, 5 years of marriage and almost two kids behind it all. We know each other more today than we could have imagined back then. We are not just husband and wife, we are best friends, life partners and still so excited to take on this journey together, forever, whatever it may bring our way. We make an amazing team and I don’t get to brag on you enough.
When you look at me, I know you don’t see the crazy, untamed hair or the beginnings of crows feet. You see a hardworking wife and mom. You see a woman who smiles and laughs so much that it’s becoming a permanent fixture on her face and you shake your head at the idea of any type of wrinkle injection if I even try to bring it up. You see me, all the good and flaws that I am, and then you tell me how much you love them all about me. The feeling of being completely loved and accepted is indescribable.
So, I guess what I’m trying to say, in my usual rambling fashion, is thank you. Thank you for being such an amazing, dedicated and loving husband and dad.
Thank you for telling me I’m beautiful just the way I am and telling me little lies like you actually prefer me sans makeup.
Thank you for appreciating the things I do and saying so out loud, especially on the days I feel so behind on it all.
Thank you for all the adventures we’ve had and those still yet to come.
Thank you for putting our marriage first.
Happy five wonderful years of marriage! Hopefully soon we can have a proper toast, holding both our girls in our arms. I love you so much!
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
Way to make a pregnant lady tear up on a Friday morning. Seriously, this is so sweet and dripping with love! Happy Anniversary!!
Nicole says
What a beautiful post! Happy five year anniversary to a beautiful couple!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Not going to lie. This post made me a little emotional…so heartfelt! Happy anniversary to you both! Enjoy 🙂
John J. says
Wow! You sure know how to nail it! What a beautiful record of y’all’s exciting time together. You are an amazing pair. I remember in my Father of the Bride comments that I said that “no Father believes any man is good enough for his daughter, but, David, you are.” That still holds true. And how fortunate he is to have such a lovely, thoughtful, talented, great Mother, as a wife. Happy Fifth Anniversary!
Meri says
Wow, such a wonderful post. That moved me to tears! Happy Anniversary!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
so beautiful! happy anniversary!
Jen says
Wonderful, I love this. You know what marriage is really about. And now I wish my husband was home so I could go hug him.
Marjorie says
So sweet! Made me tear up!
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
Oh my goodness this was so sweet and beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing. Happy anniversary to you two love birds!
Tori says
Such a sweet and beautiful post! Happy anniversary!
Regina says
Cue the waterworks. What a beautiful post and a priceless tribute to a gorgeous couple <3
Kari says
Beautiful post!
Kathy says
So SWEET! Happy Anniversary!! Hope you plan to celebrate ALL.WEEKEND.LONG!!!
Heather says
Such a sweet post. Have a very Happy Anniversary!
Paige M says
So beautiful, it made me tear up! Ever since finding my perfect match, and very best friend I have become a HUGE sap for happy love stories, and especially devoted marriages. Happy Anniversary!!
Heather @fitncookies says
This was adorable and tear jerking! Congratulations!!!
Lauren B. says
I had to stop reading this a couple of times before getting to the end because my tears were ruining my freshly applied makeup! This is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever read in the blogosphere! Happy anniversary to you both.
Maria says
Happy Anniversary to the both of you! So much fun to look back at old photos and wonder who in the world you were back then 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Such a sweet post! Happy anniversary to you both! You guys seem like such a happy couple.
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
This is precious 🙂
Staci says
Happy Anniversary!!! This was so sweet! Made this pregnant lady shed a few tears, thank you for sharing!!!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Oh my, you almost have me in tears. What a beautiful and well written post. Happy Anniversary!
Morgan says
I just want to say, this definitely made me cry a bit while reading it, and it’s not just the hormones. congratulations and I hope for many more years for you and your hubs.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I love this post, Brittany, and I LOVE that picture of you dancing! 🙂 Have a wonderful anniversary! 🙂
Katya says
So beautiful. Happy anniversary!
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
Everything about this (and you!) is absolutely beautiful!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Happy Anniversary! Thia was such a beautiful post! XOXO 🙂
Jodi says
Happy Anniversary !!! Hope you two have a wonderful weekend celebrating !!! ( and just remember… Some celebrating traditions might just help put you into labor…. Celebrate away!!!!)
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
Such a beautiful post. I love the way you describe your marriage, it shows the pure love that you two share.
Danica @ It's Progression says
This is so beautiful. Happy Anniversary!
Katie Harding says
This post made me smile, so beautifully written! Where does the time go?
Muna says
This was so beautiful! Happy Anniversary to u guys!
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Happy anniversary!
Ali says
This made me tear up!
Bonnie says
What a wonderful tribute to a happy marriage! Made me tear up a bit & wish my hubby was home (not on business trip) to hug! Happy 5th Anniversary & many, many more to come!!
Domi @ Eat, Pray, Lift says
I’ve said it before, but I truly admire your marriage. Reading posts like this that describe the depth of the commitment, respect, and selflessness that you and David have for each other is inspiring. Makes a cynic like me hopeful that marriage can be a good thing! So thank you for being honest and transparent and sharing these little glimpses into your life – it really is a blessing. 🙂
char eats greens says
You are just SO sweet!! And you guys sound like such an amazing couple!!! I swear Tyler is lying to me too when he says I look better without makeup!! Happy 5 years! I can’t wait to celebrate mine in October!!