Day 2: This is Why I Love You

Dear Tyler,

I love you. Today we spent a good deal of time being adults: making food, doing dishes, taking out trash, doing laundry, ordering stuff for the wedding, and running errands. There are days that trying to do all of this adulting feels overwhelming and all I want to do is curl up and watch cartoons (which we both know I’d do every day if I had the chance), but you make this better. I am so lucky that I am marrying a man who is willing to pitch in anytime. You are a wonderful partner to do any task with. I know a lot of couples that are super one-sided in their chores and household tasks, but I’ve been so lucky in finding a man who will move laundry, help with dishes, run errands, and who is an amazing cook. You are so much better than I deserve. Thank you for loving me even when I’m stressed and snarky. I am so grateful I have you. This is just one more reason why I love you. 

All my love,

J

Day 1: This is Why I Love You

Tyler, my love,

We’re only 12 days out from our wedding, and I still find this hard to believe. It’s been interesting the past two years to say the very least. I never could have begun to conceive of the love I found in you when you showed up. 

You showed up. I love this. I love that when you say you’ll do something, you do it. When I need you, you always come through for me. When I had finally let go of the idea that I would ever truly experience the joy of loving someone and getting their love in return, you showed up. You’ve swept me off my feet, and you never let me fall. You’ve never broken your promises, and this is why I believe you when you say you want to marry me. I trust that you will keep the vows we will make to each other in 12 days. This is why I love you. 

My love always,

J

This is Why I Love You

I’m challenging myself to write for Write31days one more time. It’s been an interesting year, and this month is going to be particularly magical because on the 13th of this month, I’m marrying the love of my life, Tyler. As a result, I’m choosing to spend this month writing him notes each day talking about why I love him and exploring this new life we’re creating. 

love, 

Me

Happy Birthday, Baby

My Love,

Today is your birthday. I hope I’ve helped make this day something good. Even though it’s your birthday, I am feeling like I’m the one receiving the gift. You’re sleeping next to me, and all I can think about is how lucky I am that I have you. In just 16 days, I get to marry you. Each day you tell me you love me, and each time it blows me away. I cherish these days. Even on the craziest days (and whenever I get around to dishes), I love and adore you. 

I am grateful for the past two years, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my years by your side. Whatever’s coming will come and we, like Hagrid says, will meet it when it comes. I will choose you each day. 

Happy birthday, my heart. You have all my love. 

Forever yours,

J

A Catch Up

I feel overwhelmed. 

Close friends just had their second child after going through several miscarriages, and their baby girl is beautiful. Hello, new niece.  Thank you, God. 

My youngest brother and his beautiful wife are going to be having their first baby in about 2 more months. I’m ecstatic. I can’t wait to hold my nephew and watch him grow. I’m already in love with this child. 

One of my best friends and her sweet husband just announced they’ll be welcoming their second munchkin into the world in March. More hilarious munchkins to cuddle. 

One of my best friends just got a new job that is giving her a great new schedule along with moving her significantly closer to the love of her life. She sounds so happy and so excited for the future. I cannot wait to see where her story leads next. 

Two of my favorite humans and their crazy little girl moved with 3 hours of me after we’ve spent years being 7 hours apart. I can now actually visit them on weekends from time to time. Bonus: they have a pool. Ultra-mega bonus: they live in the same area as one of my wonderful uncles and his great family!!

One of the guys I grew up with, he’s basically my older brother, just proposed to his lovely girlfriend. They’re so happy, and they’ve got so much to look forward too. 

The oldest of my brothers and his wife celebrated their 5th anniversary this week. They’ve been through so much together, but they’re coming out so strong, so inspiring. Their commitment and love for each other leaves me in awe. 

I am overwhelmed. Life felt so bleak and dim for so long, but the past 2 years have made everything explode into dazzling technicolor. Such joy. 

My heart is alight. It’s been nearly two years since Tyler walked into my life and in just over a month (just 35 days), we’ll be getting married. He is my love and my heart. He grew my trust with his enduring patience and love. He makes me laugh each and every day, and I believe him when he tells me he loves me. 

I am so overwhelmed with joy. Life is so new. God is so good!