My beautiful husband turned 34 on Monday! We had a birthday party for him on Saturday with his brother, Justin, and Justin’s wife and children. We had a wonderful time celebrating– eating well, staying up late, playing games, laughing, and talking about old times.

I met Jeremy when he was 23. He was the most romantic and thoughtful creature I’d ever met. He melted my heart with his kindness, affection, and loving spirit. He still does. He used to make me nervous, giving me butterflies whenever he came to visit. He still does. I used to be so afraid to lose him, because SURELY I couldn’t possibly deserve a man that is this wonderful. But now I realize that, after 11 years and surviving our youth together, he must not be in a hurry to go anywhere. Now I know that I was blessed and I’ll fall asleep in his arms, and wake to his smile, for a lifetime.

He was the first man who ever took me out on a date and treated me like a Princess. He’s always been a romantic. The first time I realized I was “in love”, he had just taken me to see a movie and dinner. He was taking me home, and I already missed him even though he hadn’t even left me yet. We were sitting at a traffic light when he suddenly jumped out of his white, topless Jeep (even his car was sexy). He ran off to the side of the road where there were beautiful wildflowers growing. He quickly cut me a huge handful, ran back to the car, and handed them to me. The people in the cars behind us started cheering and clapping. That was just the beginning, and I’ve loved every second of the 11 years since then.

He took on a single mother, and Austin instantly loved him. He has raised Austin as his own since Austin was waddling with diapers, and has done such a fine job of fathering him. Austin adores him and doesn’t remember that there was even a time that we were without Jeremy. They have an amazing and close relationship. They are like peas and carrots. So much alike, complimenting one another. I would have loved to have a father like Jeremy growing up.

We struggled for years to have a child together. After 6 years of infertility, 5 miscarriages, fertility surgeries and drugs, and a lot of heartache, we had come to a place where we had just about given up on the hope of having babies together. This broke my heart because– he hadn’t married me knowing I couldn’t have more children, and not being able to give him one of his own made me feel insufficient. Half a woman. I had my last miscarriage in March of 2003. In April I was pregnant with Bella. She came 9 months later– all 10 pounds and 7 ounces of fluffy, healthy, and beautiful baby. Then came our beautiful surprise, Noah. When we finally did it, we did it right. These two babies were so worth the wait!

We’re going to grow old, gray, and saggy together. Wise, stubborn, and cynical. We’re best friends and such a team. I honestly couldn’t have formed a better partner for me with my own two hands.

Happy Birthday, Jeremy! I love you and so look forward to celebrating another 34+ birthdays with you!