Maderville

3

Yesterday was my 3rd anniversary. Mike bought me the mack daddy of cameras....a Nikon D300. Holy Cow! I hit the mother load on that gift. I was in total shock because I completely didn't expect it. He also gave me the biggest box of Godiva chocolates I have ever seen. It had TWO layers! Maybe I'll get someone to take a picture of my fat behind. :)

When we were talking about the last 3 years we talked about how this anniversary was different from the last two. On the first anniversary we were supposed to have a 3 month old. We were supposed to be sleep deprived and trying to figure out this newborn baby we had. We were supposed to be celebrating in the joys of parenthood as well as marriage. It wasn't meant to be. The next one, I was thrilled about a pregnancy. Unfortunately, I was very sick and thrilled. I was so miserable last summer. I lived with this level of fear that I wouldn't wish on anyone and nausea that I can't explain.

We talked about the great places we have been(Vancouver, Costa Rica, Vietnam, New York, Florida, and many others), the things we have been through and how far we've come. I won't lie and tell you it has been easy. It has been some of the toughest years of my life. The most trying and the most painful. On the flip side though, I have also had some of the happiest moments in my life. I brought two of the most precious children that ever existed into our worlds. I have enjoyed the love and friendship of some of the greatest people I have ever known. I learned in so many ways how to be a better friend just by following the example of those around me. I got to spend more time with my family than I have in a very long time. I have experienced a love that I didn't know existed...both from my children and even more importantly my husband. With children, you don't have to work for love. It just happens. With any relationship worth having, you have to put a certain amount of work in to keeping it alive. Mike and I are Olympians in the world of marriage because we both really do work at it. We are so much alike and yet so very different. It's a wonder that he's kept me all this time!

Mike, thank you for being such a great husband and father. If I don't tell you enough, thank you for our life together and for all the ways you make it complete.