3rd Anniversary

Finally, 17 days later, I am getting the chance to talk about our anniversary!  To be totally honest, after a year where we really needed to celebrate our marriage the most, we didn't even get to be in the same state!  Bummer!  Matt began a new job on July 1st, and being in-between trips (New Jersey and Columbus), it didn't make sense for me to drive an extra 10 hours with Parker to be in Chicago for 2-3 days.  We are still working on a good way to celebrate!

I remember very clearly last summer taking a deep breath, and relishing in the fact that we had made it through 8 months of long distance, the uncomfortable first trimester of pregnancy, and a huge, life-changing move...and how I anxiously awaited our baby boy.  I kept waiting and waiting to take that sigh of relief --waiting for when things would finally feel calm and comfortable.  I think I am still waiting!  In my heart I knew that our challenges were not over yet...I just couldn't grasp how they would unfold.  

A dear friend of mine mentioned to me once that having a baby, as much of a miraculous gift as it is, can make cracks in a marriage be exposed as if they are canyons. I definitely think that can be true.  Couples many times need to relearn how to navigate their relationship and how to communicate again post-baby --with quite a bit of exhaustion, snuggles, and spit up involved.  I also think having a baby with special needs can sometimes carve out those canyons with fear, pain, anxiety, and some more fear.  We had a lot to learn, and an abundance of "new" in our lives.

That being said, the last year was the best gift we have ever been given as individuals and as a couple...it was just wrapped deeply in a lot of packaging that took some time to unravel. Every day we look at Parker, and then each other, with pride and endearment.  We are not without imperfection or the "canyons" that arise as a part of parenthood and simultaneously navigating the special needs world, but we are stronger and more determined than we ever have been before.  My husband works SO hard for us, and seeing him with Parker just makes me turn to mush. 

We are ultimately so lucky to have one another, and to be surrounded by so many strong couples that set incredible examples for us.  We are deep in the eternal and continuous adventure of appreciating the intricate, breath-taking, humbling pieces of our marriage.  I love you, Matt, and this crazy journey we so take for granted!  To many, many more years....!