a decade of love and silliness

Ten years ago I walked into a party...

One that I didn't particularly want to be at, but one that would end up changing my life forever. We were young and just having fun, but then we met... and we were just together. No indecision, no wondering, we were together from that moment on. Little did I know when I walked into that fraternity house 10 years ago, that it would ultimately lead me to where I am now, four years after our wedding... 8 months with our beautiful daughter.

After ten years together, our relationship has morphed in plenty of ways. And this past year it has changed in a way far more obvious then its ever had to change before, going from a couple to a family of three. We are no longer those innocent kids, just looking to pass a few tests and drink a lot. Now we are taking care of our daughter, and building our future. Parts of this year have been trying, but all of it has been amazing... and I can't imagine not having Travis by my side to experience the joy of raising Gwen.

And what a joy its been.

Seeing you with her, Trav, has shown me a whole new side to you... has led me to love you, not only more, but more completely. You've always taken care of me when I needed it, but seeing you cradle our defenseless newborn in your arms knocked me off my feet.

And you continue to surprise me... something I didn't think would happen still. From being an voice of encourage- ment during the difficult times in breastfeeding (not in your typical comfort zone!), to bringing me a beautiful lily to remember our first due date (and some guys can't remember their anniversary even!), to simply accepting that you are going to have to do the dishes more then me! We argue sometimes, but at the end of the day, we are a team.

Thank you for loving me. Thank you for caring for me. Thank you for 10 beautiful years together.

I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. I can't wait to watch our daughter grow up, all the memories we'll build as a family. I can't wait to grow old together.

I love you.

Yours forever and always...