11

#11

Within a week of being married to you I realized there was something strange about your grooming and hygiene habits.

I will start out to say, I take a . . . one . . . shower a day, unless I happen to work out late in the day, then two at the most. I know I might actually be the odd one, but thats how my entire family is . . . and most people that I’m aware of their grooming habits, i.e. former roommates, etc.

But I witness you entering the bathroom in the morning, when you first get up . . . again around, sometime, after lunch and then again before bed (sometimes more). These showers can range from 10 minutes long to baths of more than an hour . . . sometimes I find you reading, sometimes napping in luke warm bath water, sometimes just staring at the ceiling . . . lately its been homework and scheduling stuff.

This first annoyed me but, as time passed, it just doesn’t anymore . . . its become more endearing than anything and its something that makes you unique. You tell me that it helps you think, rejuvenates you, etc . . . I guess its your equivalent to my cup (10 cups) of joe.

So thats #11 on the ‘reasons I love you’ list . . . your clean . . . very very very clean!

Um, Sam, not so clean. Needs to accompany dad to the shower, I do believe. hee hee . . . fully enjoying his cupcake.

13

#13

You have a tendency to be a serious sort, unlike you goofy wife, but I see the sense of humor that I adore come out when you relax, especially when you’re sleepy and/or on long car rides.  Random sums it up . . . and a bit sarcastic.  But a remark will come out of nowhere . . . it’ll take me second to realize you’re joking, which makes it that much more funny . . . and the fact you just do not even break your poker face  . . . even when I’m rolling with tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard.

On the same token . . . I love your laugh. Genuine and for a good reason . . . you don’t pretend laugh, ever . . . you only laugh when it warrants a good laugh.  I grew up in a family of comedians so everything is funny to me and I will even courtesy laugh, but you don’t.  When you do laugh and that gorgeous smile is lit with joy . . . my heart does some flip flops of love. 

Hubby and Tobias on the river in Portland, OR.  Toby had done something funny, I can’t recall now, but he got a genuine daddy laugh out of it.

14

#14 (sorry I’m posting late . . . #13 to follow)

Your bald head, baby . . . that is #14 on the countdown list to our 6th anniversary!

Being that you have bunny fine, stick straight, hair . . . it really does suite your personality, as well as your look, to shave your shapely head completely bald. And when you’re in uniform for school and work . . . mmm mmm, your bald head sizzles with the hot-ness! My favorite is with a full beard but thats against regulations at work . . . but you’re still hot hot hot!

Bald, fuzzy or long . . . your hair is what it is . . . I love you any way . . . but the hot-ness factor goes up with the bald do.

Ok, this is a different baldy . . . and bald-by-nature, not a razor. Samuel is a bout 6 months in this photo; fat and happy.

16

#16

Your high energy and amazing drive make me nuts some times but its also one of the things that drew me to you.  I couldn’t believe you acquired your pilots license at the age of 16, before you could even drive a car legally.  I immediately noticed the kayak gracing one wall of your studio apartment the month I met you . . . and found you even used it regularly.  You first valentines gift to me was a scuba diving course, so I could accompany you scuba diving.  I believe you were mountain biking the weekend a rose and cute stuffed bear were left for me to find . . . thats when you officially asked me out. You’ve put the same energy into firefighting and EMT work at school, thus the reason for your marked success in the program.

I admire this attribute in you. I wish I had half the drive . . . the things I could accomplish.   But perhaps I’m here to level you out a bit; what do ya think?

Hubby, his pants are actually his dry suit, the top half hanging like farmer’s overall straps.   He’s ready to scuba dive and its still a 2 hour drive to the ocean . . . at 6am.  Um, the things I agree to.  And yes, Samuel (at 6 months) and Tobias (at 2 years old) are in their car-seats behind me, happily munching their breakfast.

17

#17

Ok, the two sports (if you can call them that) that I suck the most at . . . pool and bowling.  And, wouldn’t you know thats 2 of the first few dates that we went on.  So for you to plan these I figured the relationship just wasn’t meant to be and you’d find some pro-bowler or pro-pool gal to date and marry. But you didn’t.  You managed to make light of my mistakes (they were plenty) and I never ever felt awkward or made fun of.  Even when your score was off the charts.   And when I tripped up the stairs going back up to my apartment, you right behind me . . . not just once, but twice and you still came back for more of the wonder-Stacy . . . I was sold!!

So pool and bowling . . . fond memories of the past and sellers for a life-long relationship and great marriage!

Pool, bowling, and six years later . . .

18

#18

Tobias was a wee 17 months old when Samuel was added to the fam.  You were more aware of how to support me and took time off work to care for Toby in the last week before and during Sam’s first week of life.  Then my mom took over. Awesome sums up how you were during that routine but stressful time. I was in and out of the hospital within two days . . . with a happy and healthy baby boy.

Being only 17 months now, Samuel is still very much a momma’s boy but he’s slowly being converted to your side . . . but for the cuddling; unlike Tobias he’s not for the rough-housing bit. You didn’t quite know what to do with the cuddle bug of a boy for a little while but have realized recently he just wants to be held and loved on.  So different his personality than that of his elder brother!

I watch as the bonding blossoms between you and Sam and know, in a matter of time, he will be a member of the dad fan club and I will marvel from the sidelines.

Our little family feels so complete at this point and I thank God for such a fantastic man by my side . . . husband and dad!!

Hubby and Sam Christmas day ‘07. Typical rough-housing . . .

19

We’re in the teens baby!  #19

I grew up with a musical family.  My sister played, still plays, the piano and sings beautifully . . . my brother plays the drums and has always been infatuated with music in general.  My other brother plays the guitar and sings nice.  Tiff also plays guitar.  I don’t . . . but I have certain respect and understanding of the musical soul and I love that you are so good at playing drums.  I admire that you followed your passion all the way to Britain, studied there, and still hold onto that passion when time and circumstances allow for playing at church.  You downplay how good you are but you’re the best in my line of vision . . . and thats all that matters to me.   I believe thats what brought you around my dad’s church when we met up and started dating . . . using Billy’s drum set to play around on. That aspect of you holds a special place in my heart and I hope you never give up on that talent and passion for playing, as well as worshiping God!

Future drum-player . . . he already walks around with anything that remotely makes noise and bangs on it in semi-rhythm  to whatever music is playing in the house. And, yes, I can read into anything I want . . . he’s my kid.  

20

#20

I thought I knew you, some of your quirks, habits and personality. In a way I thought I had you figured out. Thats until Tobias was added to our tiny little family three years into a great marriage. I took in the scene of baby and dad in the hospital . . . you not completely sure of what to do . . . making two of us. And when he was shipped off to NICU due to that oxygen issue, you made sure to hang out with him until I could.

As the stress level rose in the house a bit when we brought him home, you allowed me space to deal, figure it out in my own way . . . but being supportive in your own way. You stood back quite a bit in the beginning but slowly and surely you found your niche as a father.

Tobias will be three years old in a little over a month and I marvel at the beautiful relationship between you and the Tob-Meister! He is definitely fitting the mold of a daddy’s boy and you soak up every inch of the attention he pours on you. Seeing you rough house and just plain enjoy your son has made my life richer than I ever expected it to be! I can envision you both scuba diving in ten or so years, hunting, playing sports and just having a blast at life. He resembles you physically but also in his base personality . . . a go-getter and high-energy.

Thank you for being an awesome dad to a great little boy and loving him so completely! I know that that acceptance will pay off in Tobias’ life, now and later on.

Hubby and Tobias . . . dad is pointing out the boats in harbor, Portland, OR

21

#21

I’m not feeling particularly articulate today . . . I’m outta the ol’coffee and ticker isn’t functioning on all levels but here it goes anyhoo cuz I ain’t giving up.

Muscles . . . you’ve got’em baby! They work you to death with drills at the firehouse and you maintain a workout schedule all on your own on top of that. You’ve always been built but you’re red hot at this point.  I had to point out how much I love how strong you are . . . physically, emotionally and as the head of the house.  You manage to cram all your duties into each day, sometimes running you late at night, but I see the pay off of such a disciplined lifestyle . . . and one of those is the bulging biceps and calves to die for.

So this is one of the more superficial posts . . . but I couldn’t get through the countdown without mentioning your guns and calves.   You’re hot!

Samuel and Hubby at OMSI.  That’s dad’s confused face, by the way. Pretty sure Samuel was giving Hubby his critics view of this particular vehicle of choice . . . in toddler tongue.

ps, sorry, I have no shirtless photos of my hubby’s bulging muscles to share with the likes of you.    I actually don’t have any at all. 

22

I don’t know if you do this on purpose or if its just something built in since childhood, but you will buy me presents, do beautifully thoughtful things for me, take me out, go for drives, and just plain be wonderfully considerate . . . . but rarely will this happen on a marked day, holiday or event. I will come directly out of the blue and unforeseen. If I expect it in any way I can almost guarantee it will not be  . .

. but the many times a gigantic bouquet of flowers has graced my dining room table its been for no apparent reason; other than you love me.

So that is number 22 on this goofy countdown . . . your thoughtfulness, no matter how random, does not go unnoticed but it is appreciated and I love that about you!!

One of the millions of flowers my loving hubby has purchased me over the years.  I just happened to capture this one on a memory card.  There was no reason for this particular bouquet, as usual.