Dear JD…it's just past 6am, you're asleep and I'm nervous to give you the birthday gift I made. I wonder about your reaction because I'm not really the craftiest person. Remember that five-minute stint when I was all into knitting? That was a hot mess and we have yards of yarn in the closet. Still. For weeks I wondered what I could buy you, but your list of wants is invisible. I have everything I need. That's what you tell me.

Maybe I should knit you a scarf.

Today is your birthday and even though I know you hate it, you know I'll make a big deal. And probably shout when you wake up. Because I'm happy it marks another year of our lives spent together. Chasing our dreams, breaking the rules, and promising to live the life we've always dreamed.

People often ask how someone like you married someone like…well…like me. I have no idea, but as every year passes, I realize just how undeserving I am to have such a wonderful, giving, and patient man in my life. Thank you for being everything I wish I could be.

Happy Birthday, my love.

{Photo taken in Brisbane, Australia…in front of our rental car}