A Red Letter Year, with A Red Letter Girl

Today marks our ninth anniversary and I’m going to take over Stephanie's blog to write about her. After nine years, she continues to amaze me.

It’s rather convenient that our anniversary falls right after the New Year, because at the beginning of each year we take time to reflect about the previous year and plan for the year ahead. It’s something we’ve done since the beginning of our marriage, and it’s always been a very valuable (and fun) exercise for us.

As we look back, this past year was possibly the most trying year of our relationship, but also one of the most beneficial years. We always try to learn and grow from each new experience, and Stephanie’s strength always amazes me. She somehow manages to stay in control while life gets busier and busier. Where I have a tendency to withdraw, she can pick up the slack and keep moving.

Earlier this year Stephanie welcomed her second child into the world via her second completely natural waterbirth. I could go on and on about Stephanie's level of commitment, education and preparation that resulted in two successful natural births, but suffice it to say that the delivery and postpartum staff are simply amazed in her ability to take birth head on and come out looking like a champ. And I know that her success is not just coincidence or dumb luck. Stephanie saw a monumental challenge ahead and decided to do it her way. She absolutely worked her ass off and was able to experience something truly amazing. . .twice.

Two days after Avery’s birth Stephanie saw Madelyn turn two. With her hands full, she is somehow managing to raise two of the sweetest little girls you could ever meet. Steph recognizes the delicate balance between affection and discipline better than anyone I know. Her girls love her intensely but, most importantly, they respect her.

She has also continued her part-time job working with a six year old little boy with autism.  After spending all day with him, Steph comes home with a smile on her face and is ready to feed her girls, put them to bed and make dinner – all before I even come home.

In addition to being the mother of her growing family, she has managed to be the wife that one could only hope for. Incredibly confident, patient, caring and strong, she has supported me in ways that leave me speechless. She is willing to meet challenges head on and learn, grow and adapt in order to improve our relationship (she may or may not need to smack me around a few times in the process!).

And she still knows how to have a good time! She never hesitates to have a babysitter lined up so we can take off and pretend like we’re young, wild and carefree for a night. It’s always fun to cut loose and have a good time, and she realizes that sometimes "Mommy and Daddy" just need a cold drink and a night out.

Upon reading this, I know Stephanie will say that WE have accomplished all of this together – that I make all of this look too one sided. While there may be some truth to that statement, after nine years I’m not afraid to admit that she is the better, stronger part of me.