Dear Justin,
Tomorrow our son will be born, tomorrow....our son.
I think those words are still a bit shocking to us both. But before we enter this new chapter of life...I wanted to share a few things with you. Just recently we celebrated our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary. I can't believe it's been 10 years, it feels more like 5 years. During that time we've endured many life experiences...some of the most significant being....
1.) Our Wedding Day
Truly an amazing day. A real reflection of both of us fusing together. You were equally involved in the wedding planning process...just as you are today in our life, our home, and our family.
2.) Our Travels
I'm so thankful we were able to do some traveling before becoming parents....our trips together to Hawaii, Bahamas, Cabo, Vegas, San Francisco, etc. ....are so special to me. Especially now as our traveling is very limited with all of our little ones. But I know that we will have our travel time again in life. Until then, I appreciate the amazing places we've been so far.
3.) Our Educations
Oh those student loan payments. But, totally and completely worth it. I'm so thankful that we were both able to receive college educations and both are doing our dream careers now. As hard and time consuming as schooling and building a business has been, I'm so thankful that we kept pushing each other to reach our goals.
4.) The Loss of Loved Ones
By the age of 29, you had already lost both your Mom and Dad. Watching you go through these losses at such a young age, forever changed us and forever changed our relationship. Through these most heartbreaking times, I saw unbelievable strength in you. You inspired me in more ways than you'll ever know. I'm certain in some ways...through this, our relationship was deeply affected in a positive way. These hard times really showed us the gift of a time and the preciousness of life.
5.) Your Graduation
Despite the tragic loss you endured....you continued on to receive your Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I've never been more proud of you. Several of your professors offered you the option of taking time off, but you powered through. Seeing you graduate and walk across the stage to receive your diploma ~ you had a glow on you. I knew in that moment your mom was with you, and I knew you would continue to shine.
6.) Our Friends/Our Celebrations
Oh, the parties we have thrown...since our first year of dating. Thank you babe, I know that often times our celebrations create a lot of extra work for you...but thank you for valuing these times. Each passing, busy year it's harder and harder to keep in touch with friends (especially with kiddos) but you always support and help me plan many of our special times.
7.) Buying our 2nd Home/First "real" House
Remember that one time, when I was SO pregnant with twins...and you had to get our current tiny condo sold, and find us a new home...pretty much ALL on your own? Oh my. You did it babe. Thank you, that was a crazy time.
8.) Becoming Parents (of Twins!)
Wow, we had NO idea. I quit my corporate job just before they babies came after we had just moved into our home...and all of sudden we were parents? Talk about one of our craziest times. But we did it. And it turned our lives upside down and inside out...but we did it. We made it so far. We haven't had much time, much money, or much energy...but we've received ridiculous amounts of joy and love. Seeing you handed our two baby girls in the operating room was one of my greatest moments in life. Seeing you so happy, makes me happy.
9.) Our Careers
I'm quite certain that there are several people in our lives that think we are absolutely nuts, because our schedules are busy and very untraditional. But that's us, and that's probably why (with being parents of multiples) we haven't gone crazy (yet). Thank you for always making it work. You are a true team member and partner.
10.) Preparation for our 3rd Child
And here we go. God willing, everything goes smoothly tomorrow we will meet our Baby Boy! Our little grand finale to our family. This pregnancy, although (thankfully) a healthy one, hasn't been the easiest on our family. Our tiny twosome requires a TON of physical and mental work....of which I've been lacking at times. You've had to carry us through, just like you always do. Last night I watched you play "Barbies" with our girls for a long time. Using all of your silly accents and saying the most off the wall hilarious things...Hannah & Emma were loved every minute. I truly never knew how much I loved you until I saw how much you love our children. There is nothing better in life.
So my love....you being the private person that you are and me being the obnoxiously public person that I am....I hope you don't mind me sharing these thoughts with the world today. I just wanted to share how truly amazing you are, even if I may not tell you or show you that everyday.
Thank you for the last ten years, every single moment, I can't wait to see what the next ten years holds for us.
Let's have this baby already.
I Love You,
Jennifer
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Photography By: Rachel Solomon Photography
Venue: Royal Palms Resort
Hair & Make Up (Jennifer): Linda Valenzuela
Hair (Justin): Shannon Thomas
