That Mushy Birthday Post I Promised

Terry's 29th year is done, and I'd say he did it with grace, style, and class. That guy really knows how to make a girl proud.

This year was one of the most difficult we have faced--new baby, demanding work schedule, very little sleep or time to relax--and Terry truly took it all in stride. We moved into our new apartment right before Terry's last birthday, and he just about doubled his commute time to work, the first of many sacrifices he made for our family this year.

Marshall came along about a month later, and Terry stepped into his role as a new dad as though he'd been doing it his whole life. Somehow, he just knew how to be a father--and a fantastic one. He supported me as a panicked, weepy mother while I looked to him for help with everything from breastfeeding ("Does his latch look okay?!" "Can you bring me more water?" "Will you bring me ________?") to midnight diaper changes. He made it look easy and taught me lessons on patience through his calm demeanor with Marshall.

As we settled into parenting, Terry went back to work, and suddenly his project picked up. He had to work longer hours, bring work home, travel to take care of his part of the project--all while helping around the house, putting 100% into his time with Marshall in the evenings, and making sure we had time together. I whined about his work nonstop, but he (almost) never complained.

Juggling an intense year of work plus being a new parent hasn't been easy, but Terry makes it seem like he was born to fulfill both roles. I admire his work ethic and his willingness to put himself second (or third, or fourth) every day.

Terry, thank you for being such a fantastic dad and a sweet pet owner to Scout. Thank you for working so hard for our family, especially this year. And thank you for being the greatest husband; I am truly so lucky!

(Styling by Terry)

(In the middle of one of those looooooong nights)

Happy birthday!!!