My Best Friend

As I've been spending time with friends and including them in my blog, it came to my attention that my very best friend was going to be left out.  Mate.  I don't necessarily think of him when I list my friends, which is interesting considering he is the most important friend I will ever have.  He's not the type of person who appreciates public declarations of his awesomeness, but since it's my blog, I think I can get away with writing a post all about him. 

Quick Facts:
1. We met during 10th grade orientation.  He remembers this.  I don't.
2. We did an English project together that year.  He shot down all my ideas, came up with one of his own and then generously allowed me to do the whole thing by myself.
3. I thought he was loud and lacked a sense of fashion.  He thought I was preppy and a bit uptight.
4. Neither of us thought we'd ever be a couple, let alone end up where we are. Things changed the  summer before Junior Year.
6. I complained through almost every one of his concerts.  I enjoyed watching him, but the rest was just not my cup of tea.  P.S. I was always overdressed.
7. He went to almost every one of my dance performances.  It wasn't until much later that I realized how much he disliked them.
8. We intentionally chose the same college.
9. We got engaged on the 5th anniversary of our 1st date.  We were married 2 years later.
10.  The arrival of the girls has made all of the above much more meaningful and will surely enhance what is yet to come.

Why he's at the top of my list:
1. He loves me
2. He is laid back
3. He is the best dad
4. He is intelligent and witty
5. He makes me proud
6. He makes a difference in the lives of his patients and students.  I know because I get to read the thank-you notes and eat the treats they send as tokens of appreciation.
7. He makes it possible for me to raise our children.
8. He is neat. I never have to pick up his dirty socks or put his belongings in the right place.
9. He is trustworthy
10. He makes up for what I lack

The Beginning

The Most Important Day

The Best Day

It Keeps Getting Better...

...and Better