I’m sitting in the nursery tonight, where we’ve spent the past few hours putting the changing table together, organizing more baby things and taking tags off of toys and such. We’ve made a habit of coming up here together at night to take care of one thing or another, and although we’re not completely focused on the impact this routine is having, I’m fairly convinced it’s an excellent bonding opportunity for the three of us each time. Getting ready for the little one makes it all that much more tangible that we’ll be parents very soon. We’ll be “family,” even more than we already are. And there’s lots of love tucked into that reality for both of us.

Four years ago today, we became a family. We made vows and covenant, and we promised our lives to each other, for better or for worse. Becoming parents is definitely a “for better” in every way, and this year feels even more celebratory because of the baby who is already decorating and coloring up our lives. This anniversary, it’s impossible to miss the love that is literally growing between us in the form of a blissful, round belly. It amazes us on a daily basis.

Since it’s Thursday, and since part of our celebration falls mid-week, our day has been comprised mostly of work, a quick dinner at home, birthing class and then attending to baby-related things. We did, however, carve out an hour midday to meet for lunch downtown, and it was lovely. Jason came strolling through the doors with a glorious bunch of pink and yellow tulips and a wonderful card–a highlight of the day, to be sure. Our time together was sweet, as we entertained questions from the waitress about our pregnancy, chatted with a friend and enjoyed something of the abnormal in an otherwise normal-feeling day. I felt pampered and loved and grateful, and tonight, I’m still delighted by our hour together. It’s impossible to ignore how unique and personal a gift we’ve been given in this marriage to one another, or how blessed and protected we’ve been as a couple over the past four years.

As I look around this almost-ready room tonight, I am filled to the brim with love for the opportunity we’ve had to plant and nourish and grow–and now, to tangibly see some of the fruit of the past 1,461 days. Happy Anniversary, Love. And happy 37 days or so til we meet you, little babe. We can’t wait to be your parents together!

xoxo,

molly madonna (mom)