To Christian, on his Thirty-Sixth birthday

Dear Christian,

It’s very hard to be sweet and sincere in writing a birthday “card” for you in the midst of the normal chaos and noise—joined today by the banging of the piano being tuned—but perhaps the very chaos and lack of time for reflection is itself the most beautiful thing about our life. So here is my scattered tribute to you on this, your 36^th birthday.

I love to watch you holding Julianna, making her giggle and laugh.

I love the way you laugh at the stupid songs Alex makes up in the back seat of the car.

I love the way the dynamic of the house changes when you come home at night.

I love the way you reached out to me this morning in your sleep and rested a warm hand on my hip.

I love the way you play with the kids. You have taught me how to play.

I love that you have brought me into a large, boisterous family.

I love that you have helped me to develop my sense of humor.

I love you for your devotion, your dedication, and the simple unshakable faith that you don’t like to talk about.

I love you for all the places we have been since that day in 1995 when you entered my world, shattering my fears that I would spend my whole life alone—for all the adventures that keep us hopping now—and for all the days to come.

Love,

Kate