two years with you

Ginn,

Last year, I wrote about how everything had changed in our first year of marriage. I think it's safe to say even more has changed in our second year.

You supported me as I spent weekends running crazy miles to prepare for the half marathon.

I supported you through a job search and the eventually landing of a great new career! We did grad school together. We dressed up like gnomes.

We went to Belize where we climbed pyramids, drank coconut water, biked along the ocean and swam through caves.

This year we found out we were pregnant, and then went through nine months of physical and emotional changes as we prepared to welcome our son into the world. And then just two and a half weeks ago, he arrived in dramatic fashion. In the few hours of intense pain, I learned to put my trust in you in a way that I never had. Trusting you to be my advocate, to take care of me, to carry me through.

Postpartum, I laugh thinking of the barriers childbirth and recovery breaks down. Discussions I never thought we'd have or supplies I never thought I'd ask for you to pick up at Walgreens. But you've done it all with such ease, humor and kindness making me proud we are this close, even in the weirdest, most vulnerable moments.

Since Henry's arrival we've had moments of awe at what our love created and moments of tears wondering how we will make this all work and still have time for our marriage. Right now we're drowning in diapers, laundry, sleep deprivation and meals from boxes. And it's all a bit overwhelming. But as you tell me daily, we'll get through it together.

The reward is watching you with Henry. They way you obsessively take his picture, smile at his every expression, willingly get up for all the diaper changes at 3 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m... Thinking about you teaching Henry how to be a man just makes me love you more.

I love us and the life we've created. One that we're proud of.

Happy two years Ginny.

Love you forever,
Ricee

I am now..

a double-digit runner! Saturday I ran 10.7 miles around Kansas City. And it felt surprisingly good. My favorite part was passing a group of obviously very well-trained (I could tell because their shorts looked more like underwear) runners who yelled "keep it up girl" as they ran past me. My stomach treated me better though my calves were sore to the touch for a few hours. I still get a migraine every time I run long. I owe my life to Imitrex.

a wife of one year. Shea and I celebrated our first anniversary this weekend. The wedding day cupcakes were still amazingly delicious complemented by wine given to us at our engagement by our friends Carolyn and Jim. I made Shea an Adventure Book (from the movie "Up") full of programs, ticket stubs, matchboxes, receipts and cards from our three years of dating, engagement and marriage. He got me Love and Respect, a book I have been wanting to read together for awhile. But the card that went with it was my favorite. They always are.

a big fan of Glee. I have resisted this craze because we have too many other shows via DVD to watch and not nearly enough time. Imagine if we watched real TV. My friend Jo lent us the first season, and this weekend we watched. and watched. and watched.


excited for K-State Football! First game is next Saturday but first we'll be attending Purple Power Play on Poyntz where the entire town comes together for a pep rally and fireworks. Then tailgating and kickoff! I love college football, love the way my hometown turns purple. For the first time since high school, I'll be attending every home game. Bring on the Cats!


officially a graduate student again. We had our first class last week. If someone paid me to be in school for the rest of my life, I'd be content. As long as every class I took didn't deal with research methods and data sets.


learning to dance. We had our first official dance lesson last week, too. I wish there was a bar where I could do the tango because really seems to be my forte. 

a year with you

Dear Ginnny,
A year ago we had a lot on our minds. There were people, programs, vow books, photographers, red shoes and cupcakes to worry about. Every single worry and frantic trip to Michaels/The Container Store/Sam's Club was worth it because that day was the best of my life thus far. There are far too many days when my heart aches to do it all over again.

However, after being your wife for one year now, I am blessed by the simple things. Falling asleep on your chest. Sharing a bowl of popcorn. Trying a new restaurant. Learning to tango and foxtrot. Your predictable "drive safe" instruction whenever we part. Saturday morning pancakes followed by a long run and the farmers market. Making cookies, mountain biking and baseball games.

I love that we have no drama. That when the world is spinning around us, our marriage is the unmovable core. It's definitely been a crazy year. We moved to another state. Attended weddings and a funeral. Became landlords. Adopted a kitten. Explored a new city and started new jobs. Found a new church and new small groups. Went from a modern condo to an apartment with a lot of character. Left our friends to find new ones.

Almost everything has changed. In this year, I have learned that we're still us no matter where we live or who we are friends with. I've learned we're even stronger in our marriage when we're surrounded by positive, encouraging people who share our passions and values. I've learned that although I love downing a bottle of wine with you while watching endless episodes of Dexter, I'm super excited for our next steps in life no matter what God has in store. I've learned that following our own passions provides an incredible opportunity to cheer from the sidelines.

It was a year of changes, learning, adjusting and a whole lot of fun. Thank you for choosing me every day.

I love you with all that I am and will ever be.

Your Ricee