Ten Years.

Beloved,

We were supposed to be in Kauai today, celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary.

Instead, we woke up at 2am to feed newborn twin girls.

I don't know about you, but poopy diapers TOTALLY beats Poipu Beach.

Did you ever dream we'd have FIVE kids? I didn't.

Then again, I dreamed that my wedding day would be sunny. It rained.

I dreamed my wedding day would be perfect. I was sick. Barfing, actually, just minutes before walking down the aisle. We were pronounced husband and wife, you leaned in to kiss me and all I could think about was how I hadn't brushed my teeth after puking. Sorry about that.

You wept when I came down the aisle. It was the first time I'd seen your tears. I always knew that beneath your strong, silent exterior beat the tender heart of a lover.

Ten years, five homes, five kids, a million fights, a million kiss-n-makeups. More than once I thought we wouldn't make it. You never doubted, but I did. Let's face it, I was sort of a mess. I had issues. Still do.

Yet, you love me. Your love and your unwavering commitment to the Lord have been all I've ever needed.

Our lives, our marriage...it's never been what I dreamed it would be. It's been so much better.

So, just in case you were wondering who that sleep-deprived, matted-haired, post-partum woman is next to you? That's your wife of 10 years. And what does she want for her 10th anniversary?

Nothing much. Just a full night's sleep. Seriously. That sounds better than a 2nd honeymoon in Hawaii.

Ah, well. One can dream.

Happy Anniversary, baby. I love you.