Nine

Nine years under our belts as husband and wife and five before that as 'a couple.' No extravagant celebration plans this year given the unexpected circumstances. But we do have a much better perspective this year of what truly matters because of where we find ourselves. We did manage to sneak away from the hospital for a few hours, leaving Baby Miss in the care of Gramma, Aunts and Uncle and welcomed a ten-minute walk through the brisk, fresh air to the heart of the city where we enjoyed grilled sandwiches, chips and warm-from-the-oven chocolate chip oatmeal cookies next to an enormous Christmas tree in a cozy bakery with weathered brick walls and a fireplace boasting toasty flames that illuminated the space. We pondered how long it had been since the last time we'd been anywhere together without little girls accompanying us. It was good to spend time out together, alone. Almost like old times but sweeter because of those three little girls. We fueled our trip back (which was all uphill - steep hills) with Starbucks lattes - gingerbread for me and eggnog for J. Later that evening as my Mom and I were preparing to head home for the night I was keenly aware of how extremely blessed I am. Blessed with a husband who loves me, our daughters and my family. A good man who would spend the night in the hospital keeping watch over my Dad. Love you J! Thanks for always putting your family first!!!