Since being "single" again, as I've had occasion to collapse on the couch bouncing a restless, gassy infant while a two-year-old runs back and forth through the kitchen and living room, screaming and hurtling over the obstacle course of toys, folded laundry and baby paraphenelia that has collected relentlessy despite my best efforts to keep up with the house, I tend to reflect on reasons why I LOVE having Christopher in my life! Honestly, though, he does so much more than serve as an extra pair of hands around here.
I still remember the first time I met him. We have a very interesting early history but I won't go into all that on here. I'm just glad that we were able to go on that first date. I was a little anxious about going out with a return missionary (never went out/hung out with guys more than a year older than myself) being only out of high school myself. I worried that I would be awkward and that we wouldn't have much in common. I was so sure that by the end of it, Christopher would be dropping me off thinking, "Hm, nice kid." and it would all be chalked up to a learning dating experience. Yet, after a month and half of more dates that were considerabley less awkward and seeing each other practically every day, I left for school feeling a crazy little thing called love. About eight months later, we were officially engaged and two months after that, committing to an eternity of dating each other.
As the last five years have brought us closer together (along with school, jobs, moving, and two children), I've come to see a little better each day the man I married. Life has thrown us some good times and trials. Through all of this, I've also come to see the differences between the two of us. And believe me, there are differences. But I love him for those differences. Opposites truly do attract. Obviously, there's enough that we share in common to form a great marital foundation. And when it comes to our views on marriage, kids, finances, education/career goals, religious committments, basically the "big" things, we are totally on the same page. I like to think we "compliment" each other.
But what has occupied most of thoughts is what a wonderful husband and father Christopher is. I know he wishes he could be home spending the entire day with the three of us every day. He's definitely a homebody. And whether he's wrestling with Kira or "doing" her make-up, snuggling with Alexis on his chest, or watching a chick-flick with me and actually giving it a chance, he shows us every day how much he loves us. I know it can be hard to be a guy in house full of females, but he doesn't complain (too often)! Really, he has fun with us. And we love having him with us.
I am especially grateful for his complete dedication to school. I'm such a procrastinator and it's one of those differences that I love. Christopher hates being late or falling behind on anything. This trait has helped him do exceptionally well in college. Now that he's in medical school, he's able to keep on top of the unimaginable load that's constantly piled on him. Though we don't see him as often as we like while school is in session, any spare time he has he dedicates to us. I sometimes have to coax him to go out and play basketball or do something for himself. He's such a hard-worker and sacrifices so much personal time. Thanks, honey!
Most of all, I am so grateful that he's lived his life in such a way that we can be with him forever. He's an Eagle Scout, served a mission (that he paid for himself), took me to the temple, blessed our babies, and has laid his hands on our heads dozens of times to give blessings of health or comfort as a father and husband. He's the patriarch of our family and I can't begin to thank Heavenly Father enough for such a protector and provider.
As Alexis's crying brings me back to reality, I quickly count the days until we see him again. Only two more nights alone! I'm so glad that Christopher is having an awesome experience, but I've decided, being single is not for me!!
