8 Months & The Big 3-0!

Just look at these two. Ahhhh, how I love them so!

It is no mystery to me where Sweets gets her charming, delightful, pleasant, agreeable, happy, joyful nature.

It's quite fitting then that she & daddy share a special milestone today.

To Dean, the Love of my Life:

You are a wonderful wonderful man, husband and father! 

Today on your birthday, I want you to stop and reflect with me on some of your recent endeavors.

As you finally catch up to me at (screech!) 30 years of age, in the time I have known you, you have:

-Given 8 + years serving our country and its people, 1 year oversees (away from your family)

-Put yourself through college with no example from sibling or parent to follow

-Started 2 Masters programs (Philosophy - Holy Apostles Seminary & Information Assurance - Norwich Univ)

- Willingly given up your desire for a graduate degree objectively assessing it wasn't the right timing or career move for your family

-Bought a home  

-Given me & the world 2 beautiful children

-Passed the CISSP, a very sought after certification in your field of expertise.

-Worked your way to a respected position within Boeing

-Started your own company and podcast 

-Achieved a dream of ours to provide for our family's needs, allowing me to stay at home with our children.

-Never stopped growing, learning, improving, be it in our marriage, in your individual spiritual journey or in your career which has been an incredible gift to me as I have benefited from the fruits of your hard work.

-Been a spiritual leader, an initiator in all things

But perhaps, more importantly than all these accomplishments which indeed are good,
-you have been the biggest contributor and influence in my search for holiness and closeness to the Trinity. You challenge me through emotional encouragement, always valuing what I do and who I am, through intellectually challenging me to always seek the truth in everything or through simply bluntly but lovingly pointing out my areas for improvement. 

-You are a man of principle and I love your mind, the way you think. 

-You teach me so much about (good and true) philosophy, about humanity, about seeking the true, the good, the beautiful, about our primary purpose here on earth.

-You have so much self awareness and humility that you are not afraid to admit and acknowledge your weaknesses and faults making marriage and communication a joy. 

**My prayer for you today is that you are reminded how very much you are loved, respected and cherished!**

And now, To Miss Genevieve.
My, you're such a mature eight month-old young lady:
(I know I already posted this picture here but it completely encompasses who you are) 

 In the last month, you have

-become very wiggly in my lap, lunging in all directions reminding mommy to always have a tight grip after a few mishaps (what they say about being more 'lax' with your 2nd is oh so true)

-started waving

-as mentioned before, pulling yourself up to your knees and trying oh so hard to stand on your own
-with some assistance, started standing while holding on to something (however, again, a very close eye and a readily available arm is still necessary after learning the hard way)

-figured out how to make Indian yowls with your hand or arm hitting your open mouth

-continued on your 11-13 hour night-time sleeping stretch

-learned to interact quite well with Spicy, putting your hands up when you've had enough or leaning forward when you want some extra lovies.

-brought such immense and increasing happiness and joy to us!

Happy Birthday to my mocha chocolate loves!