Four Years Ago Today...and Happily Ever After

I know you will never read these letters...but it certainly helps me in this healing process to address them to you, and tell you the stories I would love to tell you in person. In our long days at the hospital, mama, daddy, Grandma R., Grandma O., Pops, and some of your Aunts and Uncles were able to tell you some stories as we sat there with you...bible stories, family stories, and of course princess stories! Pastor Forrust read some of our favorite verses to you - you loved hearing him read, too (your second favorite to daddy, of course...daddy was your favorite).

While I'm trying to decide which letter to post next, I wanted to tell a story that you would enjoy... a "princess" story of some sort. It began four years ago today. Actually, it began about five years ago, when I first met your daddy. I was a nanny for a family living just outside of New York City. I lived with them, working 12-15 hours a day, but most of the time I had the weekends off. During those weekends, I would travel to Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill's house in NJ to spend time with them. During that time, I was introduced to your daddy. I became friends with your Auntie (daddy's sister) and after a few months, she decided I needed to meet her little brother. We were introduced and began dating shortly after. We had so much fun during those months - many fun dinners out, day trips to New York City, and spending time with our families. Your Grandpa and Grandma, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Montana really enjoyed meeting him during that time. While we were in Montana, he was able to see the beautiful Glacier National Park for the first time. After dating for quite a few months, we became engaged...we were engaged for about 6 months before we got married.

Four years ago today we were married in the beautiful state of Montana where I grew up. The ceremony was at my home church, the reception took place near my old "homestead" on Flathead Lake where I grew up.

It was certainly magical that day! Truly a fairy-tale moment. The weather was beautiful, but so hot. It was nearly 100 degrees! In Montana that is tolerable - there is no humidity. It was a gorgeous day. One of the songs I asked my cousin to sing at the ceremony was the song I chose for your daddy. It is called "When God Made You". Whenever I hear that song now, I can't help but think about not only your daddy, but you and your brother, too.

The ceremony was peaceful and perfect. All four of your cousins (at that time there were only four) were the flower girls. Each had a beautiful white dress with a leopard print sash tied around the waist.

All of the men in the wedding party donned a leopard print bow tie and cumberbund. Yes, your mama loves leopard print!

The decorations in the church that day were "Jungle-themed"... tikki torches on the end of the rows lining the aisle, palm trees and green plants up front. A floating leaf candle was used as the "unity candle". It was beautiful!

The reception at Flathead Lake was full of wonderful family and friends, and wonderful food! Your Uncle B catered for that event, with the help of some of my cousins, aunts, and uncles - helping with the prep, set up, clean up. It was a beautiful event, absolutely unforgettable. Daddy and I couldn't have pictured a more perfect day. The tables were decorated with a variety of tropical/jungle type fruits. The infamous wedding cake was, of course, decorated with a leopard print design!

A funny highlight of the day was when the groomsmen tried to throw daddy in the lake! His buddy Pete wanted paybacks - at Pete's wedding, the men threw him in the lake. Haha! But, it didn't work... daddy got away! I was laughing the whole time, I knew it was coming but I didn't say anything (I secretly wanted to see him be thrown in)!

At the end of the day, we drove off into the sunset...where, as in true fairy-tale fashion... we would live happily ever after.

(this picture I took in Aruba on our honeymoon - beautiful island sunset)

We truly are happy, blessed, and would not trade this life for anything. God knew what He was doing when He created us... He knew daddy and I would be together, He knew that you and your big brother would be brought into our lives.

(Top picture: Micah - Bottom picture: Hannah)

You and Micah have absolutely made our lives sweeter... through your life and through Micah's, daddy and I have learned more about true happiness, true contentment, and how to fully rely on God. I don't like to think what would've happened had I not taken that job as a nanny outside of New York City. Because of that, I met your father. You and Micah are truly blessed to call him "Daddy". We are truly blessed to have Micah in our lives, and to have had you in our life (although our time with you was way too short)!

Happy 4th Anniversary to your Daddy!!! Certainly the best four years of our lives...

We love you,
Daddy, Mama, and big brother Micah