One

We have been married for one year (as of Sunday). We went to Bluebeard to celebrate. We still agree Black Market is tops.

We have been preparing for being parents. 
We bought things for the baby. 
We really started to see the baby move and grow. 
We painted and purged to make space for the baby. 
We discussed the idea of possibly (later) adopting a foster kid or two.

We spent one month focusing on saving. 

We actually saved quite a bit. 

We also spent money on things like a new home gym, a new dishwasher, a baby rocker, crib, and a new photo printer. 

We started tracking all our spending. 

We gave more. 

We went on a babymoon to the Pacific Northwest. 

We discovered we like Oregon and Washington even with their whacky weather. 

We ate many fun things. 

We saw many fun things.

We learned maybe we aren't so bad at comprise. 

He started a new job. 

She continued to reap the benefits of work from home. 

We got sick - 2 rounds of the flu, one of food poising. 

We cared for each other. 

We got a new roommate. 

We bought a second car.

We had people over. 

We went out with friends.

We had quiet moments as two and as one and one. 

We got thru what seemed like the never ending winter and did result in two ridiculously high gas bills. 

We started new small groups.

We began watching Lost together. 

We spent more time together in the last three months than probably the entire first 9 of our marriage. 

Dustin - 

 One year has passed. Each day we is a blessing even when there are challenges. Many things have changed in this year. Many adventures have taken place. And daily we work on the struggle of marriage. You constantly say it's not easy, and my easy going nature finds that it's not really that hard. I have found that even though I can't stand dishes left in the sink, and clothes not put into the hamper, washer or at least your spare room, that being married is a joy. I love waking up next to you, having discussions with you, going on dates, seeing you care. I'm still as much if not more in love with you as I was one year ago or when we had our first date of planting tomatoes. Soon we'll be welcoming our first baby and I eagerly await this new challenge and new dynamic in our relationship. In year two let's get out of our comfort zone, let's go someplace new, and let's start raising a child of god. 

 Love Katie

(on a side note, I clearly need to work on taking more photos of "us" I have about 1000 of Dustin from this last three months and just these with me). 

On 9 Months

 

Today we have been married for nine months. 
We did a whole lot less traveling, both together and apart these past three months.

We spent a whole lot more time together.
We discovered two was going to become three.
We celebrated our tiny miracle.
We told people when we were keeping it a secret.
We discovered just how bad we are at secrets.

 

We watched a lot of x-files together.
We went on family vacation to Omaha.
We had thanksgiving in close quarters.
We struggled with Dustin's job.
We started a new small group.
We found double date friends with John and Lynely and Jason and Ashley.
We learned that sometimes God watches out for us.
We appreciated our friendships.

We celebrated Christmas several times.
We had a scare which took us to the ER.
We relished in the everything is OK moment.
We heard our babies heartbeat.
We saw our baby move and look a little like a lizard.
We took less photos together.
We rang in the new year with Dustin's family & our Kathleen. 

Dustin -
Nine months has flown by in a jiff.  Each day is new and full of potential. 
Don't be so discouraged about work, sometimes life is just not fair, it will work out or you'll move on.  You are hardworking and honest and those are traits that are worth having in any worker, coworker, client, or boss.
I love the way you care for me and watch over me and now the baby too.  Your going to make a good father, and I'm excited about this next chapter in our lives.
Let's make snow cones in this snow.   Let's make soup and cuddle under a quilt.  Let's find a way to love others this winter. 
I love you much.

On six months

Today we have been married six months.  The time has flown by much faster than the first three.  

We traveled to NYC, Detriot, Columbus, Springfield, california, and West baden. 

We found we liked having the housekeeper.

We laughed.  

We cherished quiet moments at home.

We had many late night phone conversations. 

We spent five weeks together the longest duration we had since we were dating.

We fought a little. 

We pushed each others buttons.

We got new living room furniture.

We said goodbye to the old sofa (FYI I made a nice profit on it).

We went on double dates. 

We took Kathleen on many dates.  

We swam even when only I wanted to swim. 

We saw the golden gate and sunset piano together. 

We celebrated reserve championships.

We got new patio furniture. 

We got up early.

We stayed up late. 

We splurged on Black Market. 

We rode a Ferris wheel. 

We went on several sets of swings.

We started breaking bad together.

We set goals.

We forgot about the goals.

We fasted. 

We got sunburns.

We saw/played baseball. 

We had several house guests. 

We discovered we need a new roof. 

We played a lot of trivia. 

We learned we have a lot more to learn.  Here's to many more months. 

Dear Dustin -

This fall.  Lets work on house projects.  Saving money.  And trying to find a good balance of nothing and something on the weekends.  

Each week coming home is bittersweet.  Sweet because you are home "home is whenever I am with you" sappy but true.  Bitter because I know it only lasts until Sunday night or Monday.  So many times when we are separated I try to make not of things to tell you or share with you.  But this is only temporary.

Traveling this summer has been fun even though most of it has been for baseball.  Hopefully someday we can travel to the far edges of the earth together.

I find it hard to stay mad at you and I am eager to apologize when we argue.  Lets always make up.

Happy six months!

Love always.

PS. Don't buy that dog. 

PPS we also need to work on selfies!  That's to all the people who snapped photos for us.

On Three

We got married 3 months ago today.

We feel like it was just yesterday.

We spend more time apart than together because of my job.

We enjoy the time we do spend together more because of our separation.

We take many dates.

We hug a lot. 

We dance when no one is looking. 

We took our time figuring out bank accounts and merging financials.

We hired a housekeeper because we both hate cleaning.

We have mini arguments.

We are church shopping.

We pray before every meal.

We love have people over.  

We are focusing on not being busy every second of every day.

We have had trying days.

We always get thru it.

Dustin -

I love the way our legs are entangled when I wake up next to you.

I look forward to hugs and smelling you every Thursday when I am flying home.

I feel confident sharing things, feelings and even doughnuts with you.

I love your strength and confidence.

I love when you pray.

I get just as discouraged as you when work calls you in when I am home.

I love you.

We are celebrating today just by being together in NYC.

Here's to many more three month anniversaries!