I woke up around 6:00 this morning to feed our baby. I am by no means a morning person and I usually have a hard time matching her early bird demeanor at such an hour. But this morning I couldn’t help but smile. Because it’s August 4th and August 4th is my favorite day.

Two years ago today I was up around the same time. Staring at a hotel ceiling in New Orleans; waiting for the day to begin. Already filled to the brim with butterflies fluttering with a combination of nerves and excitement in my belly.

Three years ago today I went on a date with my boyfriend. We ate burgers, walked around a little park and talked about ordinary things. That is until the end of the evening when a guitar was busted out and sweet songs were sung and sparkly ring was slipped onto my left ring finger.

Can you see why I love August 4th?

Don’t even get me started on the reception. We were told by the staff at our reception hall that our wedding was by far one of the most entertaining and filled with dancing. I really don’t think there was a time that someone wasn’t on the dance floor. That day was filled with so much love and looking at our wedding pictures always makes me feel that. Love. Love from friends, from family, from everyone involved in starting our life together.

Some say that if you can survive planning a wedding together – you will have a great marriage. I can’t say that I disagree with that sentiment. Our engagement was filled with some challenges and I think that only made us more thankful and happy about this wonderful day. While in the grand scheme of things two years isn’t much…these past two years have been filled with so much life and learning. Learning how to live together, how to love each other better, how to throw a party for far too many people in a tiny apartment, what to do with a whiny dog in the middle of the night, and my favorite – learning how to be parents together. I mean really, we haven’t taken any of these past two years for granted and I don’t really want to slow down anytime soon. I can’t fathom sharing this life (or that special day) with anyone else.

Happy Anniversary, Eric Martin! You are the best, smartest, most bearded person I have ever known. I love you with all of my heart.