24 Things...

Today is Bryce's 24th birthday! Last year I wrote out a list of 23 things that you may not know about Bryce. This year I am writing a list of 24 things Bryce is to me:

1. My toe warmer. Whenever my feet are freezing, Bryce lets me put them on his legs to warm them up. I hate it when people do that to me and he doesn't like it either, but he is willing to make the sacrifice.

2. My defender. There is no doubt in my mind that Bryce would lay down his life to protect Piper and me.

3. My happiest part of the day. I always look forward to when he gets back from work. The day gets so much better once he is home.

4. My muscles. He can always open the peanut butter jar when I am sure it is impossible.

5. My teacher. I think it is so cool that he shares what he learns at school with me. Currently, my mind is being blown by Bryce's explanation of Focault's epistemes.

6. My listener. Sometimes I just have to spill my guts. He's always there to hear me.

7. My grill master. Steak, shrimp, ribs, vegetables, pineapple, whatever - he bbqs like a pro. We call him Chef Boyardee.

8. My best teammate or my worst competitor. Bryce and I are both very competitive and when we are on the same team during games we are nearly unstoppable, especially at Cranium. But when we play against each other, it is a bloodbath.

9. My biggest fan. He cheers me on more than anyone else even about the silly small things like catching a clam when we went clam digging last weekend. He gets so excited for me. It is very sweet and when I have good news, I want to share it with him more than anyone else.

10. My baby daddy. I'm so glad I have him as we figure out parenting. He's good at it.

11. My wake up call. Thank God I have someone to make me get out of bed because I would sleep through the alarm every day. Instead I have Bryce to wake me up. Spending the morning with him is such a good way to start the day.

12. My city boy. Bryce is all for trying new places and making the most of where we live. He loves diversity and enjoys the vibrancy of the city. We're a good match.

13. My provider. Everyday he goes to a job he doesn't like so that I can be free to stay home with Piper. It is such a gift to have this time with her and it wouldn't be possible without him.

14. My chauffeur. I hate driving and I'm glad I have Bryce to do most of it for me.

15. My Will Smith sing-a-long. Bryce introduced me to the gem that is Big Willie Style. We've got most the lyrics down and like to bump it in our car. We're totally Chasing Forever.

16. My balancer. He levels out my craziness and gives guidance in confusing situations.

17. My Stan. I saw the movie For Keeps a while ago and it reminded me so much of our relationship. I mean not exactly...we have great parents, we got married before we had a baby, we were out of high school, etc. BUT there is something about it that is so us. Bryce and I are blazing our own trail. We got married and had a kid before either of us were finished with college. At times it has been really tough, but it is worth it. I love our little family. And I love Bryce who works his tail off to keep it together. He even works for a roofing company like Stan!

18. My celebrator. Holidays and special occasions are so fun with Bryce. Thanks to him, we even celebrate the little holidays that I've never celebrated before like St. Patty's Day and Cinco De Mayo.

19. My best friend.

20. My dreamer. Bryce has big ideas about the future and the drive to make them happen. I love that he is willing to think big and work hard to accomplish his goals.

21. My book club. We both really like to read and it is fun to read the same books and discuss them together.

22. My fellow nerd. I am so glad I ended up with someone who gets into things as much as I do like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the Multnomah Mythical Creatures Club.

23. My financial planner. Bryce is great at planning for the future with budgets, saving plans, and investments. Last year our stocks yielded a 20% return. That is pretty absurd.

24. My True Companion. In our first few weeks of dating, Bryce was talking to him mom about love. She introduced him to this old song that her husband had played for her on their 10th anniversary. At the time I was living in Colorado and Bryce emailed the song to me. He said he knew it was kind of a weird song, but he really wanted me to listen to it. When I did I knew I was going to marry him. I just knew it.

Happy Birthday, Bryce! Thanks for all you are!