Lucky in Love: June 23, 2003

8 years.

Doesn't that seem like such a large number?

It has been 8 whole years since we went out on our very first date. Remember? We went to Maggiano's in Indianapolis and you ate three bites of your spaghetti and meatballs and I finished my entire plate of lasagna? I know you insist that you ate more than that, but I saw the leftovers. And then we walked around several parks in the city just talking and getting to know each other?

I had no idea you were going to be it for me. I was clueless. In fact, I fought it for several months. When I left to go back to Purdue, I honestly didn't think I would see you again. But then you called. And you kept calling. And you came to visit. And even when you left to go back to Virginia, you kept our relationship going. I had no desire to date someone long distance. But you fought for us.

You still fight for us everyday. You work so hard to provide for this family. You have given me the greatest gift of our sweet baby girl and provided me with the opportunity to stay home and raise her. You are everything to both of us and watching you grow into a father has been one of the most amazing events I have ever witnessed. I can see how much you love Natalie in your eyes when you talk about her...and that look on your face when you see her is priceless. But the look on her face is what I love the most. She's a daddy's girl already.