Today is Daniel’s 33rd birthday and I love him so much it makes me feel crazy and weepy and so grateful I could fill a book with reasons I can’t live without him. And maybe because I’m an emotional 8-month-pregnant woman, I feel compelled to write down a few of my favorite things about my favorite guy. (I’ll warn you now: this post is filled to the BRIM with mushy gushy sentimentality that might make you roll your eyes or throw up. I can’t help myself.)
I love his contentment. I love that he’s not constantly, chronically searching for more, better, enough—like I am prone to do. Which is not to say that he doesn’t strive to grow and be better; he just moves through life with much more peace and acceptance of the here and now than I ever do. And what’s maybe more striking about his nature is that you realize when you’re with someone who is content and satisfied on his own, that you just might be enough, too.
I love how thoughtful he is, and the way he always pauses to see both sides. For years I thought he was trying to be a contrarian, or playing devil’s advocate, when he’d ask me to take a minute to see something from another person’s perspective. I’d get frustrated when he didn’t immediately validate or agree. Now I recognize that this instinct in him to think about everything from all angles is what makes him so understanding and empathetic. I can only hope our son is as compassionate—and as critical a thinker.
I love that he finds the joke in everything, a trait I believed he got from his dad, until I met his mom and realized that she, too, is quick to make you laugh. Daniel is playful and silly and his ability to see humor in (almost) everything makes our lives feel lighter, even if and when they aren’t. I’m happy just thinking that our son will come into a home with so much laughter.
I love the way he loves Dee, my parents’ pug, who we are both admittedly out-of-our-minds in love with. He takes care of her in the most astoundingly patient and nurturing way. He kisses her, lets her lick his nose well beyond a normal level of comfort, and he will walk with her as long as she wants—and when I sometimes ask him how he doesn’t get infuriated and force her to turn back—he tells me, “but she loves walking and smelling the leaves. She lets me know when she’s ready to come home.”
I love that, for all of my chaos, intensity, and impulsivity, Daniel is calm and steady and measured. He’s the even-tempered one, the patient one, the one whose very presence is reassuring.
Happy birthday, Daniel! I love you.
Thank you all for allowing me to go nuts and gush.
What a lovely birthday gift! And I now think of him every time I see a worm struggling on the sidewalk and feel compelled to help them back to the grass!!! His compassion is far reaching!
I love this! Such beautiful reasons to love! ❤️ I’m feeling especially thankful for my partner lately too so I’m over here like “I LOVE LOVE!” and I’m so happy you two found each other. ❤️
Beautiful sentiment!!! Happy Birthday to Daniel!
You are so fortunate to have found your soulmate. And to have a baby coming which will hopefully a perfect combination of the two of you. Happy birthday, Daniel!
I love your wedding picture and every other picture thanks for sharing
Happy birthday Daniel! You two have lots of wonderful adventures ahead. Wait til you see him take care of your baby:)
Crying! What beautiful words to Daniel on his birthday.
Happy Birthday Daniel!!!
Happy Birthday Daniel! What sweet, kind and thoughtful things you said about your sweetie! WOW! Been married 45 years… longer then you have been alive. Lol! Your love will only grow stronger. So very happy you have each other and that lovely baby will make three! Hugs to the both of you. Anne F.
Happy Birthday to Daniel! How wonderful you have found each other. Wishing you all the best!
What a lovely post and tribute! He sounds like a wonderful person– happy Birthday to Daniel!
Very sweet. You married a great man. Much happiness to you, husband, and baby to be.
What beautiful words you share of your Daniel! I’m sure your baby will come into a family of so much love! Wishing Daniel his best birthday ever!!!
So sweet! I got emotional just reading that, but I too am a crazy pregnant woman right now in the 8th month. Good luck!
You and Daniel have the same dynamic that I have with my 44+ years married husband. I’m sure I scare him with my anxiety filled, easily frustrated (usually over small crap) complaining and yelling, and loud personality. I’m working on the skill of listening more than talking, but habits are so hard to break from. I can’t wait to see your new little one. I think the two of you will make outstanding parents.
What amazing (and rare, all in one) qualities. This is a really sweet way to honor his birthday!☺ Happy birthday Daniel.
Oh I just finished your book and I’m so happy to have googled you and found out you married Daniel yay!
Congrats on your soon-to-be-here baby!!