9 years - but whose counting?

Nine years ago today, Jeff and I stood at the altar and nervously repeated vows that we only vaguely understood. Contrary to the ordinary, our first year of marriage was not marked with strife.  In those first few years we rarely argued or even became irritated with each other.  Our first five years were like a honeymoon that never ended and just got better each year.
On September 1, 2006 we had children.  An "adjustment" period began that I am told will last the next 18 years.

Before children, every evening was a date-night: I didn't have to share my food, no one wiped sticky little hands on my new white blouse and there was seldom any spilled milk to clean up.  We were always able to finish a sentence and I never forgot what I was saying after yet another urgent interruption.  I had energy to spare at the end of the day. I never lost my keys or forgot my wallet.  My check-list before leaving the house only consisted of three things: wallet, cell phone, keys.  Today's checklist: wallet, cell phone, keys, diapers, wipes, snacks, extra clothes, sippy cups, activities ....

Our house was never littered with toys stepped on in the middle of the night as we fumble down the hall to comfort a sick or scared child.  I used to say I had a bad night's sleep if I awoke once during the night. Now, if it is only once then it's the best night of sleep that month. 

Before children, we weathered illnesses by missing a day of work. We didn't know the intense fear of taking a deathly ill child to the hospital in the middle of the night. 

Before children, we romantically strolled through the park on a whim. We didn't understand the thrill of watching a child care-freely run through the waves at the beach.

Before children, we saw each other as a guy and a girl. We didn't know the sweet sound a child makes when gleefully yelling "mommy" and "daddy" when we walk in the door from work.

Before children, we quietly read a book or watched TV before going to bed. We didn't know the warmth a child gives when rocked to sleep in our arms.

Before children, every want was selfish and usually became a need that was met. We didn't understand the joy of giving up our time, money and energy to enure two little girls "are trained up in the way that they would go".

Before we were married, our personage was one dimensional. Nine years ago we became two-dimensional when we decided to share our lives with each other. Almost four years ago, Jeff and I became three-dimensional and get to share the greatest joy, sadness, fear and love imaginable.  We could have kept the honeymoon going but living life is so much richer.  I feel honored to watch my best friend be "Daddy" 'til death do us part.