Two.

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Here we are at two years, love.

I think about all the changes we've seen in this last year: new school plans, new jobs, new home, and a (coming) new addition.... it seems like things just went in all new directions this year. Don't you love how those things work out? How faithful the LORD was when we asked him for a first year of simplicity and getting to learn to navigate through life together. He honored that prayer. 

This last year, though, he seemed to open up the gates and allow us to figure our way through some "big people" decisions. Medical school became nursing school, I left a comfortable paycheck for a job I love, we decided on and moved into a new place together and just to top the whole thing off, we found out that come December we'll be inducted into parenthood. 

In all the craziness, you have been my biggest supporter. You've encouraged me, pushed me, challenged me, and loved me. I will spend the rest of my life trying to love you as well as you love me. I'm grateful for a husband who can find patience when I'm not and be gentle when I"m choosing to be headstrong. Thank you for letting me share anything that's on my mind, no matter how trivial. 

I so look forward to seeing you become a father. Thank you for loving me and our baby and doing extras around the house to let me rest while Bean takes up most of my energy. Even at the size of an avocado... our firstborn is proving that (s)he has a mind of their own. Great. 

The LORD has been so faithful to us. My prayer is that our marriage will always point towards Christ and his love and faithfulness to his people. The refining process that comes with this is not always fun, but it is always beautiful in the end. 

I love you, Joshua Dale. Year three seems like it will be quite the adventure. I can't image living it out with anyone else. 

All my love, 

Ricci