Him, 36 years

As is a theme these days, I'm writing this on an ever-belated timeline. But I didn't want to miss the opportunity to write my little annual birthday love letter to Nicholas.

In late January, the day before his actual birthday, we celebrated him with local family. It snowed all day and the high was in the single digits, so we stayed cozy inside. I made sourdough cinnamon and cardamom scones ahead of time, and froze them unbaked, and then baked them from frozen (loved this time-saving hack) and they turned out great. I made coffee for myself and my father-in-law and the boys played some while the adults visited. And then Nicholas opened gifts, we sang to Nicholas after Cooper lit the candle for him, enjoyed scones, and visited some more.

On Nicholas' actual birthday the following day, it was a workday for him and extremely cold. We had a relatively normal day, with work and homeschool. I just barely finished the knitting on a pair of Sailor Slippers for Nicholas, and felted them in the washing machine (my first time purposely felting something)! We fit them to his feet when they were still wet, and then shaped them and let them dry. Despite not getting to properly wear them until the next evening, he was so pleased with them (as was I). And then for dinner, we made grass-fed burgers in the cast iron pan and baked some special tallow french fries that I found at Whole Foods.

Each year, around this time, I write him a love letter.

If you're feeling reminiscent (as I always am), here is a link to all his previous birthday posts.

To my husband,

I love when I see you grab a pair of handknit socks from your drawer, or a handknit hat from the mudroom, or one of your handknit sweaters from our closet. I so enjoy picking out patterns and yarn and knitting things for you, one stitch at a time, knowing whatever I'm making will be well-loved and used.

I can trust your leadership when it comes to decisions affecting our family and I know that I also have a voice and opinions that matter to you.

I love catching your eye from across the room when one our our older boys says something sweet or funny, or misuses a word in an endearing way.

I respect how hard you work at your job and the integrity you display in all you do, and how that allows me to be home with our boys, full-time.

I couldn't believe just how many projects I listed out that you did for our home in my 2025 year in review post. From repairing walls to building a garden bed, to woodworking to mowing to painting, you work so hard to maintain our home and make it feels more like "us" all the time.

You are such a fun dad – whether you're playing catch with the boys, working on a project together, doing a sword fight, or coloring pictures with them.

I love car rides with you, and the natural discussions that accompany them about things you heard on a podcast, or things I've read about. I respect your opinion and your open-mindedness and also how you don't allow news outlets or headlines to run your life.

As I was wiping down the counters the other night, I heard you reading to Cooper and Finn in your clear, soothing voice. The same voice and person I fell in love with at nineteen – now reading to our kids before bed.

I love the way your curls fall and your left dimple when you smile, the feel of your arms in a hug.

You make a point every day to show our boys just how loved they are and how special they are to us.

I love your steadfastness and your humor and how much you enjoy being home (me too).

What a gift to have had another year of your life shared with us, as the best dad and husband.

Thank you, God for Nicholas!

I love you, sweetheart.