Happy 18 Months My Love!

Somehow I blinked and Hunter and I have been married for a year and a half.

Time has surely slipped away from me.

It's even crazier to think that for 6 of those months we have had Oaklyn here to crash the party ;)

Everyone told us the first year would be the hardest...

The first year could not have been better.

What they should've said is "The first year after having a baby will be the hardest"

(if your baby is as needy as my Oaklyn, that is)

But nonetheless, it has only been different and much less carefree.

Still, wonderful. 

Hunter and I met at a pool party the summer of 2008. 

Now we're here, the summer of 2015 is coming to a close and we are getting close to our second anniversary.

How.Did.That.Happen.

I still remember getting dressed every morning for school and looking in the mirror not to observe how I thought I looked, but trying to picture how Hunter would think I looked.

I remember pulling into the school parking lot and seeing his black jeep in the parking lot with him sitting inside waiting for me so we could walk into school together.

I remember hiding from my cheer coach in my car so she wouldn't tell me to go home instead of waiting for the football bus to pull up so I could see Hunter and congratulate him after a great game.

I remember when Hunter graduated high school. I was sitting on the track watching him wave to his family in his cap and gown. I put my sunglasses on so he wouldn't see me crying. 

I remember going over to his house at 6 in the morning to send him off when he left for his first semester of college. 

I remember talking on the phone for hours and hours on Sundays wishing he were back in San Diego.

I remember watching the car drive away after giving him the last hug for two years with mascara filled tears staining my cheeks.

I remember opening the mailbox several times a week and when his letters finally came, savoring every word he wrote.

I remember the night we were reunited. I was so nervous I thought I might throw up. But somehow, it all just fell back into place. My heart was beating so fast I thought it might beat out of my chest. 

I remember the day he got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever. He slipped a sparkly ring on my finger and I felt happier than I could've imagined. 

I remember saying the most important "yes" of my life on March 1, 2014. I was wearing white, he was too. We both had tears in our eyes and were so anxious to see what eternity had in store for us. I couldn't stop looking at my groom that day and just thinking how lucky I was to have the most amazing husband all to myself. Finally.

I remember Hunter carrying me across the threshold. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. We made it, our dream came true.

I remember showing Hunter the positive pregnancy test. I was so nervous, but his excitement made it all feel okay.

I remember our first road trip, our first cruise, the first BYU football game he played in, helping him with homework, our first Christmas...

I remember the day I went into labor. Hunter was right by my side all day timing contractions and trying not to get his hopes up.

I remember him holding my hand as I pushed and pushed then looking up at the biggest smile on a proud new father. 

I remember the high's and of course I remember the lows...

But most of all, I remember and still feel like, that smitten teenager I once was. 

You've stolen my heart forever Hunter, Always and Forever.
Even when I'm exhausted after a long day with that chubby 6 month old we have, I'm still so excited to see you walk through the door.

Here's to Moore and more memories to be made.

I love you with all my heart Hunter Miles. 

Here's to 18 months of marital bliss and an eternity of amazing memories.
I loved you then, love you still, always have and always will.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy