Today we celebrated our Anniversary 7.

It’s funny; I was going to say that it was the best Anniversary that I can remember, but then I read this post from three years ago and I realize that it is impossible to even try to compare. We are absolutely and completely different people than we were when I gushed about our 4 years of marital love.

I realized, recently, that I have been taking a lot of things for granted.

Though I write a lot about gratitude, of which I have tremendous amounts, I think I am more present, and therefore more grateful, than ever.

For example,

back when I was 20 and my husband I were dating, he used to write me a note with a cartoon picture every single day. Every day. And I loved them and they are saved in an album, but they became this thing that I knew I had and appreciated but didn’t really appreciate.

Do you know what I really appreciate today?

My anniversary card. Because I do not take my husband’s feelings as a given.

I am moved by every word he shares with me when he writes about our love.

I get butterflies.

Tonight, as I was resting my head on his shoulder, he asked if he could put my arm around me (because I was hurting him!) and I was totally like, “Oh my god, he wants to put his arm around me.” and I felt so blessed.

Now, this may sound like a fairy-tale, but let me tell you that we have been through hell and back.

There were times, especially during my times of perinatal distress, when we didn’t know if we would survive as a couple.

But having come through that, having lived through devastation and disease and all of the good and bad things that come in life, we have been brought closer together.

Today was the best Anniversary I can remember, and I want to try to make this year the best year for my marriage, putting it as the top priority.

Life is so busy. And trying. And exhausting. But I am going to do this.

So, now that I have confided in you, my thousands of extremely close friends, I can tell you why today was so great.

We woke up, together, and both kids cuddled in bed.

We shared bagel sandwiches and almond croissants.

We went, as a family, to my favorite store. Then, the boys went to the bookstore and the girls went to TJ Maxx (perhaps you recall why this store has a most special place in my heart?) and we tried on dresses together in the dressing room.

Then, this happened:

(by the way, did you catch the “In an Aeroplane Over the Sea” emoji story? One of my best ever, methinks.)

We visited our dear friend’s new apartment. I decorated. My husband built a bed.

We had an epic family dance party to our new Rocky Horror album. Epic.

I also may or may not have made a little video. Coming soon…

We did our annual tradition of having a “wedding”. It has been different every year. Some years I wear my actual dress. Other times I have been a white clad earth mother. Today, I wore a short, white Anthropologie tunic and a dress up veil from my daughter’s collection. My mom cut fresh peonies from her garden for me to carry. My son wore a fuchsia tie.

We listened to Brett.

We went out on a date. I don’t normally do this, but I have to give a shout out to this restaurant, as it was the best meal that I can remember. I had the most delicious oysters that only they can get from this little town in Massachusetts and I enjoyed eating a whole fish for two…by myself. Mmmmmmmmmm.

We toasted each other. During my toast, I cried.

Happy Anniversary, my love.

Anniversary 7. The year of being wholly grateful,

a whole new appreciation

and a whole fish for two, consumed by this little one.

“The river was deep but I swam it

The future is ours, so let’s plan it

So please don’t tell me to can it

I’ve one thing to say, and that’s…”

I’m signing off, for it’s time to listen to some records and appreciate every moment.