Anniversary Pictures!

Almost a year ago I started talking with a man I’d first met when we were kids. Way back in the 80’s he seemed too darn awesome to be interested. I was the shy studious girl afraid to make eye contact with Mr. Tall, Tan, and Sexy.

When we reconnected last summer, not only did I still think he was handsome and kind, he paid so much attention I felt bold enough to look at him eye to eye. As we got to know each other, I found comfort in our shared history – childhood homes in the same working-class neighborhood, friends in common, favorite local hangouts, overlapping school teachers.

I knew and genuinely liked his first real girlfriend. He remembered with fondness the white bobby socks I favored in the 8^th grade.  

There were added bonuses as well. He was a great listener, super supportive, patient, handy and helpful around the house, a great dad, and occasionally funny.

We’ve moved quickly these past eleven months. Julian Smith sleeps in my bed most nights. We bought one another commitment rings. Then, just a few weeks ago, we took another BIG STEP. We had professional pictures taken together by the incredibly talented, Julia Badei. How’s that for serious?!

After some initial concerns on my end, because I freak out at least a little bit about EVERYTHING, the cliché that life is short spoke louder than my anxieties over making a mistake. Julian felt right. Neither of us wanted to press the breaks on something so JOYFUL.

Next month is our one year anniversary ( Yes, I should have waited to post this until our actual anniversary, but I got the pics back today and I have low levels of self-control.) I’m hoping for a lifetime of more. Fingers and toes crossed.