Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to have children someday. I went through my series of boyfriends, who only ever satisfied a portion of what a relationship should be. They always lacked something, which I came to realize later. It was also always a struggle. A struggle to know what they were thinking. A struggle to keep the relationship going. It was exhausting.
Then I met my husband, and suddenly it was easy
He was always great at communicating. I never had to guess with him, and it was wonderfully different.
We got married at 22, so we had some time for it just to be the two of us before we decided to have kids. Getting the chance to be married first really helped to strengthen our relationship even further. We also enjoyed some great vacations. Bringing kids into things changes your life and your entire dynamic with your partner. If you’re not ready for it, it could really wreak havoc on your relationship. No one is ready for the completely life-altering process of having a baby, but building that solid foundation with your partner first helps everything.
I couldn't have asked for a more supportive spouse or a better dad for my children
He is the one that works full-time, so I can stay with the kids and work on my writing career. I appreciate the fact that my life is what I've always wanted. We have both worked so hard, and I'm thankful we have him to rely on now. It has completely opened me up and allowed me to achieve my dreams. The freedom that I’m able to have while watching my kids grow up is invaluable.
I don’t even have to take much time out for cooking. My husband is the one that batch cooks because I absolutely hate cooking. I have no problem baking treats with the kids, but cooking meals — no thank you. He cooks on the weekends to make sure we have enough food to make it through the week, which is awesome. I just need to supplement it here and there, but most of it is done.
But that’s not the only thing he does on weekends. He does all the outside stuff, which I don’t have the energy or time to do. I make sure the kids stay out of the way, and he cuts the grass or works on home improvement projects. When I don’t have time or care to clean, he will pick up the slack without complaining. Some days as a stay-at-home mom are more productive than others. Some days the dishes just don’t get done, or I don’t get a chance to sweep the kitchen.
We are partners in our household and support each other when the other one needs it
My husband encourages me to take a break when I’m about to burn out. He watches the kids, and I get a chance to reconnect to myself. He is fun, playful, and affectionate to our children. He makes them and me laugh. My daughter knows she can go to him just as easily for a ponytail as she can with me {though he refuses to learn how to braid}. My son knows he can go to him to cuddle or wrestle. He listens to their stories. Even after a long day at work, he just wants to be near them.
Watching my husband with our kids is one of the things that makes my heart happy. I don't know what we'd do without him. He may not think I notice everything, but I do, and I couldn’t have found anyone better.
