A few years ago, I gave Mike a huge card on Valentine’s Day. February 14 happens to be an especially special day because it’s not only Valentine’s Day, but it’s also his birthday! In his card, I wrote 14 reasons why I love him.  While all of those reasons still rein true today, I came up with that list in college, and a lot of things have changed in 5 years. So I think he deserves an updated list!

Without further ado, in no particular order, here are 14 reason why I love you, Michael.

1. Your dimples when you smile. Seriously, those dimples. There’s nothing better than seeing your eye crinkly, cheek dimply smile. I’m so glad I still make you smile after a few years of marriage, because there’s no one in this world that makes me smile more than you. Never, ever stop smiling!
2. How great you are at your job. In your 2012 card edition, I wrote “You’re passionate about your future and your career.” From the very beginning of our relationship, you’ve known exactly what you wanted to do. On the day of our very first date, you had just found out that you’d been selected for Naval Aviation — what you’d always wanted. You’ve been chasing your dreams and CRUSHING them since day 1 of our love story. From Top Gun to well-deserved accolades, you’re amazing at what you do! I’m so proud of you each and every day!
3. When you chase me around our house. I didn’t know this would matter, but I’m so glad we purchased a home that has a downstairs that’s basically a circle. I LOVE how often you chase me around, when we slide in our socks, and when you try to trick me by changing directions. As long as you keep losing at thumb wars, I’m happy to always be caught in our home chase wars.
4. The way you encourage (^ahemm^ push) me.  You’ve always known what I’m capable of, even when I haven’t. You’ve given me the courage to chase my dreams, even when it took a little nudging. You’ll never know how much I appreciate your support.
5. How much you appreciate my cooking (and that you always do the dishes when I’m done). I can’t count the number of times you say “I think this is best one you’ve made yet.” You never forget to thank me when I cook, and you always seem to enjoy it. And BONUS: You’re an amazing cook yourself! One thing’s for sure, we’ll never go hungry in our house.
6. How you sing the wrong lyrics in songs. You can be completely wrong, but you sing those incorrect lyrics with such passion.
7. You love country concerts as much as I do. How many concerts have we been to now? At least 15, with 6 more scheduled this summer? We sing so aggressively that we often bump heads, and I’ll never get tired of that! You’re my concert parter for life!
8. The way you stick your tongue out when you’re concentrating. I loved watching you while you skied this past weekend, or anytime you’re really focused on an activity. You stick your tongue out to the side – just a tad, and it’s ridiculously adorable!
9. You’re a history nerd. No matter how many books you read or documentaries you watch, you are always willing to learn more. I may stand nearby bored, but I promise to let you always read every historical sign when we’re visiting somewhere new.
10. You’re unapologetically yourself. I spend way to much time trying to please people and fit it. But you are your loud, funny, kind, stubborn, ambitious self, and you don’t worry about what anyone else thinks about it. I hope your confidence rubs off on me!
11. You make you feel truly and deeply loved. I’m stealing this one straight from the old card. To this day, it’s still SO true! We’ve been through so much, and you’ve held my hand through all of it. Thank you loving me, being my shoulder to cry on, and making me feel lucky to be your wife!
12. Your relationship with Tucker. It’s was a long journey for you two to find your balance. We both know that Tucker is basically you in dog form, so two stubborn and bold men in the same house took some adjusting. But you guys are the best of friends now, and I LOVE it!
13. You can make friends with a stranger. We can go anywhere, and I know you’re going to find someone to talk to!
14. You worry and care about me. If I’m ever home alone, you make sure to ask multiple times if I’ve locked all the doors. When we stay at hotels, you try to trick me into opening the door without checking the peep hole first (so you can teach me a safety lesson). I’ve been “adulting” pretty well for a number of years, but I love that you still worry!

Michael, you deserve a list of hundreds of reasons I love you. I’m blessed every day that I get to be your wife!

Happy birthday to my love and valentine!

*Thanks to Amanda Hedgepeth for capturing Mike’s good looks on our wedding day!