Happy 30th, well, almost...

Last night, as Josh and I were about to embark on the wonderful world of oreos and sleeping babies (our baby was asleep, thanks due to letting him scream himself hoarse... we're awesome parents), it hit me. Tomorrow was Josh's birthday. "Tomorrow is your birthday! Holy crap! Am I seriously just remembering?" Josh's reply was something like, "I wondered if/when you were going to remember. No big deal," all said with a smile.

For the following 30 minutes, I continued to apologize, force more oreos into his hands, and promise all sorts of fantastic ideas of how I could take him sky-diving (no I couldn't) or I would take up surfing (unlikely) or anything really to just make him believe that I'm not as terrible a partner as I sound. I couldn't believe I had forgotten! Granted, I have a newborn baby that pretty much consumes my waking thoughts, but still. I mean, it's his birthday and I'm his wife and I'm supposed to not only remember these things, but plan huge festivities with clowns and balloons and wild trumpets (?). Because as anyone who knows Josh knows, he deserves the wild clowns, balloons, and trumpets.

Josh turns 29 years old today, which might as well be 30, for how old it seems to me. We're both stunned he made it this far. I'm not one for mushy/sappy tributes to loved ones, but Josh deserves one. He's that awesome, that I'll forgo my sarcasm for a minute and relay to my friends and family who read this blog just how incredible he is. I could go on and on why Josh is amazing, but I'll keep it brief to just 5 reasons Josh is the best person I know.

1. Josh is the hardest worker I have ever known. He is the perfect example of doing things even though you don't want to (a completely novel idea to me). He works hard at everything in his life, at his job, at his calling in church, at being a good husband, father, everything. If something is to be done, it is to be done the right way.
   
2. Josh is the most dependable person I think I've ever met. If he said he would do it, you have a 100% chance that he'll do it. Josh does exactly what he says he'll do. This is a miracle in today's world, in my opinion. You just can't rely on people to do what they say they're going to do. I'm one of those people.
3. Josh is a people person. There is noting he loves more than sitting in a group of people and just hanging out. He loves to talk but he loves to listen as well. He doesn't have to be the one talking to have a good time, he doesn't mind listening as well. I love this about him.
4. Josh is considerate. He thinks about others before he thinks of himself. He thinks about my needs before his own. He gets up every night/morning with Ripkin and feeds him (I pump a bottle and put it in the fridge for him), changes him, and puts him back to bed. He does this all so I can sleep. He wasn't asked to do it, he asked to do it. He wants me to be happy so the baby can be happy so the baby doesn't get thrown out the window. He cares that much.
5. Josh is enthusiastic and is never too cool for anyone or anything. He's willing to try anything and isn't afraid of looking like a dork, which he rarely does. He can be friends with anyone.

Basically, I admire the crap out of him (I have such a way with words...). He is someone I want to be and he really is one of the best people out there. He's a goodie and a keeper. I hope Rip ends up half as good as he is. I'll consider my job well done as a parent if that happens.

The picture above is right before I delivered Rip. Whenever I think about that whole experience, I think of Josh sleeping on a cot next to me. He was so uncomfortable and miserable, but he wouldn't leave me, even though I repeatedly told him he should go. This picture reminds me that we're in it together, and that makes looking at Ripkin's baby acne bearable (his face looks soooo bad right now. I won't leave the house for fear of people thinking my child has the plague and being quarantined). Knowing Josh is in it with me keeps me sane.

Happy Birthday Joshy! Sorry I forgot, but don't worry. I went to the grocery store and bought hot dogs (something I refuse to do) for you. That's how awesome I am.