Dear Ryan,

I’ve thought about this post for a month. Trying to decide what to say to you to sum up the last year has proved nearly impossible.

This year has been crazy – in the most beautiful, life changing ways. We moved into the apartment, moved out into our first home together. We got a mortgage payment and a dog. The boys finally got the stairs they always wanted. We traveled to the West Coast and to Texas. We  bought more bottles of wine than most people should ever buy because it made us think of our wedding day. We welcomed a new nephew and celebrated our niece + nephew’s first trip to our new home.  We celebrated my sister’s graduation and first apartment. Life went by so fast. A year can’t possibly be gone, can it? 

Yes. Yes it can. And even after a year, especially one like this, I still look at you and feel the way I did a year ago. I still love you to the moon and back – if not more, if that’s even possible. You are so sweet, hard working, fun and enjoyable to be around. I feel your support every minute of the day and I don’t think I can ever explain how that feels – to have someone you love support every one of your crazy dreams, all the time – no matter how much it might take you away from them. 

I just want you to know that I am so happy we got married a year ago. I look forward to so many more years of crazy happiness and I know that no matter where life takes us, we will always have each other and that is such a beautiful thing. This past year has taught me that marriage is difficult – but not impossible. That love is tricky but always worth it. 

I love you, Mr. Dowler. I’m so honored to be called your wife and I’m so proud of where we are. Happy first anniversary.

XOXO,

Kristina