I remember when you were born. Wasn’t it just yesterday?

I remember how the doctor didn’t let your momma see you right away – so I walked over and took your picture. You looked up at me and gave me the BIGGEST smile, and right then you stole my heart.

I remember watching my little Aspen become a big sister. You cried and she told you, “don’t cry Saigey!” She was so watchful and concerned about you, and now you are her best friend.

I remember watching my sister become a mom for the second time. You lit up her eyes. Still do!

And then your personality emerged. Full of giggles and smiles. You were such a good baby.

And now, here we are, vacationing as a family, you saying, “me me me me me!” when you want something. You give “lovies” and are quick to wave and say hi to everyone. You are so sweet, with your big brown eyes that look green in the sun. You are such a joy to our lives and we couldn’t live without you. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings you. LOVE YOUR LITTLE BABY MUGS, BROWNIE!

- Aunt Aub

Aspen on her first Easter 2008:

Easter, 2009:

Easter, 2010:

Easter, 2011:

Next thing we know, she’ll be telling us how much she hates us as she drives away to high school.

He seemed pretty happy with it.

(Can you spot me mulurking in that picture?)

No cards, chocolates, or other gifts from me. What can I say, I’m awesome and thoughtful like that. And can we all just say a quick amen and thank you that guys don’t get offended over that kind of stuff like we would.

Well, he was super thoughtful and got me this beauty.

Oh yes he did. I love it.

And may I point out – even though these were given to each other for Valentine’s Day, we didn’t give them to each other ON Valentine’s Day. In fact, on Lover’s Day, I lounged around in sweats and ate junk food on the couch while he cleaned the entire kitchen, and then we ran out and waited about two hundred hours for him to get Cafe Rio, and returned and watched Valentine’s Day on TV – after which he went upstairs in the office while I continued to lounge and watch Harry Potter Six (sidenote, I am in love with HBO. Just not after dark. Had to clarify).

Valentine’s Day is totally different this time around being married than it was when we were dating, even though he did good last year (we went to Outback, watched Valentine’s Day in theaters and he bought me a silver bracelet that says, “I love you babe” on it, which I was kind of pissed about because I had my heart set on an engagement ring. . .) But being married, I feel like we make more of an effort to continually show each other that we appreciate each other, so spending this holiday at home was the best Valentine’s Day I ever had – without the need for roses and dining out. Take that corporate holiday, we’re gonna put you out of business!

Happy Valentine’s Day, best friend.

I love and admire you.