Why I Love George

I'm revisiting this post now ((Jan. 4, 2017)) after 3 years. Today is George's 30th Birthday! What?!?! He's robbin' the cradle with his 20-somethin' year old wife. So proud of my old man. So grateful for him. Celebrating him today.

A while back, I made an effort to write about each of my best friends, detailing WHY it is that I love them. I'm fairly open about letting the people I love know that I love them...but it has been my goal to let these people know why. What makes them special, and what makes them irresistible to me. I was sure to include my best friend from college, Jen, and my three best friends from my hometown...
Erin,
Ash,
and Jess.

I have thought no less than a hundred times that I someday wanted to write about why I love George. My husband. My favorite person! I never did before, because I was intimidated by the amount of time that post would take...and I figured it would also be a pretty mushy-gushy love post. And since today is his birthday, I think there is no better time than now to brag on my partner.

When I met George, I was 17, and working as a carhop on skates at the local Sonic.

We were BABIES.

I was completely disinterested in "The Odyssey" and "The Iliad," and not doing so great in my senior English class. While complaining at a Sonic shift one day, G offered to tutor me. I remember going to his house and many hang outs after. I did things with him that were new to me. Prior to George, typical dates or outings included sporting events, restaurants, the movies. Dates with George were various botanical gardens, games of disc golf, and playing with water guns at the community pool. I felt differently around him, and all I instinctively knew was I felt more MYSELF than I ever had, and I knew that attraction or not, when we hung out, I had a great time. I found myself WANTING to be around him, all of the time.

I knew I was moving to Oklahoma come August 2005, and didn't want a boyfriend. I had one unhealthy, disfunctional relationship that lasted 3 long years in high school, followed by a few random dates here and there, followed by a year long romance with the guy next door. I just didn't want a boyfriend. I was glad to have his friendship, but I couldn't deny the attraction. I tried! I lied to my friends and parents, saying we were just friends, but I knew I was falling for him. I was confused why I was?? I was attracted to the typical athlete, and G was a musician. I'd never dated a musician!

So we didn't have the title for a few months. George was persistent. He asked me to be his girlfriend multiple times, and I found that persistence attractive, and his desire to be exclusive endearing. We compromised and agreed to be mutually exclusive until August 1, and then we would end on good terms when I made the move. Little did I know, he was going to visit me a couple weeks later, and I would want desperately to give long distance a try...because it would be better to look back and know why we didn't work, rather than to wonder "what if"...

I'm so grateful for that first trip he made to Oklahoma. It was the first of many.

um i also love him because face it, he's a complete STUD

Beyond anything, George is my best friend. By all definitions. We've been friends since the moment we met. We both have mischievous, playful natures. We laugh at the same stuff. I prefer his company to anybody's. He makes me relaxed, and comfortable. I've ALWAYS felt comfortable in his presence. He's a fantastic date. He's a really good listener.

When I'm in a stressful situation, G is the kind of guy who doesn't offer me suggestions. He just hugs me and lets me know everything will be alright.

G is the kind of guy who will find a stray dog on the side of a road, and make her a pet.

G is driven at work, passionate about what he does, and doing an amazing job providing for his family. I feel such relief + freedom with my job being part-time. I couldn't do that without him.

G is generous. Sometimes, when we both have worked, or even if a good game is gonna be on TV, he'll be cool with ordering Chinese delivery. Even if it's not in the budget. He's all about the indulging and splurging and I totally dig that.

He was amazing during both pregnancies. Very complimentary, like, everyday. He is really good for my self-image. He is constantly adorning me with positive affirmations. My bod has completely changed after gaining + losing 120 pounds in 3 years with 2 pregnancies, and breast-feeding both babies for a total of almost 2 years. George has never given any indication of disapproval. He tells me how much he loves my body not just because the way it looks, but because what it has given him...our family. Even if he's lying through his teeth, he's good at it because it comes across as sincere, and it means a lot to me. Every woman wants to feel beautiful and he really makes me feel beautiful in his eyes, and his opinion is all that truly matters.

we've grown up together as partners and as individuals

he really didn't care about going to the farm in tennessee, but he made the trek with me. and that meant everything to me at the time.

nobody asked him if he was ready to be a dad....and more people compliment the woman because the changes are so visible on her. but he really stepped up to the plate, and has been an amazing husband and father.

he's so gentle and loving toward our girls

he was so supportive during Lilah Grace's 22 hour labor + emergency cesarean!

...and stepped up to the plate with Everleigh's scheduled breech cesarean delivery.

he fed LG before i could touch her. and changed her diaper. in the NICU. and face timed with me so i could get a glimpse of our angel.

he is helpful + playful + affectionate + silly + attentive toward me and our daughters

he's my festival buddy, only an even better one now, constantly hookin' it up with backstage passes and VIP 3-day wristbands

George is also my match. He keeps me in check, and puts me in my place sometimes. If this was all the time, I would probably be annoyed by him! But in the right doses, it reminds me that we are equals. Even when we disagree, I respect him enough to want to at least consider his opinion, and why he thinks that way. I learn as a result of our disagreements. 

In 30 years, you've done a lot, babe. First of all, you locked it down with the best wife in the world. Props for that. You graduated from college, you're in a career that entertains the masses + provides benefits + retirement. We're saving money for the girls to go to college. We bought a home. We had babies! You've maintained close relationships with the people who matter most in your life. And it's just going to keep getting better.

I can't even imagine where I'd be or what I'd be doing if it weren't for George. My life is better than I ever even pictured as a kid, and it is entirely because I found him. And fell in love with him. And I feel so lucky to be living this charmed life with my best friend.

I LOVE YOU GEORGE! Happy 30th Birthday!

xoxo,

L