#MrandMrsBorn is 3! {newlywed reflections, year 3}

Hi, I'm Jessica. This is my blog. Really, it is. I started it. Annnnnnnnnnndddddd, well, you can tell it's been too quiet over here. I probably don't need to do introductions again, but if you're just now joining in with the Born Daily adventures, you've come at a good time. 

It's our anniversary! That's nearly 1,100 days married.  Wooooooo! I could regale you with tales from the year, and I still might. But I'm feeling like being a little out of character, and cutting to the chase. So here it is:

Marriage is pretty cool. 

That's all I have. 



Okay, I also have a giddy, memory-induced smile on my face brought on by a few of my favorite N+J photos from our engagement session and big day. Mike and Julie from JSiPhotography are outta this world good. All the credit goes to them for helping us retain these special moments. 

Ooooookay, maybe I have a little more.

Marriage is pretty cool because:

1. You get to do life with someone that you've chosen. He or she is your ride or die. He or she is your person. That kind of commitment isn't necessarily easy to come by or maintain but that fact that it exists is awesome. 
2. You get to wear no make-up, skip contacts and sport glasses for the day, have morning breath, eat out of the pan, hoard your favorite snack, and leave your towel on the floor if you want to. You finally permit yourself to be just that, yourself. And you're loved for who you are, not in-spite of you.
3. You get to share responsibilities for both the little and big life moments and obstacles. The burden seems lighter when it is divided and the joy multiplies.
4. You get to be in a rotten mood and know you'll be forgiven. And you get to make-up when that happens. 
5. You get to grow. Yes, grow-up. But, also to continue to evolve. It pushes you intellectually, morally, spiritually, emotionally, etc. Marriage means growing better so you can grow together.

I'm settling into this wifey role with every passing day. I love cooking meals for him and generally managing our life.** I adore having another half (arguably, sometimes the better half). I live for big and small adventures with Nicholas. I am challenged every day by his unwavering logical thinking, his lack of filter, his unending curiosity and his overtly apparent belief in systems and science. I am strengthened by his positive outlook and the steady pace at which he takes on life. I am amazed by his natural mechanical talents, his charm and his ability to assess situations quickly. He is one-of-a-kind. And, I am so glad he's mine and I am his.

What's happened this year with #MrandMrsBorn? In so many words, in the last year, we've:

• sold our first owned home
• moved back to the part of the greater Kansas where we grew up
• went on our first vacation to Mexico (yay, passport stamps!)
• took new jobs
• bought three acres of land and have started the initial planning of a house

Yep, those are the big things. We'll call it a solid year. But it's always better to see the year. In true tradition, here's the flipagram of some of our favorite recent memories.

For those of you newly engaged, just starting the wedding march, or seasoned pros, may marriage make you more. More than just two individuals. More than just another couple. More than just a label or status. May you have little moments and big magic. May you have enough peace to keep your sanity and enough challenge to keep you thriving. May you have kisses, laughter and alllllll the food and drink you enjoy together. And for those of you with September anniversaries, cheers! It's the best time of the year! (only slightly biased...)

**I don't want to hear about how I am conforming to dated gender roles and damning my female counterparts or renouncing any beliefs I have in equality. Nick doesn't expect this and doesn't request anything. I choose to show my love in domestic ways because that is where my heart and some natural talent lies. I'm doing me. You just do you. We can at least agree it takes both people who agree and understand each role to make the partnership work well. 
But for the record, I hate putting away the laundry. That's something I will do, but I don't like that at all. Husband, take over if you want. Just don't mix up the athletic socks with the dress socks and make sure to hang my shirts by color, style and material please. ;)