Oh! I am a terrible, terrible wife. Vann’s birthday was Thursday, the 1st, and I can’t believe I neglected to mention it until now. Poor Vann, separated from his family unit for a month and alone in Chitown for Father’s Day and his birthday, a one-two punch. I can’t say that I would have handled it as gracefully as he has.

So, here’s the thing about my hubby. He strongly dislikes large crowds of people, can’t stand small talk, and pretty much detests anything that calls attention to himself. This happens to work out well for us because as you all know, pour moi, the more attention, the better. We rarely have power struggles if I want a night out with the girls – in fact, he encourages it – it gives him some peace and quiet.

When I married Vann he was a little more, shall we say…uptight about things. Funny how years of cleaning up baby poo and an education into the physical wonderment of the female body (said sarcastically) can change a man.

Today, Vann is a Northwestern-educated, immensely talented, and incredibly smart father of two little girls who adore him. I know this because one little girl in particular can’t stop talking about him and selfishly, I’m about ready to hand her off for a little bit. I probably don’t say it enough, but God has blessed me with an amazing man and I can’t imagine my life without him.

This next Thursday, July 8th, Vann will be leaving Chicago for good. We will finally have the opportunity (and a whole day to ourselves!) to furniture shop and process through this transition…together. And, he might be taking me to a certain vampire movie (of course he’s seen the other two, why do you ask?). I can’t wait. A huge thank you to his wonderful colleagues – and you know who you are – for housing him, feeding him, and generally entertaining him and caring for him as he’s been away from us.

So, Happy Belated my dear, and here’s to popping that champagne as we walk through the door of our first real and bonified home. I love you!