30 Favorite Things

Ryan is 30 years old! How did that happen? He was 23 when we met! In honor of his birthday, I'm listing my 30 favorite things about him. They are in no particular order, writing them as they come.

1.) His laugh. If you've ever met Ryan, you know what I'm talking about. When we first met, I was a little startled by it, but I quickly couldn't help but smile and laugh along with him.

2.) He's draws and paints. I think it's awfully romantic for whatever reason to watch him sketch or paint. When I get to see the final product, I am always amazed at how beautiful it is. 

3.) He's a hard worker. Ryan spent last year at a job where he was miserable to support our family and allow me to stay at home with our new little baby. And for that, I'm eternally grateful.

4.) He's an architect. And it's kind of sexy. I'm always proud to answer when people ask what my husband does. He put A LOT of time and effort into his degree and is working hard now to get his license. 

Constructing a house for his design build studio.

5.) He knows how to make me laugh.  Even when I don't feel like laughing.

6.) He has stunning blue eyes. I always wanted my husband to have blue eyes and dark hair, and Ryan has both. And I got my blue eyed baby that I always dreamed about thanks to her daddy.

7.) He's outdoorsy. We both love hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, etc. 

8.) He always makes sure that we go on dates. When we were "dating," he always had an idea for us to go do something fun instead of just "hanging out." Now, he still makes it a point to take me on dates, even if they're cheap and we have a baby in tow.

9.) He makes the bed. I never found this to be an important chore, but he almost always makes the bed on weekends(I'm still in bed when he leaves for work in the morning). It's slowly wearing off on me and I find myself making the bed on occasion.

10.) He likes watching random documentaries. He might think that I don't like this particular habit, but I really find it endearing. He's full of random tidbits of information from them too.

11.) He likes science fiction. I love it too, so we introduce each other to new books or shows.

12.) He doesn't mind spending ALL of his time with me. I'm reconciled to the fact that I'm an emotionally needy person. Because of that, I'm always wanting to spend every moment of our time TOGETHER, because I feel like I don't get to see him enough. When I whine and tell him this, he'll smile at me and ask what I would like to do together.

13.) Every morning we get the chance(mainly weekends or holidays), we cuddle up in bed and talk. Seriously, I think we could snuggle and be goofy together all day.

14.) He's one of the most inherently good people I know. He has the best heart and strives to do good and be a good person.

15.) He's incredibly sweet. I could go on and on with examples here, so take my word for it.

16.) He's patient. Especially with me and my chronic indecision, moodiness, and weirdness.

16.) He thinks I'm beautiful and says it often. He always makes me feel pretty, even when I'm looking a little worse for wear. 

17.) Not a day goes by that he doesn't say "I love you." He says it with meaning too, not just as a repetitive phrase or afterthought.

18.) I really like the way his butt looks in jeans. I won't elaborate any more on that.

19.) He's a handsome guy. And he makes pretty cute babies thus far.

20.) He has really broad shoulder from swimming. I'm fairly tall, and have alway struggled feeling "little" with my big hands, big feet, etc. Ryan's only about an inch taller than me, but the fact that he has such broad shoulders makes me feel a little smaller and more girly.

21.) He's fluent in Spanish. Since my mom's family is from Mexico, I always wanted to marry someone who spoke Spanish. Since Ryan spent two years in Mexico on a full time mission for our church, he learned. Not only that, but he has a deep love for the food, people and culture of Mexico.

Especially loves the food!

22.) He's a worthy priesthood holder and faithful member of our church. He spiritually uplifts me and has great amounts of faith, which is sometimes a principle I struggle with.

23.) He's the best daddy in the entire  world. I love watching him and Rylee interact. Whether it's playing, reading, or sleeping, it just makes me all warm and fuzzy to see them together. Maybe it's because I get to see glimpses of Ryan in Rylee. Or maybe it just reminds me of how intensely I love the two of them.

24.) He loves to read. We like a lot of the same books, and can talk about crazy plot twists or devious characters.

25.) He's manly enough to wear Rylee in the Ergo carrier. 

26.) He always takes "adventures" with me. Whether it's going on a road trip, wandering around a street festival, exploring a new city, or just trying to find a new store, Ryan always calls it "going on an adventure" and we always have fun in the process.

27.) He can make me be so goofy with him. It's embarrassing some of the things we do and say when we're with each other, but we always make each other laugh.

Getting "tattooes" on our honeymoon.

28.) He brings so much joy and happiness into my life. 

29.) He gives the best pep talks. The first three years of our marriage, I was finishing college, and he was there for every late night and panic mode before big tests or projects. Later, he helped me through my first job as a nurse, my first pregnancy, and more late nights, this time with a crying newborn. I can't tell you how many times he has calmly reassured me and told me things would be alright.

30.) He is the best husband in the entire world. I feel most complete and happy with him at my side. He is fully supported and devoted to me and our little baby. He makes my life whole.

Happy Birthday darling husband! Rylee and I love you! Feel free to post your favorite thing about Ryan in the comment section.