1. His unwavering loyalty to his friends and family.
2. His appreciation for the underdog.
3. He knows my limits, and he always steps in and makes me take a break when I need it.
4. He’s so very tall. And he usually doesn’t mind getting things down from the high shelves for me.
5. He has a great voice, and he doesn’t mind when I sing along. Although sometimes when I try to talk to him during one of his favorite singalong songs in the car, he shoots me a dirty look.
6. He works hard to provide for his family, and he’s willing to sacrifice financially so that I can stay home with the kids. (Not that I’d be bringing in a whole lot of extra money, but it’s the principle.)
7. He indulges me. Whether it’s a craving for ice cream or a desire to start yet another new hobby, Rockford is usually in my corner. He still hasn’t gotten me that unicorn, though.
8. He still carries my first drivers license in his wallet.
9. He loves the kids ferociously.
10. He makes me laugh.
11. He laughs at my jokes.
12. He gives Poppy her bath and puts her to bed every night. After a day at home with the kids, that’s a great service to me.
13. He’s compassionate. As evidenced by his longtime membership in Operation Turtle Rescue.
14. His faith.
15. He has an amazing memory. I think it’s why I can’t remember anything at all. The universe is trying to correct itself.
16. He changes diapers without hesitation or complaint.
17. He washes the dishes, too.
18. He’s sentimental. Sometimes that means he has a hard time parting with things like movie tickets or golf score cards. But it’s sweet, too.
19. He lets me sleep in on the weekends.
20. He sets aside his own pursuits to spend time with his family.
21. He’s kind.
22. He has a great inner strength, and he lets me lean on him when I need to. Which is often.
23. He makes the world’s best peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
24. He gets up to give Pete the early-morning bottle.
25. He’s a good writer. He used to write a lot of movie reviews, and I always loved reading them.
26. He smells good.
27. He’s really cute. I’ve thought so since the first time I saw him.
28. He loves music, and he’s passing that on to the kids.
29. He’s always there for me.
30. He’s my best friend.

(Happy 30th birthday, pal.)