This is a very special day for me. I love this day. First of all, my daughter is 18 months old. Some days that feels like a long time, other days it seems like the blink of an eye. But in the scheme of things, it is a short period of time. Rather miraculous then that in that span she has gone from this tiny, helpless newborn:

To this fun, fiercely independent toddler:

Watching her transform from a baby to a little person has been amazing. There is barely enough room in my heart to contain the joy. And while many days my mind and body are weary, it has been the most exciting ride of my life.

It all began, of course, with boy meets girl. And that happened on this very day, too. Five years ago today, my husband and I met for our first date. We had emailed many times and talked on the phone, having connected through the dating site Match.com. We planned to meet for drinks after work.

Drinks are good for a first date. If things are not going well, the date can be brief. You have an easy out, and don't waste too much of your time. It did go well, however, and we stayed for dinner. We went out again the next night. And the next...

Exactly one year later, on this day, he proposed. I suppose I could have waited another year to marry him on this day and keep the streak going, but I wasn't patient enough for that. We were married in February:

How my life has changed in five years! I've gone from single, independent career woman, to wife, to stay-at-home mom. The ride has been bumpy at times, but I wouldn't change a thing. I am exactly where I am supposed to be on this day. This very good day.

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