Happy birthday, Matt!

32 Reasons why I love Matt (an idea stolen from Jeni)

1. He's a strong man. I love how safe and secure he makes me feel in any situation.

2. He's understanding. It doesn't matter how many mistakes I make in life, he's there for me.

3. He's funny. Everybody knows this. :)

4. He loves his family. He is good and kind to his brothers, sisters, parents, aunts and uncles. He would do anything for them.

5. He loves history and trivia. Matt is the Trivial Pursuit master.

6. He loves animals, even cats, and he doesn't mind if I sometimes my heart gets a little too big, and we end up with one or two too many.

7. He loves to read. It's a trait I hope he passes on to Anne Marie.

8. He'll try anything. When we first started dating, he went on a run with me, and, even though I know he was dying, he finished strong. He skis because he knows I love it.

9. He cares about people.

10. He fights for justice. At work and in life, Matt always speaks up when something isn't right, even if it's hard to do.

11. He stuck by me even when I postponed our engagement. This makes me dang lucky!

12. He eats my cooking. Whether it's something tasty or disgusting pumpkin soup, he always makes me feel like I've done a good job.

13. He comes with me to church, even though he isn't Catholic.

14. He is respectful towards women, and there isn't even a hint of mysogeny in his body. This is incredibly important now that we have a daughter.

15. He supports me in everything I do, or think about doing.

16. He's willing to take classes. We've taken premarital classes, Bradley birth classes and baptism classes. Not all men go for that.

17. He's my advocate. He never left my side during a difficult labor, and he stood up for my needs and wishes in the face of a pushy doctor.

18. He's a great father.

19. He's not afraid to be silly sometimes.

20. He's handy with tools and such.

21. He often rocks the baby so I can sleep.

22. He works hard so his family is taken care of.

23. We agree politically- most of the time.

24. When he finds something he enjoys, he really loves it.

25. He came to my family reunion, endured a bit of abuse, and still married me. :)

26. He is still going to school, even though he doesn't like it and it's taking forever, because he knows a degree is important.

27. He has a wonderful voice.

28. He is wonderfully cozy to hug.

29. He's the proudest papa I have ever seen.

30. He's a great beer-maker.

31. He appreciates good theater.

32. He would do anything for Anne Marie and me.