A Whole Year

A year ago today, Kyle Watterud asked me to be his wife and changed me forever. Though this year has included many changes and milestones, having Kyle by my side has been the best constant I could ask for.

One change that occurred is that I no longer have the ring he proposed to me with. A series of loose stones, chipping metal, and a cracked center diamond lead to us choosing a ring that I wouldn't have to get fixed every month. I was bummed when I handed it over, but I will never forget how I felt when the best man I know got down on one knee, opened the box to reveal the ring, and asked me to marry him! One of the most joyous moments I've experienced.

Another change for the both of us is that we became home owners. Not only that, but this was the first time either of us lived with someone other than family and friends. We grew as a couple through long days and nights of painting, discovering, in depth, each other's quirks, and learning how best to respond to each other in an argument. Buying a house, living together, and everything else that comes with owning a home, has been an adventure. But there is no one I'd rather adventure with than my handsome best friend!

A year ago I was a student teacher counting the days until graduation. Now I'm a first year teacher, finally living in the moment of each day because what I've been looking forward to for so long is here! Having Kyle by my side through the transition of college student to aide to teacher has been a blessing. He was patient when listening to me ramble about education, supportive when I needed someone to celebrate with me, and reflective when I needed someone to bounce ideas off. And what a great delight to be called Mrs. Watterud every day!

Finally, the greatest change that has occurred over the past year is that Kyle and I have gone from dating to engaged to MARRIED. We definitely felt the shift after we got engaged, with beginning the process of buying a house shortly after and then moving into that house together and making it our home. But the shift from engaged to married wasn't as obvious. Of course, our wedding day was absolutely perfect and beautiful, and our honeymoon in Jamaica was a dream. But once we got back to real life, it took some time for the husband/wife thing to hit us. Over time, I have noticed subtle changes. They way we handle disagreements is more constructive. They way we go out of our way to make each other feel loved is more prominent. And introducing each other to people has gotten so much more fun! :)

The bottom line is: this year has been a whirlwind from the moment my sweet husband asked me to marry him. I fall more in love with you every day, Kyle, and I can't wait to see what this next year brings us!