September 7th, 1994-

First day of my freshman year, third period English is when I first met him. Tall, gangly, wild hair, handsome. When I saw him, I leaned over to my best friend and said, I’ve got dibs on that one. He walked in late so our teacher made him tell the class about himself. Name’s Logan, just moved here from Denver, goal in life is to learn to surf. Oh and today’s my birthday.

She sat him right next to me. He’d not even fully sat down when I handed him a note. I’m Issa, wanna ditch with my friends and I after lunch? I’ll teach you to surf.  A big smile and a nod was his response.

I taught him to surf that day. I also gave him shit for the entire afternoon when he told me he’d lied. His birthday was actually the 5th. It was just something to say, she put me on the spot was his response to me.

There was something about him. It was like I’d known him forever, even though we’d just met. He was the nicest, sweetest, funniest guy I’d ever met. We dated from that day forward.

September 5th, 1998 –

At the beach in Santa Monica, sitting on the swings at midnight. We’d spent the day together. We’d had dinner with his family, cake with mine and coffee later on with friends. What else would make this the perfect birthday, I asked him? Not sure anything could top it, he said. Hmm, what if I asked you to marry me, I asked?

Are you serious?

Yes, I am. I am dead serious. Logan, will you marry me?

You know it’s supposed to be the guy who asks the girl to marry him right?  I had it all planned.

We’ll that’s fine, you can do that. But answer me first. Will you marry me?

Of course I will. I’ve wanted to marry you from the day we met.

*The rest of this story has been edited, because this is a family blog. Please feel free to think what you’d like. Actually don’t, that’s gross. Forget I said anything. About a month later he proposed to me.

September 5th, 2001 -

Laying in bed, after having a huge birthday dinner with family and friends. He’d spent all day go-carting with our brothers, while I purchased every single baby pink outfit in the world. What do you think she’ll look like, he said as he patted my belly? We’d just found out Morgan would be a girl.

I don’t know. I hope she’s tall and athletic like you, I said. I hope she has the shape of my eyes, but your nose and mouth for sure. And your mother’s ability to cook, I added.

With your sense of humor and kindness, he said. We both laughed at the thought of her coming out a mini chef.

I just want her to be happy, he says to me. I don’t care what she does in life, just promise me we’ll raise her to be happy. We will love, we will. I swear to you. We’ll make sure she has a great life. That’s my birthday promise to you.

Can I ask you for another birthday gift, he asks me, right before I fall asleep. Of course honey, what? I’d like her middle name to be Elise, after my cousin. We can name her Maya* like you want, it’s a beautiful name. But instead of Olivia, as her middle name, I’d like to honor my cousin. Can we do that?

Yes babe. We can. Maya Elise it is.

*Yes, this is Morgan’s real name. Shrug. Elise was Logan’s cousin who died from cancer when she was seven years old. He was nine when she died.

September 5th, 2008 –

On this day, every year, for as long as we’ve been together, I send my mother in law a gift. I call her and thank her for giving me the greatest gift in the world, for giving me her son. Because she raised one of the best men I know and she deserves to be told what an amazing job she did.

September 2nd, 2009 -

Late Wednesday night, in bed.

Me: I’m sorry my plans for your birthday didn’t work out so well.

Him: Meh, it’s okay. You know?

Me: Babe, it’s your 30th freaking birthday, it’s supposed to be HUGE. I’ve kind of failed on the HUGE part.

Him: I’d rather be here with our moms and our babies and celebrate that way. If I’d had the choice, I’d of said that.

Me: Hmm, I guess I didn’t really ask you what you wanted did I?

Him: No, not really. It’s okay. I wouldn’t have minded two days away with you. This is just better. It’s like the universe intervened for me.

Me: I’m sorry.

Him: Don’t be my love. Don’t be. One birthday request?

Me: Of course, anything you want. Within reason, I add…because I saw that evil glint in his eye. LOL.

Him: On my birthday, I’d like us to have a sleepover with the kids. One night only, but all my babies in one room.

Me: Okay. That I can do. And hey, it’s even free. It’ll be crowded you know?

Him: Crowded is good sometimes.

Me: Okay then. Birthday wish granted. Do I still have to make you a cake and buy you a gift?

Him: Only if you want one next year for your birthday.

Me: Point taken. Guess I’ll be buying making a cake tomorrow.

*I got so lucky. I don’t know what I did to deserve this man, but I’m glad I have him. Whose 30th birthday wish is to let the kids sleep in their room? He doesn’t want a party, he didn’t really want to go away for the weekend, he just wants a weekend with his family. There’s nothing better than that.

Happy 30th birthday tomorrow babe. I promise to wait at least a month week day to mention that you are now older than me.

Love, me