Twelve on Twelve

THEN:

1. On this day twelve years ago I met the Gutsy Dad; we had a blind date of sorts. (Technically, we had met before--though I couldn't remember him--and we had been emailing for about a week.)

2. On this day twelve years ago we went out to dinner in downtown Austin at the original Z'Tejas (before it really became a chain), and I enjoyed a chicken breast with pumpkin seeds and artichokes. I'm fairly certain the Gutsy Dad ordered a steak.

3. On this day twelve years ago, when the waitress brought our menus, the Gutsy Dad stared at his for a moment, then pulled a pair of glasses out of his pocket so that he could read. The Gutsy Dad says that I grinned from ear to ear and that he then felt comfortable leaving his glasses on for the rest of the date.

4. On this day twelve years ago I wore a blue and black striped v-neck t-shirt (still have it), and a long black skirt with black platform sandals. I think the Gutsy Dad wore a blue button down and some sort of khaki/cargo hybrid pants.

5. On this day twelve years ago the Gutsy Dad and I shared a romantic walk around Town Lake and sat on a park bench and talked for hours and hours.

6. On this day twelve years ago he kissed me, and the rest, as they say, is history.

NOW:

7. Today I am 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant, and if all goes according to plan, I'll be at the hospital having my baby girl. (When the doctor was scheduling our c-section and asked how I felt about September 12th as a date, I said "we LOVE that date!")

8. Today I get to become a mom of three.

9. Today I give thanks for the blessing of my two other sweet daughters, one of whom is extremely excited to become a big sister just like her big sister is. (The oldest big sister has announced that she will henceforth be known as the double big sister.)

10. Today I am insanely grateful that my parents live so close that they can be at my home with my dogs and children running the show while the Gutsy Dad and I focus on Number Three.

11. Today I am more in love with my husband, the amazing father of my three kids, than ever.

12. Today, twelve years after that marvelous first date, I'm fairly certain the Gutsy Dad will kiss me yet again.

LUCKY, LUCKY ME.

(photo from July 4, 2011)