I love you.

I love you because I ask you to go downstairs to fill up the pink bucket with ice to keep my breast milk chilled, yet you somehow disappear for 15 minutes and return with no ice, a bewildered look, and no idea why you left our room in the first place.

I love you because you aren't embarrassed by breast milk.

I love you because I never feel alone.

I love you because when you ask me, "Are you okay?", you actually show real concern in your eyes, and I know you are one of the few that genuinely care.

I love you because you let me sleep, and when I wake up, briefly wondering where you are, I know I can always find you downstairs by our son's bedside.

I love you because after seeing me crying, helplessly flopping around after my c-section, you asked if I needed help to change my pad.

I love you because I've watched you grow into a man.

Admittedly, four years ago, I had my doubts, but you stepped up. Gone are the days of parties, karaoke, throwing candy at strangers, buying plastic kiddie pools from K-Mart and asking the staff to please find a bag for this just so we can watch them grow more and more confused, or us standing on the roof with an 18-pack, watching the sun come up while the waving at the kids walking to the bus stop. No more hookah bars or dragging you through the smokey casino. No more getting kicked out of bars at closing or driving to Oregon just to buy Everclear.

Now it's you, me, AND Son.

I love you because we grew up together, and we are figuring this out together.

I love you because you talk about needing to know that you can protect me and Son.

I love you because you gave me a son.

I love you because I know you love me too, and that is a great feeling.