Dear Husband,

I know you see me over here, in this oversized t-shirt and old flannel pajama pants, with the hole in the crotch (because I’m still carrying around 10 extra pounds from baby #2, and my thighs forgot to ask my pants to give me a little break when I bent over).

You make me feel beautiful, anyway.

I honestly doubt that “sexy librarian look” is what you are considering when my glasses are half hanging off my face, a big green booger is relaxing on my shoulder (which we both know isn’t mine…or yours), and this hair hasn’t been washed since last week.

And we both know that I traded in a sexy thong for a much more comfortable, and practical pair of boy short underwear.

I could tell you I am sorry, but you will tell me to stop apologizing. I could make up a million excuses why, but you won’t want to hear them. I would promise to get this grove back, but who are we kidding.

You make me feel beautiful, anyway.

I felt that touch when you walked past, as I cut up dinosaur chicken nuggets for the 100^th time this week (because, 3-year-olds).

We both know you didn’t need anything when you came into the bathroom as I was showering the other day.

And I can’t explain how it made me feel when you whispered to our sons as I sat across the table, “Mommy is gorgeous, boys.” Because most days, I feel anything but.

You make me feel beautiful, anyway.

Saturday rolled around and I planned to get glammed up before our date . . . but, kids. Before we left I tied my hair in a quick ponytail, threw on my best Target blouse, and even managed an extra coat of mascara. We rushed out after peeling two littles from our legs, and giving the babysitter a “good luck” glance when we darted toward the door. We jumped into the truck, you looked over and just smiled. 

You make me feel beautiful, anyway.

We sat in conversation talking about work, our boys, the future. Then they seated a young couple right next to us—they were a decade younger and a lot more well rested. We both looked at each other and smiled, because we remember. And while we were continuing that conversation about our next documentary to watch on Netflix, I thought about those two people beside us. Then, I thought about us. I thought about how I have changed, these eyes look more tired, but this heart is full. I thought about how you have changed, the creases that adorn your smile and the wisdom in your words. I thought about how many things have changed, but one thing hasn’t…

You make me feel beautiful, always.