Lessons Learned after 1 Year

I just returned last weekend from a trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan for mine and Shannon's one year anniversary. As we spent some much needed time together, we discussed all the change that we have been through in the last year. Even more than discussion, I have taken it a step further and truly began to reflect on what I have learned after one year of marriage. Here goes:

1. Give and Give - I really believe this is what marriage is about. Not about give and take, but about give and give. If I always give, and she always gives, then we will never have to worry about taking...does that make sense?
2. Confession - Whether I am sneaking around and eating the no-no late night snacks or sleeping in and not working out, I must confess all to my wife. Thus, she will never have room for doubt in my character.
3. Accountability - Who is keeping me accountable? I need to allow especially my wife to speak into my life to help mold me and shape me. This leads into the next one.
4. Growth - You can never stop growing as a husband. You always have to be reassessing how you are doing and what you can do better in your marriage.
5. Work - Marriage is work. Wow! I wish I had a better handle on this before, but the emotion wears off and what is left is a choice. Am I going to love her or not? It is a choice. A choice that has to be made every day when you wake up to love, and serve, and give.
6. Love - I really do love Shannon more and more everyday. That is what it is about at the end of the day. I love our differences and our similarities.

I could keep going, but those are just some of my thoughts as I reflect. What are your thoughts? Any ones you would add? Take away?

Baby Bradford

Ok so it's official. We are going to have a baby! Yes, Brian and Shannon are going to be parents...And how am I feeling...a little freaked out! AHHHH! I did not believe it until we actually went to the doctor. I had to ask the nurse if Shannon really was pregnant and she said, oh yes, it is a certainty! Is this really happening? Apparently so, and we are pumped, yet nervous. Shannon has had morning sickness about every day for 2 weeks now...definitely not fun and I want to fix everything but cannot. Thus, pretty frustrating for me at times because I want to make everything better for her. She is tired a lot and nauseated. But I hear that comes with the territory. Anyways, if you think of it, pray for her and us and the baby that all will go well. And if you have any pre-parenting advice, especially for me, let me know that as I can use all I can get.