Happy Birthday Zenith!

Yesterday, being Zenith's 31st birthday, was definitely cause for celebration.  This guy has worked so hard putting in long hours at work through the summer (he's an HVAC apprentice), and now going to class two nights a week until 9pm to get his license as a technician.  I don't generally like to gush, but since he's the birthday boy, I'll "gush" this one time. ;)  

Seriously, this guy is amazing.  He works all week and then many Saturdays while still managing to fix whatever needs fixing on the car or in the house. He listens to all my random (and sometimes endless) chatter.  He puts boxers on his head and dances around like a crazy person just to make William and I laugh.  He can be goofy and silly, knows a good wine and is very particular about his food. ;)  

Having gone through the final months of pregnancy (you know, feeling like a whale, uncomfortable in any position, just begging the baby to come out :P), then postpartum recovery, then morning sickness again soon after, and then the effects of a miscarriage all within this past year, we've both been through a lot. And he's been by my side through everything.  He picked up all my slack; vacuuming, scrubbing the shower, tidying the house...he's done it all and without me having to say a word.  He walked two stories down to our basement to put in or bring up the laundry when I couldn't and still will.  

He's the type of guy who does the dishes every night after dinner because I cooked.  He's the shoulder I cried on when life took some crazy turns and I didn't know if I could do it anymore.  He puts me in my place when I need it and encourages me to be a better person.  And I never thought it would happen, but I have met my match when it comes to stubbornness. :P 

As he kneels down to lead the family rosary, I look at him and know he can lead our family to Heaven.  I praise God and thank Him every day for having blessed me with him as my companion through life and my soulmate.  

Having said all that, I think the guy deserved a good birthday. ;)  Tess came over to help us celebrate and we had a small party. Here's what was on the menu:

-Green salad

-Freshly baked bread with Garlic Balsamic Olive Oil for dipping

-Lasagna

-Bottle of Shiraz wine (Australian of course)

And to finish up:

-Pumpkin Crumble with freshly whipped cream

Zenith's big birthday present was his espresso machine but he got that a while ago, so since I wanted to give him something on his birthday, I gave him something else he's been wanting...a decanter, glasses and a bottle of port :)

Since the little guy can wiggle and roll everywhere, I keep my pack n' play set up to "contain" him and he entertains himself with his toys in here.

"When are we having cake?"

"Happy Birthday Daddy!"

And the Goofball himself

Give these guys a bottle of wine and some port and you never know what will happen. :P  Balloon fight, anyone?  (Zenith thought some head protection would be a good idea)

Instead of birthday cake, I decided to give Pumpkin Crumble, one of Zenith's favorite desserts, another try.  I used fresh pumpkin instead of canned and it came out much better.

That about wraps it up.  So happy birthday to the best hubby ever!  I love you, Zenith!

~Lindsay