Happy Birthday, Hubby!  In honor of Vinay’s birthday this year, here are 32 things that I love about him…

1 – I love that Vinay always carries capstick with him.  What I love even more is that he gets annoyed whenever I ask him for chapstick, because I know he’s carrying it wherever we are.  He always gets me my own for Christmas, but I always find a need to borrow his…

2 – I hate how loud Vinay snores.  But I love that he has given that trait to Avery, because Avery is so darn cute when he snores.

3 – I love that Vinay is so great with cars and always helps me with mine.  The day I knew Vinay was the one was when my car was broken into and he let me borrow his car to go to work while he had my window fixed in time for me to drive up to VT that night.

4 – I love that Vinay is a Yankee fan… and although he is, he’ll still sport Red Sox gear at a game with me.

5 – I love that Vinay gets along so well with my family.  Although it would have been amusing, we didn’t have any ‘Meet the Parents’ moments.

6 – To add to that, I love that Vinay is so much like my Dad.  At first glance you wouldn’t think that.  Vinay is a technical city guy while my dad is a hands-on country guy.  But so many times have my Mom and I looked at eachother and laugh when they do something alike.

7 – I love when Vinay’s hair gets long and he almost has a ‘fro’… and it’s even better when he hasn’t shaved and he’s all scruffy, haha.  What can I say, I’m a Vermont girl that likes a rugged man.

8 – I love that Vinay is such a good Dad.  When we dated, he would never hold any little babies – he was very nervous, but as soon as he held Avery for the first time, something clicked.  He is very loving and patient and sweet to Avery.

9 – Sometimes I get so annoyed with all the electronic gadgets Vinay has around the house, like our universal remote that turns all the TV gadgets on.  But what I love about Vinay is that he’s so good with his electronics.  I’ve called him from home on many occasions unable to turn on the TV and with a few quick instructions, he’ll help me start it up.

10 – I love that Vinay was raised by such a strong, independent, and kind woman.  My mother-in-law was faced with some rough times when Vinay was young, and through it all, raised Vinay to be the man I fell in love with.  Although Vinay is a tough guy on the outside, there are rare and precious moments where the sweet kindness his mother instilled in him comes out.  I love those moments.

11 – I love Vinay’s Boxers.  Yes, I said boxers.  When I was pregnant with Avery and couldn’t fit into my cute girly pajamas anymore, I would steal Vinay’s comfy boxers.  He would get so mad at me when I wore his favorite ones! Hehehe…

12 – I love when Vinay talks baby talk to Avery.  He doesn’t do it often, and when he does, I don’t think he realizes it, but there is something so cute about a grown man talking baby talk to his son.

13 – Gifts.  I love when Vinay gives me a gift.  Although he claims he isn’t as creative and thoughtful as me, he does surprise me on occasion with some amazing gifts.  For my birthday this past year, I came home from class (it was like 930pm, and mind you, three days before Avery was born) and he had made me my favorite meal, which I had stopped making since we got together because he doesn’t really like it).  It was so thoughtful and perfect after a long day of work and class.

14 – I love that when Vinay has a problem or question with the house, that he calls my Dad.  I am so lucky that they have a bond where he feels comfortable to do that.

15 – I love that when Vinay is out running an errand, or we are out together, he finds something sweet to buy Avery.  Avery loves lights, so one day Vinay came home from the pharmacy with a mini disco ball.  Avery loves it!

16 – I love when Vinay dresses up.  He doesn’t do it much, but when he does, he looks so handsome.  I’ve seen him wear a suit a couple times (including our wedding) and he just looks so dignified, grown-up, and confident.

17 – I love when Vinay makes fun of my height (well, lack of height).  I act like I’m offended when he looks down at me and calls me ‘shorty’ or ‘midget’… but it’s a fun game between us.

18 – I love that Vinay and I can laugh at the fact that we’re both out of shape.  You know how people get comfortable in a relationship and gain weight?  Well, that’s us.  Not entirely because we’re comfy, but mostly because we don’t have much time for the gym, especially with our little man.  When I was pregnant, Vinay would jokinly look at me and say ‘you’re fat’.. I’d look at him and say ‘I’m pregnant, what’s your excuse?’

19 – I love that Vinay likes my cooking (as far as I know).  I’m pretty picky when it comes to food, and he does get a little annoyed that I buy healthy ground turkey instead of ground beef, but he usually likes what I cook and sometimes compliments it.

20 – I love that Vinay is good at communicating during the day.  We send eachother emails or text messages.  Sometimes he sends me a picture of a big plane flying over his work into Logan Airport, or I send him a picture of Avery.

21 – I love that Vinay takes pride in his belongings, especially the house.  He takes care of things he owns and appreciates them.

22 – Vinay isn’t overly affectionate, but there are so many times he surprises me when he stops me as we pass eachother in the kitchen and he gives me a hug and a kiss on the forehead, just because.  I love those moments.

23 – I love that Vinay likes trying new things.  He’s adventurous like me.  We’ve tried so many new things together – skydiving, jet skiing, and traveling.

 

24 – I love that Vinay and I share the same values when it comes to friends and family and life.  We both want the same things out of life, and hope to enjoy them together.

25 – I love that Vinay cares as much as I do about documenting Avery’s every move.  We have more pictures and videos of Avery than any other kid around.  We’ll have plenty to embarass him with when he starts dating

26 – I love that sometimes, Vinay and I are thinking the exact same thing.  One day I thought about picking something up from the store, but didn’t have time.  When Vinay came home, he had already got it.  My mom says she and my Dad do the same thing.

27 – I love that Vinay likes sports, but isn’t a crazy fan.  We enjoy going to the Celtics and Pats a couple times a year and when we have time, watch games on TV together.  He does get heated sometimes, but at least he’s not a face-painter or anything!

28 – I love that Vinay takes out the trash.  We both carry out certain houshold chores, and Vinay has taken command of putting the trash out every week.  It’s a little thing, but it’s helpful and nice that he takes command of something so I always know it’ll be done and I don’t have to add it to my list of to-do’s.

29 – I love when Vinay tries to tickle me with his scruff… or he does this thing where he tickles my neck with his face and drives me crazy because I’m so ticklish.

30 – I love that Vinay has a sense of style.  He wears nice sweaters on occasions, and puts on a nice dress shirt when we go on a date night.  I never have to worry about ‘dressing’ him.

31 – I love that Vinay really cares about the friends and family in his life.  He truly tries to keep in touch and make time for everyone.  He has friends where he grew up in NYC that he has known since 3rd grade and always makes an effort to travel down to see them a couple times a year.

32 – And finally, what I love most about Vinay is that although we have our arguments, our bad days, and sometimes bad weeks, I know that if I ever need something, he is always there for me.  Sometimes it’s just a hug after a hard day, or it’s a trip to the mall, just because I want to get out of the house and even though he would rather stay home and relax, he’d treck out with me because he knows I need it.

I love you, Vinay.  Happy Birthday!