The best of intentions

Ben tonight,

enjoying a second helping of birthday cake while studying Pharmacology

Note: he's also drinking real milk- which is always worth

celebrating in Dominica

My sweet Ben had another birthday (about a week and half ago). My history of birthdays during my relationship with Ben can best be described with the phrase, "I had the best of intentions to do something fabulous but. . . " Endings to that situation in the past have included the cake exploding in the oven (not just one, but two years in a row. I don't know what's wrong with me), me searching for an awesome birthday present but never finding anything cool that we could afford so I end up getting him something lame, and for three of the last five birthdays it has included me being out of town. I always mean to do something awesome to celebrate my amazing husband, somehow it never works out too well though.

This year was no exception. I talked to him the morning of his birthday for 20 minutes and didn't even realize until a few hours later that it was February 16th. In my defense, it was 5:30 in the morning and I was sick that day. Ben, however, was gracious about it when I called him around noon to apologize and wish him a happy birthday. (Although he did mention he'd like me to remember this for the future when he inevitably forgets my birthday, our anniversary or Valentine's day.) I did buy him a birthday present I knew he would like while I was in Utah, but in my disorganization packing up to leave it didn't make it into my suitcase. Once again, Ben was sweet and understanding about it.

So today I tried to redeem myself a little and at least make a birthday dinner for him. He requested Coconut Chicken Curry, which is one of our favorites down here. I made that and it turned out delicious (so I can put at least one in the win column). I also made his request for birthday cake, which is basically the same cake I made for Chase's birthday sans cute decorations, butter fudge chocolate cake with cookies and cream filling and this really delicious homemade frosting. The cakes fell apart when I took them out of the pan, so the cake itself didn't look the greatest, but tasted fairly delicious. In comparison to the cakes that have blown up in my oven, this one fell on the better side of my cake making experience for Ben's birthday.

In the end, I'm grateful that my husband is understanding and forgiving of my shortcomings and can be easily pleased with a chocolate cake and without the presents I planned to give him. What can I say- Ben is amazing! He studies so hard, for so long, and still makes a few minutes every day to spend quality time with me and Chase. He's an amazing dad to Chase, will play with him, wrestle and have Chase giggling like crazy. He listens to me talk his ear off every night at dinner after I've spent my whole day with a one year old. He eats my cooking every night, even when it turns out less than fabulous. I think I struck gold.

Happy 27th Birthday Baby!

Chase and I sure love you!