Today is my husband's 40th birthday. Five years ago he came to visit me after meeting me a week earlier at a Latin festival. He shared his birthday with me then, and I'm so thankful he's sharing his birthday with me today.



He made me wait almost five years to marry him, but I can't imagine what kind of wife I would have been then. I've grown up so much and have learned from him (and still learning) on how not to sweat the small stuff.



I've always said that Johnny is the kindest man I know. He's gentle to my family during illnesses and is always willing to help his friends move. He makes me laugh.

 

He's my biggest fan and best friend.  He loves our puppies like they are his real children. No seriously, he sometimes acts like I gave birth to these furmonsters.  :)



Johnny is super intelligent, both intellectually and emotionally, and knows when to not take things personally. He gets why people do the things they do and this knowledge drives his kindness.

Even when we argue over petty topics, we can take a step back and laugh at our ridiculousness. Johnny has taught me how to do this.

I could go on and on about why I thank my lucky stars that I found such a strong and equally kind man who never withholds his love and affection from me.

Thank you, Yenia and Santiago, for giving birth and raising such a wonderful man. We are all blessed to have Johnny in our lives.

I love you, baby. (So do the puppies.)

Between the animals and children, I was in photography heaven during my trip to Panama. Animals will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, enjoy these cuties. Too bad they wouldn't fit into my suitcase back to the U.S. 

Not that I would ever tote children in luggage overseas. That would be BAD.

By the way, have you ever heard a little one speak in Spanish? SO ADORABLE and SLOW. For a person who's learning Spanish from Panamanians who speak like Usain Bolt sprints,  "slow" is oh so goooooooood.