An Introduction: The boyfriend

We all have expectations of life. A road map of sorts on how we would like our lives events to play out. And sometimes we hit bumps in the road that slow down the process or veer us off track a tad. Typically these detours don’t make much sense at the time, but I’ve learned that life tends to detour us so that certain people can walk into our life at just the right time.

In December of last year Josh came into my life. He instantly added some color to my world simply by being my friend and making me laugh harder than I ever have. He was the groomsman at a mutual friends wedding in Mammoth over the summer and while I noticed him from a far, we didn’t speak a word to each other till months later. We took it upon ourselves to connect and exchange phone numbers on Christmas Eve, and by Christmas morning he was the first to wish me a Merry Christmas. He left on a snowboarding trip over New Years so we planned on connecting when he got back. Little did I know that I would get a play by play of his entire trip…videos of them attempting flips on the mountain (he’s quite the snowboarder), photos of gorgeous Oregon scenery, road trip shenanigans. Laughter and small talk soon morphed into more and the pity party I was having for being home with Landyn on New Years Eve soon was a thing of the past because I rung in 2013 with him… thank you technology.

Our first date happened and looking back, all I can do is smile. We agreed for our first date to be as casual as possible so we planned dinner at a beach cafe in Malibu at 7 pm. I gave him my address, told him to call me when he was outside and I’d meet him at his car…casual. No sooner than 15 minutes later his name popped up on my phone…“I’m here”. I quickly gave myself one last glance in the bathroom mirror, reapplied some lip gloss, popped some gum in my mouth, took a deep breath, and gave myself a little pep talk…

“You have nothing to lose Lindsay…”.

I’ll never forget our first date…The minute our eyes met as I walked towards him standing up against his truck to greet me. The smile he flashed me. Our first hug and me realizing how attractive 6’3″ is. The smell of his cologne. The black peacoat he wore to impress me with his sense of style that I haven’t seen since. Him opening the car door for me, and every door there after. Effortless conversation. The way he made me laugh. The way he looked at me. The way his hand fit perfectly in mine. Our first kiss.

Something inside me changed the day I met Josh. My heart changed. It was an instant release of past hurts, resentments, angers, and fears. I immediately knew what he deserved and I knew I wanted to be that for him. I knew this wasn’t the cliche infatuation or crush. I’ve had those, and this was different. Without even realizing it Josh changed me for the better. He softened my heart and with each passing day makes me a better version of myself.

From day one, Josh and I have taken each other right where we are at. We accept each other for what makes us uniquely us and the connection has always been seamless. He understands that Landyn and I are a package deal and has been extremely sensitive to that relationship. To her he is “mommy’s friend” and an added bonus in her life. I knew I would be cautious when the time came to involve Landyn in this part of my life, but with Josh I had no reason not to take that next step. Josh has taken me out of my box and opened my eyes to new experiences and ways of looking at life. He dreams big with me and encourages me to chase my passions. He motivates me daily to be a better mom, daughter, friend, women.

Thank you Josh for 3 of the best months of my life. You make me the happiest girl in the world. Landyn and I are so lucky to have you.

xo

Lindsay