The Great Eight

Take a moment to read my absolute brag post about my partner, Simon. I am always bragging about this guy, The man that never shy’s away from a nappy explosion, a sink of dirty dishes, or me sobbing about the next dilemma in my life. He’s my concert buddy, an amazing father and co-parent, and certified lamp lover. Yes, lamp lover. A month into our relationship, after watching Anchorman together, Simon casually says “I love lamp” as we’re saying goodbye. IYKYK. Then, as I’m walking away, he yells out “Bye lamp!” across the driveway like it’s the most romantic Shakespearean farewell of our time. And honestly? It was. 10/10 for heart stopping, take your breath away, heartfelt ways to say I love you for the first time. Since then, it’s been a whole lot of driftwood picture frames, Spotify playlists (the new age mix tapes), and foot rubs. Back up ladies he’s mine!

Simon is the glue that holds this wild, beautiful circus together. The head of our household, and I say that with pride. He leads the family with open ears and mind, considering everyone’s feelings. The eight kids we share (yes, EIGHT) are always top of his mind, taking them to their extra curricular activities, to the shops to spend the $2 they found, jumping on the trampoline, making towers out of Jenga blocks or cuddles on the couch. He treats every single one of them like his own, never once saying “step” unless he’s literally walking up the stairs. (Dad jokes are big in this house). He’s a manly man who chops wood and lights fires, goes hunting, catches fish, but also lets his daughters paint his nails and clip sparkly things into his hair. He cooks dinner, shares the housework, and is the best hands on parent I’ve ever heard of. He encourages me through every crazy idea or insecure moment and never lets me get away with badmouthing myself. Simon remembers the tiny, meaningful things like that time we were in the Redwoods shop, laughed at those “Mickey to tiki Tu Meke” shirts and put them on our “must get” list. Road tripped to Raglan and saw the same Mickey to tiki picture on loads of art, we were very excited!.. Fast-forward to my birthday, he made me a custom print Mickey to tiki in a frame he built from driftwood we collected on the Raglan beach trip. (Are you crying? I’m crying.)

Every day, Simon chooses this chaotic, beautiful life with me equal parts chaos and fairy tale .. well at least 70/30 😂 This man? He’s unexpected, hilarious, heartwarming, and absolutely perfect. Love you, Simon. You are Tu Meke. 🖤 Happy anniversary month 💕