I used to think love was about flowers, chocolate, and grand gestures. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy those things. Jerry's marriage proposal was full of flowers, candles, and "Marry Me" by Train. It was incredibly romantic.
Since having kids these gestures of love have changed. These days, love is about getting up with the kids in the middle of the night when I've already been in their rooms twice. Love is about letting me sleep in on a weekend, even if it's only for an extra hour.
Love is about reading just one more book to the kids before bed. Love is sitting down for a family meal and recapping the day. Love is about laying on the couch and watching a show for at least 10 minutes, because you know that's how long you have before I fall asleep on your shoulder.
Love is continually pursuing one another even though one of us is probably wearing spit up in our hair (that someone is probably me). Love is about falling through parenting, and cherishing the funny moments.
Love is about being vulnerable, sharing our greatest fears with one another, and cheering each other on in our accomplishments. Love is about giving one another a much needed pep talk and showing support when life gets tough.
Love is walking in the door to your toddler sprinting into your arms and your baby crawling as fast as she can to see you. Love is watching your husband make up silly games to play with your kids.
Love is not always glamorous, but Shari's Berries are just as real as the spit up I sometimes wear in my hair. Flowers are just as beautiful as watching you read to our children. And chocolate is just as necessary as letting me sleep that extra hour.
Love with a family takes on a whole new meaning. While a stuffed bear is a nice thing to have on Valentine's Day, walking in the door to a healthy, loving family, that sometimes drives you crazy, but always has your back is really what love is all about.