Three. After today, that's how many of your birthday's we will have spent together. I know people like to say that if someone told them x amount of years ago that this is where their life would take them (hell, I'm certain I've said this myself), they would've thought that person was crazy. I don't feel that way with you, though. In fact, I think if someone told me these things, I would've been able to see the glaring truth. I know that this is easy to say now while I'm deep in bias and love for you, and without the ability to comprehend anything outside of what makes us us, but I feel like a small part of me always knew, from the moment I met you.

There is no amount of prose or flowery poetry that can properly articulate the magnitude of honour and gratitude I feel that you've allowed me to be a part of your life, for nearly the past three years and for all the years to come. This year has been trying, to say the very least, and life has thrown us curveballs that could've easily knocked us off course. You have taught me so much about patience and always leading with love and thoughtfulness despite the flaws in others – particularly mine, given that I am full of them. Thank you for never ever giving up on me when I'm sure that would've been the easiest thing to do. Thank you for always trying to understand where I'm coming from. Thank you for reminding me that what we have is worth fighting for. And thank you for being the brightest, most illuminating part of my life. No amount of darkness stands a fucking chance.

So much has changed since the last time I sat down to write for your birthday. I mean, you agreed to be legally stuck with me for the rest of your life. That was the moment I knew you were completely and utterly mad. I love you and your family as if they were my own, more than I can ever put into words – that's a running theme here – and I couldn't feel more blessed that I now have them on top of my own. It seems unfair that any person should have this kind of luck, to join two separate, supportive and loving families together.

As if that wasn't enough, now we get to grow that family by creating one of our own. What and unexpected and timely gift after the summer we had. Nothing in my life has ever made me more full of joy and utter terror than the fact that we'll be bringing life into this world. I promise the former always, always wins out, mostly because I know that you're going to be a wonderful mother. You seem to have boundless love, patience and understanding for people you don't even know, and I can hardly wait to see how that translates through you to our future child. He or she will be so bloody lucky to have you, I can't reiterate that enough. Thank you for wanting to do this with me, for choosing me to help you along this journey.

Though you should be celebrated every day, there should be no lack of such on your birthday. You are the greatest love of my life, Shailene, and that grows with each passing day. You smile, and I still feel the uptick of heartbeat in my chest. You laugh, and my mind swells with elation at the sound. You touch me, and I can still feel the heat long after you've stopped. You are powerful, strong and unbelievably smart, and I love the way you challenge me. You are fierce, unapologetically loyal and staunch in what you believe, something the world needs so much more of and you set such a beautiful example for them. Thank you again, for allowing me the privilege of loving you today, and every day. Happy Birthday, bird.