The One Year Mark

Phew! We made it. One year and two days of marriage. As we laid in bed last night, we were making a list of the best parts of no longer being in the 'first year of marriage'. Now, don't get me wrong, we had an amazing, wonderful year together, but there is something about getting the "first" out of the way. Here were some of our bests:

• We are no longer perpetually labeled with terms like "newlyweds", "honeymoon stage", and "lovebirds".
  

• When people ask how long we have been married, we can talk in years rather than in months.

• We are done with our 'paper anniversary'. (Husband claimed that we represented this year with many credit card slips from our various adventures in the last week.)
  

• The questions "How was the wedding? How was the honeymoon?" are no longer asked with expectations of elaborate descriptions and great enthusiasm.
  

• All the "first" holidays are out of the way.

• We have a good list of "Quotes never to leave the marriage bed" (as husband calls them) and other collections of good laughable moments from our first 12 months together.

• I am finally good at saying "My husband" when introducing Jff.

• I finally can say my new name automatically without thinking it to myself first.
  

• No more name confusion, name change forms, and other obnoxious paperwork. ("well, I am not sure whether I am listed under my maiden name, or my married name... here, let me spell it for you. No.. that is the name it should be listed under, just with out the e.")
  

• The year "grace period" for wedding gifts is done, the statute of limitations is now over- non-givers are clearly not giving (what poor etiquette, I am still shocked)- and the thank-you cards can officially be tossed.
  

• Wedding paraphernalia can be passed on- I don't care about the frosted vases I was so excited about, get them out of my basement- who is next?

• It is fun to celebrate wedding anniversaries. Our first will be hard to beat, but we have lots of time to try.

• And by far the best "best": we start immediately on year number two!

Thanks to all friends and family who wished us well this last weekend. It was touching to know that so many people marked it as a time of celebration for us.