Time flies when you're having fun.

As we sat across from each other at Perkins, I said I had a question. "You ask this every year," Joe said, before I could get any farther. And perhaps I do. But it's such a fun question to ask. "What's been your favorite part of being married?" Our answers change every year. But it's a way for us to reflect on the growth, the excitement, the love, and the blessing that is our marriage. This year, the question was followed by a new one. "What are you most excited about as we become parents?" For me, it's the idea of watching Zoe grow into a young woman, watching her learn about the love that our Father has for her, and watching her grow in her faith and understanding of God. But there are so many things we both are excited about.

This conversation took place last Thursday as we celebrated our four year wedding anniversary. Married for four years. Wow. It simultaneously feels like time has gone by in a blink and like we've always been together. And now, we are a mere 11 days from Zoe's due date. My, how things have changed since we met five years ago. And yet, through it all, our love has grown in ways I never could've imagined.

I have always struggled with enjoying the season of life that I'm in. I tend to look forward at the next thing, anticipating it and impatiently waiting for it. But over these last four years of marriage, I have been very intentional about wanting to enjoy our time together as a couple before we brought kids into the equation. (Some days I was much better than others, and I'm sure Joe would agree!) Now that that time has almost come to an end, I am so glad we were able to have it together. We have grown so much as individuals and as a couple in the last five years. We have experienced highs and lows, love and loss, and through it all grown a deeper understanding of what it means to love sacrificially and whole-heartedly. We get the chance to wake up and choose love every morning. And now, as we begin this journey of parenthood, I can't imagine having anyone else by my side.

To celebrate this milestone in our journey, our friends Mallory and Colton blessed us with an incredible maternity session. Not only did they provide us with beautiful photos to commemorate this time in our lives, but they created an amazing video as well. You can watch that here if you'd like! (And you totally should take a few minutes to do that. Arbor Weddings is amazing beyond belief! Be sure to check them out!) Every time I watch it, I get emotional. Mallory and Colton are truly incredible, and we are honored to call them friends.

Mallory has been my best friend for 10 years now, which feels absolutely insane. We have grown together, matured together, mourned together, celebrated together... we have done life together. I had the honor of standing by her and Colton at their wedding, and the blessing of having Mallory standing next to me at my own. Mallory and Colton are one of those relationships that has stood the test of time, and when we get together, it's like time hasn't passed. To be able to spend a weekend with them recently when we did this maternity session was a bigger blessing for Joe and me than words could ever express, for so many reasons. We love them so dearly, and we are so thankful for them.

But now, without further ado, check out these incredible photos they captured (thanks again, Arbor Weddings!):