There are so many memories that John and I have shared together over the years. The highs of marriage and children, the lows of infertility and baby loss. Today, as we celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, I'm sharing (in no particular order!) ten reasons why I love him. Read on to discover each reason why along with some fantastic throwback photos of the love of my life.

1. He is always my rock when times get tough.

Let's be honest, the stuff you see on social media and read on a blog will only ever scratch the surface of what goes on in someone's life - you'll never see everything. However, if you've read any of my raising awareness posts including about secondary infertility, battling my mental health and baby loss; you'll have an idea that things haven’t always been easy. No matter what, John is always by my side. Holding my hand, supporting me (and worrying about me!) and always - always - loving me.

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2. He is my best friend

He is my closest friend and confidante. I can tell him everything and anything and it wouldn’t change a thing. I love that we are not just lovers, life partners, and parents but also friends.

3. I am always happiest when I'm with him.

Don't @ me… I know we shouldn’t need to rely on anyone else for our own happiness- but that is not the point I'm making.

I'm happy when I'm crocheting.

I'm happy when I see my children excited, or learning something new, or being generally awesome.

I'm happy when I sing.

I'm happy in a deep, hot, candle-lit bubble bath.

I have learnt to love myself, and I am happier now than I have ever been (for the most part). I just like me better when I'm with him, and I am happiest when I am with him.

John and Naomi are hugging and kissing. They are stood on a grassy verge on the lakeshore of Wastwater with the lake and Lakeland fells behind them.

4. I still get butterflies when I see him.

Having John working away isn't always easy. Sharing the time we did together during lockdown has only made it harder - we got a glimpse into a better life. One with him here. One where I get to wake up next to him, and go for spontaneous walks in our beautiful Cumbrian homeland and so much more. There have been times since our move to Cumbria which have made me wonder if we made the correct decision by moving here.

Despite this, it has had one benefit. It has made me realise how much I love him. The day he comes home are always exciting. I get butterflies when I see him, and immediately want to kiss him and hug him and never let him go again. The fact I still feel that way after ten years married (and nearly thirteen years together!) must mean it's love!

5. Little things make me fall more in love with him.

It's the way he holds our children by the hand and the patience he has listening to their stories.

It's how he'll make my favourite meal just to make me smile or leave me to have a nap because pregancy + 3 children is exhausting.

It's when he hangs the washing out because baby brain made me forget.

It's the surprise date nights that he organises and the random texts just to say, “I love you.”

There are so many things - big and small - which make me fall in love over and over again each and every day.

6. He has this special look when holding our babies for the first time.

Nothing more needs to be said about this… except I can't wait until August when we have a chance to recreate this photo with our 4th new addition.

John is stood in a hospital ward smiling at the camera and holding his newborn son.

7. He has the best relationship with our children.

Pickle has always been a mummy's girl; but more and more she's developing the most amazing bond with John. Squidgy has always been a daddy's girl; and the way they are together makes my heart swell. That relationship the girls have with their daddy reiterates to me what an amazing man he is, and I am so glad I am lucky enough to be growing a family with him.

8. I see so much of him in our children.

I couldn’t ask for a better man to be daddy to my children, and a better role model for them as they grow. Whether it's the way Pickle looks just like him, or the kind, gentle, loving personality Squidgy has just like him; there are so many times the girls remind me of John… and of how much I love him. I wouldn’t change that for the world.

9. We can still have fun together

Being together for eleven years hasn’t changed the fact that we can still enjoy each others company. From nights away in hotels (like our trip to The Fox Inn!) to date nights at local restaurants, and days out with our family to movie nights at home we still smile together, laugh together, hold hands, kiss and love each other.

10. He has the most amazing work ethic

John works so hard. He works long days and hard weeks, and all for us. Yes he loves his job. Yes he's good at it (he’s even been recognised for the amazing work he does in his job by top VIPs which is awesome!) but most of all he does it for us. He works hard so I can be home raising our children. He works hard so we can save and buy our forever home. He works hard but he also knows how to leave work at work; so when he's with us he isn't distracted or distant.

John and me at Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria

Dearest John,

You are my best friend, my soul mate, my lover, my rock, and the one who has always been there, picking up the pieces in the bad times. Whatever the future holds, and wherever we go, I am so glad I have you by my side. I will always love you; and I feel so lucky that you are my husband and that our children have you as their daddy.

I love you, always and forever,

Naii xxxx