Our 2nd Anniversary!

On July 25th, Todd and I had our second anniversary! Seeing as it was a Monday, we decided to celebrate on Sunday the 24th to ensure we had a full day to celebrate. Todd made the entire day a surprise for me, and all I had to do was get dressed -- which, obviously proved to be more difficult than necessary seeing as I wanted to wear a dress, but 90% of the dresses I have are either too "work-ish" or too snug.

We woke up to our regular 7:30am wake-up call (Nicholas) and I fed him breakfast while Todd brought me a cup of coffee. After his breakfast, I threw on some clothes, got Nick all packed and ready and took him to my parents house.

I left Nick at my parents house with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to care for him, and raced home to get ready for our day of excitement!

We decided to take the Mitsubishi, which was fun because it had been a long time since the two of us rode in my car together...not to mention the gas mileage was immensely better. Todd took off towards the highway, and as soon as we crossed the bridge into DC, I knew we were going to Chef Geoff's for brunch...mainly because it's the only place I know of in DC that Todd knows how to drive to so confidently.

At Chef Geoff's we had an amazing brunch which came with one cocktail each (your choice of bloody mary or mimosa...guess who got which? Yup -- Todd had the mimosa, I had the bloody mary), a fruit plate, a basket of baked muffins, breads, etc., and your choice of entree. I had the shrimp and gouda grits -- which were INCREDIBLE.Todd opted for the eggs Chesapeake, which were like eggs benedict, only there was crab meat mixed into the potato hash under the eggs. Both of our meals were delicious and we were stuffed at the end of the meal, but the manager came over and said "we are so thrilled you're celebrating your Anniversary with us, we would like to give you some complimentary dessert!" So we had the trio of sorbets on the house.

During brunch, Todd and I exchanged gifts. He gave me some beautiful China pieces to match my China set given to me by my Gramma. As I opened the last China piece, I felt something on the back. Flipped the plate over and taped to the back were tickets to Rock of Ages, at the National Theatre -- starting right after brunch!!

Needless to say I was super excited because I love musicals and more so, we both LOVE Rock of Ages.

We weren't allowed to take pictures in the theatre, so I don't have any pics, but the show was just as great as -- if not better than -- the first time we saw it. I could watch that show OVER and OVER and never tire of it.

After the show, we were still stuffed, but I wasn't ready to end our day of fun and harped on Todd about where our dinner plans were. He kept telling me generic ideas like Chipotle and Subway, even going so far as to convince me we were meeting my parents at Olive Garden to pick up Nick. So I called my mom on our way home from the show to say we were going to meet them and she said "we're already at Olive Garden, so if you're headed here, we'll be finished before you arrive". Which she followed with a picture of Nick sleeping peacefully in the restaurant. So I called Todd's bluff, and he told me to just stop guessing because I was taking the fun out of it. :)

So we swung by the house, let Whinnie out to go potty, fed her dinner, and hopped in the Blazer (needed it to pick up le bebe after) to head out to dinner.

We went all the way down the parkway towards Reston and I was convinced we were going to the Melting Pot, until we literally pulled up next to PassionFish. Then I realized we were going to the one restaurant I have been begging Todd to take me to for months, ever since my brother and sister-in-law told us how amazing it was.

They were right -- PassionFish was -- IS -- amazing!

We walked in and were immediately told "Happy 2nd Anniversary!" Which they quickly followed up with "dessert will be on us!"

If you were curious -- at this point, yes, we were still bulging full from brunch, but we weren't going to let that stop us.

They led us to a table upstairs that overlooked the entire restaurant, and handed us these menus:

Then they brought out the "complimentary bread basket" -- only it wasn't a bread basket...it was a white fish spread with toasted crostini's. O.M.G. We ate two of these. And I seriously could have just had this for dinner, it was sooo good.We decided to be fancy and order a bottle of wine (not to mention it was 1/2 price bottle night) and went with a CA Viognier. YUM. Even Todd enjoyed it, which shocked me because I can't remember the last time I saw him drink a glass (or three) of wine. I was panicked we wouldn't finish it, which they assured me wouldn't be a problem because we could "cork & carry"...but there was no need. We crushed that bottle. The tables were so beautiful with the white linens, and aqua blue upholstery. Very calming and serene. Right down to the pretty napkin designs.

The one picture we took of ourselves the whole day -- after a couple glasses of wine...Todd was getting the squinty eyes. We decided to go all out on this meal with appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts...you name it, we ate it. Fatty's. We started with the ceviche.

So delicious, Todd couldn't wait to dig right in!After ceviche, we had salads. Todd opted for the wedge salad with warm bacon vinaigrette. Which I completely forgot to take a picture of. I had the featured salad -- a local heirloom tomato salad with a light dressing and micro greens on top. I love tomatoes, but this salad made me lust for them. It was the most perfect tomato salad ever created.For entrees, Todd had the seared day boat scallops with some kind of pasta, pea puree, and mushrooms. I forgot to take pictures until we were almost finished with our entrees, so I promise they looked much prettier than this when they arrived...

I had the macadamia nut crusted halibut, served over a green papaya and carrot slaw. I have no idea what was in the sauce, but I can tell you I would've liked to have bathed in it. It was THAT good.

Oh, and because we were being gluttonous, we thought it was necessary to have a side of the lobster mac and cheese. This was quite possibly the best decision we made all night. It was so good, it didn't even need the lobster on top...but my arteries were thrilled to have that little bonus. The destruction was eminent.

And because we weren't quite to the brink of vomiting yet, we decided to order the caramel creme brulee. Sadly I think the desserts were the most disappointing part of the meal. They were good, but they just didn't compare to the feast we had already eaten. And they did the trick of pushing us over the edge of sickness, which I could have done without.After the caramel brulee, the wait staff thought we looked a little thin, and decided to bring us a tray of their in house delicacies. For the most part, these were all gross...but it was really a sweet gesture.I should also mention that in addition to the amazing food and atmosphere at PassionFish, we had the most competent, informed, upbeat server. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the food, and kept us entertained. We will request Allan again, if we ever return (not so sure our wallets or love handles can afford it).

We rolled each other out to the car and took bets on who would spew first. Fortunately neither of us did, and we happily drove to my parents house to pick up our little man.

We had the most incredible day together, and it was nice to reflect on how we've grown as a couple, and a family, in the past two years since we said our "I do's".

Who would have thought that the cute boy with blue eyes, dimples, and a backwards white hat, sitting in a corner booth at the restaurant where I was waiting tables, would one day be my husband, best friend, and father to our beautiful son.

Before Todd entered my life, I had a series of bad relationships and bad dates. I was down and out and convinced that I was not worthy of true love. Todd came into my life when I was just coming to terms with being single, and he changed my outlook on men. I had never before been treated so kind, so sweetly. Todd viewed me as his equal, and made me a priority. We had our struggles, as our schedules often did not match up, and we lived more than 30 minutes away from each other...but we made it work, and he never once made me feel like I was not worthy. He called me when he said he would. He hugged and kissed me in front of his friends. He was genuinely happy to see me and spend time with me. And after a few short weeks of dating him, I knew he was the one.

Thank you Todd, for all of the love in my life because of you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and with your whole heart. Thank you for giving me the most perfect gift imaginable -- Nicholas Matthew.

Here's to two years of wedded bliss, and countless years to come. I love you - now, always, forever.