Most nights after dinner, we sit side by side in front of the TV. The “bloop bloop” of our Tivo remote fills the air as Ryan clicks through the “Now Playing” section of our onscreen menu.  Some days, a single episode of one of our favorite sitcoms awaits. Other days, it’s a wide array of TV goodness, from Modern Family to the latest drama-filled segment of Mad Men. As silly as it sounds, I look forward to these moments.

I know watching TV isn’t the most glamorous activity we share. And the fact that I enjoy the time we spend sitting on the couch together probably means we fall into the “old married couple” category. Yet every day I look forward to the “bloop bloop” of that remote because it almost always means there’s a a special little gift waiting – a carefully curated collection, chosen just for me by the person who knows me better than anyone.

You see, Ryan ends most nights with a glass of wine and a late night show. Watching the legendary David Letterman has been part of his daily routine since he was a kid. And now with the talents of Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers gracing the late night airwaves, there’s plenty of options to enjoy. I’m a huge fan of Conan and Jimmy too, but these days my midnight bed time usually means I don’t get a chance to tune in. When the clock inches it’s way towards 12:00 AM, it’s bed time for me even if it means missing out on all the late night TV goodness.

Each day when it’s time for our nightly post-dinner wind down, Ryan sorts through the Tivo listings and painstakingly fast forwards to the parts of each episode he saved for me. Whether it’s funny skits, interviews with my favorite stars, a good monologue joke or the occasional segment of silly pet tricks – it’s as if I have my own personal late night highlights reel. I never miss out on the good stuff, thanks to my very thoughtful curator. And I have to say, nothing makes me feel more loved than knowing he’s thinking of me as he enjoys his nightly routine. Instead of just zoning out and enjoying the show, he’s making note of what will make me laugh and which moments will bring a smile to my face. It may be a small gesture, but it speaks volumes – straight to my heart.

Our love story has had more than it’s share of grand gestures – scavenger hunts, mountain top prom asks, a candle filled proposal – but after 10 years of marriage and 16 years together it sometimes comes down to small, ordinary things that mean the most. The little ways he finds to remind me that I’m always on his mind. What can I say? I’m one very lucky girl.

Photo by: Amy & Jordan Photography