Dear 8 years ago me,

That guy that you're about to go out with as "just friends" (even though he's going to wear a suit and you're wearing that cute black dress and you're going to Krannert to hear a concert which is exactly what you both said a week ago would be the perfect first date) - you're going to marry him.

In 5 months, you're going to be totally awkward and tell him that you're mad-crushing on him and he's going to act all cool but really he's excited. He'll tell you this after you're married.

In 3 years from today, he's going to take you on a hike and ask you to marry him. Pay attention to what he's saying to you because neither of you are going to remember it later. Also wait for him to hand you the ring instead of ripping it out of his hands.

In 4 years, you're going to move to State College, PA. When you meet Lisa at Luke's retreat, tell her that you love macaroni and cheese. She'll tell you she does too and you'll be BFF's sooner. Ask her if she thinks she's going to marry Mike (She is, but don't tell her. We wouldn't want to change the space-time continuum too much.)

In 7 years, you're going to be 9 weeks pregnant. Yes, your first appointment was supposed to be today, but they rescheduled. Yes, you're really pregnant (the 10 pregnancy tests weren't false positives), the baby is healthy, you're healthy. Don't freak out. That's what new mommyhood is for. Oh, and you're going to be living in Seattle. (And don't believe what they tell you - it doesn't rain here even sort of everyday).

In 8 years, you're going to be sitting at a computer in the house that you own. Your beautiful baby Leah Madison is behind you sleeping in her carseat (even though you think you'd never do that), and in 2 hours, Luke will be home. Your life is pretty great. Really great, actually.