March 15, 2009
Boyfriend & Girlfriend
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Brad took me stargazing on our first date. We talked for hours, and he said all the right things with more genuine kindness than anyone I had met before. He cuddled me just enough to keep me warm on a chilly spring night in Michigan. He made me laugh more than I had in a long time. And when he held my hand something in my heart just knew this guy would become a very bright part of my life.
May 4, 2011
And fur babies make four
East Lansing, Michigan
Nothing makes me smile or swoon more than a kitten. On the eve of my college graduation, Brad surprised me with two adorable additions to our family. Oliver is our ginger, chill cat. We imagine him with the voice and demeanor of a charismatic, California surfer dude. Lola is our spotted lover. It doesn't matter who you are or how long you intend to stay. If you sit down on our coach, Lola will arrive in your lap in 2.7 seconds for a cuddle. I cannot imagine more perfect companions.
July 15, 2011
Our first home
West Point, New York
With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in my back pocket, I left the mitten state behind for an empire state of mind, joining Brad in New York where he attended West Point Military Academy. This big move marked the end of two years of long distance and the beginning of a much bigger commitment to come for us. I lived in a tiny, dilapidated apartment with the most spectacular river view and earned my first job as an oncology nurse.
November 11, 2011
Engaged
East Lansing, Michigan
On 11/11/11 at 11:11 in front of Beaumont Tower on campus at Michigan State University, Bradford asked me to close my eyes and make the biggest wish I could think of. Energetically urging him to make a wish every time I caught the clock with matching numbers across the board was something he had always playfully teased me about. When I opened my eyes, Brad was down on one knee.
June 15, 2013
Husband & Wife
West Point, New York
Brad and I became Lieutenant and Mrs. Witt on the one sunny day tucked in a week of summer rain. It was a fairytale celebration full of military tradition, bad dance moves, and laughter. All of our family and friends made our wedding their summer vacation destination, traveling from around the country to be with us on the Hudson River in upstate New York. We've never felt more overwhelmed by love.
September 26, 2013
And (another) furry friend makes five
Saint Robert, Missouri
I do not like dogs. Brad grew up with one, and puppy fever finally won him over while stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. We welcomed a nine-week-old goldendoodle to the family. She potty trained herself (I'm not kidding). She only gets on furniture when invited. She doesn't smell like a stinky dog. She is protective and sweet. Okay, maybe I do like dogs after all. Truthfully, I only love the Ruby variety.
January 3, 2015
Little Witt Wonder #1
Clarksville, Tennessee
Eloise Mae made us a proud Mommy and Daddy, securing a place in our hearts we never knew was reserved just for her. Brad was deployed for the last two months of my pregnancy and the first 6 months of Eloise's life. It may not have been perfect or easy, but it is part of our story that we love as uniquely ours. Being a mom has been something I've dreamed of all my life. Eloise's slobbery, open mouth kisses, easy going personality, and infectious joy have far surpassed any ideal dream I had of what my daughter and first born would be like. She is my best friend.
July 20, 2015
Our hearts are whole again
Fort Campbell, Kentucky
I always thought the best day of my life would be my wedding. Or the birth of our children. Never would I have thought one moment in a humid, 100 degree airplane hanger at the end of July in Kentucky would top them all. On that day, Brad returned safe to our arms from nine months serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan and finally met Eloise. He was immediately the perfect dad. She instantly adored him. I've never been so proud of our family for enduring and loving with such strength and grace.
January 19, 2017
Little Witt Wonder #2
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Harvey Preston