{Happy First Father's Day}

Claudy -

When we first met, I remember watching you with kids at different orphanages or schools we would visit and thinking, wow he is so good with those kids. Then, when we were engaged, I watched you take my nieces and nephews and make bonds with them. I would watch you play with them, tease them and just spend time with them. I always thought, you would make such a good dad. In fact, when I watched you with them, you reminded me so much of the qualities I loved about my own dad.

When we found out we were pregnant with our baby, you were so excited... you were connected immediately and you would talk to the baby, etc.

Then it was time for the baby to come. You were nervous and unsure you would want to be in the room, but like any dad, she came and you did great!!!

We really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into and how hard this year would be, but we have made it!


You love our little girl so much and it shows. You take time to play with her, talk with her, feed her, etc. There have been many times that I think, "Wow, he is such a good dad." I don't always voice it out loud, but you are so good to our little girl.

I love when she cuddles up next to you in our beds and touches your face to feel you near. I love when she gets fussy in the evenings and you take out your guitar and start playing worship music and singing together. I love when you play basketball and soccer with her. I love that she goes to sleep better for you. I love how protective you are of her. I love that you are making memories and forming bonds with her.

You have grown so much in this last year. Becoming a daddy has changed you. I loved you before you were a daddy, but my love for you has grown in ways I didn't even realize it could.

I'm so glad you're the one Lia calls DAD!!

I love you!

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 12 - Friday Favorites

Another week has past and we are glad it's Friday. Only 1 more week until Winter Break and this teacher couldn't be happier. Dreams of sitting by the pool are in sight. 

1//On Saturday Lia and I went over to my brother's house to help back some Christmas Goodies. Lia and Cash entertained each other. They love each other and it is so precious!

2//Frilly Dresses - I haven't bought her too many frilly dresses, but she is a little girl and come on, it is soooo cute!

3//One of my favorite memories with my dad is every morning before school, my brothers and I would lay on my dad on the kitchen floor (we use to have carpet in our kitchen). Now, almost every morning Lia gets to spend time with her grandpa (my dad) it's special to watch. 

4//We got to go visit Great Grandpa in the nursing home this week. He loved her. She didn't know what to think :) 

5//These two melt my heart. You know in the evenings when little ones are tired, but you don't want them to go to sleep yet and they are little fussy (well that happens to Lia anyway), Claudy will take out his guitar and play for her. She loves it! She adores her daddy! It's so funny to watch (especially as a daddy's girl).

Hope you have a great weekend!!

   

Momfessionals

 

{25 Days of Christmas} - Day 9 - Dear Lia

Dear Lia -

It's your very first Christmas. This year and next year it won't mean that much to you. You may not even notice that it was different than any other day, other than your cousins will be around for you to watch and there will be lots of boxes and bows for you to look at and play with.

I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year. With all of the twinkle lights, the music, the spirit in the air and giving gifts. I can't wait to experience one of my favorite times with you. I can't wait to see Christmas through your eyes.

BUT...

Before you get caught up in it all, I want you to pause.

I want you to pause and to learn why Christmas is so special.

Yes, it is true. The twinkle lights, the music, the spirit and the gifts are all wonderful....BUT, they are not why we celebrate the day.

We celebrate the day because of Jesus. We celebrate and can have joy, not just because of His birth, but because He redeemed us. We are sinners and He has set us free. It's because of the Cross that we celebrate Christmas. It's because our Redeemer paid our ransom.

Don't forget to pause and remember.

Choose JOY during the season, because you have much to be thankful for.