When Mike and I started casually dating, I was hesitant about getting serious because he had made a comment when we were friends that he didn't see himself ever having children. I knew that being a mother was something that I'd eventually want someday. The conversation came up one night and Mike corrected my assumptions. He wanted to be a father someday, just never found the right woman to have a family with. Time went on and he told me that he could see himself starting a family with me someday. For many reasons, I always thought he'd be a great father. He's patient and has a great sense of humor. He's caring, devoted and a hard worker. He knows how to hang out and have fun at home, not having to be on the go all the time. He loves animals, God and his family.
When I was wrapping up my final year in college, we started to try for a family. It was a long road, but Mike was always hopeful, firmly believing that God would provide us with a family someday. The Lord, in His perfect timing, blessed us with Henry. At our first sonogram, Mike sat and stared at the screen, asking questions about what everything was. He was very supportive throughout the pregnancy and did everything possible to help me stay relaxed and stress-free. I fondly remember so many nights that we'd sit on our couch or lay in the bed and poke at my constantly expanding stomach. One night will always be fresh in my mind though. I nearly passed out from laughing when Mike pushed my belly and Henry pushed back. I thought Mike was going to jump through the roof! What a great memory.
When it came time to welcome Henry into the world, Mike put on his poker face. He was laid back that day, very relaxed (at least one of us was!). He later admitted that he was concerned about all the unknowns but gave it to God and tried to make the best of it so that he could be there for me. When the doctor said it was time for a c-section, his calm demeanor kept me together. *Sidenote: I sort of live by the rule that if Mike is freaking out, I probably need to as well.* When he came into the OR, he had a mask over his face, but I could still seem him smiling. That's one of the very few things I clearly remember about the delivery. He was just beaming, even before Henry arrived. Of course when it came time to announce if we had a son or a daughter, he was overjoyed to see a little boy. He would have loved that baby even if it was a girl, but having his very own son sealed the deal for him. He was the first person to hold Henry and Henry was the first baby he'd ever held. It's such a simple, but incredibly neat thing to know.
As the days and sleepless nights went along, he fell into the role of father like an old pro. He was an amazing support to me as I recovered from the c-section and was quick to tell me to rest so he could have some Daddy-Henry time. Daddy was admittedly nervous about all that came with a new baby, but he did such a great job. He would get nervous sometimes, but was still really great with him.
Daddy with his babies - Easter 2010
Henry and Daddy - 6weeks old 5-5-2010
Daddy and Henry
Mike is a very attentive dad and even though I tease him about being uptight sometimes (about his safety, health, etc), he wants nothing more than to protect him, love him and enjoy every waking second with Henry. Henry adores his Daddy and loves to hug and kiss him. He squeals when Daddy comes home and giggles with crazy excitement when Daddy picks him up after Sunday School.
all clean!
after Easter festivities - April 2011
December 22, 2011
hanging out in the bounce house - Henry's 2nd birthday - March 24, 2012
swinging at the park - May 19, 2012
hanging out on the boat - June 3, 2012
a favorite video of them playing together
Mike, thank you for being such an amazing father and husband. You are a huge blessing to me and Henry. I know that you would do anything for our son and I know that he will grow up knowing that. Thank you for being the provider, the push over when it's needed, the leader, the one with the patience to handle the challenges, the Godly example and the Daddy. We love you!
