First Father's Day

I knew when I was pregnant with Micah that David was going to be a great dad. Heck, I knew when we were dating. He's a great guy, and he's great with kids.

I'm continually impressed though, at how great of a dad he is - he's even better than I expected! So, as a special tribute to my loving and handsome husband, here are the qualities that make David a wonderful father to our little turtle, Micah:

1. He's around and he's involved. There are so many dads out there who only possess one of these qualities, but not the other - but David is both. I know Micah's young still, but David's involved in pretty much every aspect of his little life. He spends as much time with Micah as I do, when we're at home or at work - and he enjoys the time he has with him.

2. He's fun for Micah to be with! David's all about playing with our little 'wiggle' - as I call him - crawling around with him on the floor, blowing raspberries on Micah's soft tummy, and making him laugh. I often see him banging on Micah's little toy drum, or playing on his little piano - just playing and spending time with him. David can't wait until he can wrestle Micah and take him outside to run around, kick a ball or play catch.

3. He changes diapers, without complaint. Do I need to say more? As a mom, this is very important to me!

4. He has big dreams for our little man, but he's realistic too! We're both excited to see Micah grow up, to know what he's going to be interested in and involved in, and who he's going to be. We have high hopes that he'll be smart, athletic, kind, and that he'll have every good quality imaginable. I know that David is going to love Micah no matter what he chooses, and no matter whether he ends up being a professional forward to the US Soccer team or a professional firefighter, David will be proud of him!

5. He loves Jesus and wants Micah to love him too. David sets a great example for Micah to follow - I know that his life is going help point our little fella to Christ. We won't force him or coerce him - it's his own decision and it'll have to be his own belief - but Micah's a lucky boy to have a dad who will show him what it means to be a man of God.

Happy 1st Father's Day, David! I'm proud of the dad that you are and the dad that you will be, and I think our little turtle (and all the kids we'll someday have) are very lucky to have you as their Daddy!

For My Valentine

David and I haven't done much for Valentine's Day since we've been married. We have gone out to dinner, and spent time with each other, but we're not really ones to buy big fancy gifts and shower each other with presents. Our house is not decorated with hearts and valentines, besides bags of chocolate hearts and candy... but that's there all year, because I love candy!

We did get to go out to dinner this year, because Marci babysat Micah for us. What a wonderful time we had, enjoying one another's company, and talking over a delicious dinner (Farmer's Kitchen - if you haven't been there - go!), without having to worry about whether Micah needed his diaper changed.

In the last couple of days, I've been thinking back over our relationship, and how it has changed and grown. So, here's a little synopsis, with some fun pictures too. (They're fun for me at least... you might not care. :) )

We started dating in September 2005, during soccer season, after spending the summer doing camp team with two other Corban students.


Soccer season, October (?) 2005



We dated all through college, spending many weekends, parts of summers, and Christmas breaks together in Everson, Hermiston and Salem.



Our first day of junior year (2006) at Corban

 

At the Nature Trails with friends, Summer 2007

We spent one summer, 2006,  of Camp Team apart except for a week and both knew in that time that we never wanted to be separated for that long again.

At Camp Elkanah, the only week of camp we had together (July 2006)

 We went on lots of adventures: driving to Lincoln City at midnight and during the day, a mission trip to New Orleans and one to the Philippines.

At Lincoln City in October 2006



In New Orleans, Christmas Break 2006

  And then, our senior year, David gave me this:

A few months later, we made it to this:

Two weeks after graduation, we did this:

Best decision I've ever made
May 17, 2008

I really could go on and on with the pictures, but the point is, David, I love you! The last five years together have been great, and I know the next 55 will be even better. Happy Valentine's Day!