Happy Father's Day!

When I married Tyler I knew he would make a great father someday, but I really had no idea just how great he would be. I was trying to decide what to write about for Father's Day and I first thought about much I enjoy watching Tyler be with Olivia. Everything he does is such a reflection of how much he loves her. But my words can not begin to describe how much happiness I get from watching the two of them together. I wish I could write well enough to do my heart justice, but I can't. And because I can't accurately describe how I feel, here are a few things that make my heart so happy.

1. Waking up to see Tyler and Olivia watching Saturday morning cartoons. Yes, that is right. He lets me sleep in (until 8:00 or so) and I usually wake up to find them downstairs watching cartoons together. Tyler can't wait for her to eat cereal with him while they watch cartoons together.

2. Listening to him talk and babble at her and then hearing her try to repeat it back to him. It's always just a bunch of coos, grunts and squeals (from both of them) but it is the cutest thing ever. She is clearly copying him. I love watching them play together!

3. Tyler always gets down on the floor to play with her. I love seeing him on her level, teaching her how to scoot for toys. He is so excited for each milestone.

4. He is such a hands-on parent. I love that he changes diapers, takes care of her when she cries, and isn't afraid of the not-so-pretty parts of being a parent. It's easy to play with them and love them when they are happy and smelling pleasant, but Tyler never tries to pass her off just because she's got a dirty diaper or because she's fussy. And if he has stuff to do around the house he doesn't automatically assume it is my responsibility to watch her. What does he do? He takes her right along. He puts her in the Baby Bjorn and packs her around while he helps me clean, or he hauls a few toys down to his office so she can play while he works. Tyler is so dedicated to being an involved father. I love it.

5. I love watching him rock her to sleep each night. Well, we don't actually rock her until she falls asleep, but you get the idea. He reads to her, sings to her, and snuggles with her until she's ready to be put down. It's the sweetest thing. I wish I could capture it in a jar and save it forever.

Tyler, you are such a great dad and a great husband. I love you!


I decided that we needed a picture of the three of us on Father's Day but since I forgot to have someone take it while we were at our family parties we were left to fend for ourselves. Olivia was super tired, cranky and hungry - bad combination. So, we tried, but weren't very successful. Oh well, you get the idea. Here is my sweet little family!



And, to my dad... you are the best dad in the world (sorry, I wiped my computer and don't have any pictures of you!)! You are always so positive and optimistic. You are super duper smart, a lot of fun to be around, and so generous - you'd do anything for anyone. I love that you love my husband like he is your own son (in fact, I joke that you probably love him more than me, ha ha!), it really does mean a lot to me. I love that you don't hold grudges and you don't let things bug you. Why? "Because if you spend your whole life letting things bug you, you are going to be one bugged person." Yes, that is what I always remember you telling me. It's probably one of the biggest lessons you ever taught me. You let all of us girls give you a hard time, but you just roll with it (how you don't go crazy with so many women in your house I will never know!) And, I love that you like hanging out with all your kids all the time. I hope my kids like to hang out with me as much as we like to hang out with you! Happy Father's Day!

And Happy Father's Day to Richard. I couldn't ask for a better father-in-law. I hope you have a great father's day and know how much we love you!