As I think back on the events of the last year, I can't help but tear up (yeah, the baby blues might have something to do with it). We celebrate another anniversary as we welcome our 5th miracle into this world. I have to mourn the passing of our "family building" years as I welcome a year we have already decided should be, at least in part, dedicated to reclaiming our own physical fitness. As I look back thankfully on 7 wonderful years, I am also saddened by the thought of how fast they have passed. Our first 4 babies are babies no more, and I know it won't be long before Baby Tiny is talking and walking.
This year has been filled with lows like my grandfather's passing and having to skip my sister's wedding and highs like welcoming baby Eliana, watching our children enjoying life's simple pleasures, and actually spending a night away from all of them to celebrate our anniversary.
At the end of this emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, I look back thankfully that I've had you to lean on throughout the last 7 years. With each year that passes, you've shown me all the reasons why I've grown to love you more today than I did the day we got married. I know what Amelia means when she says she wishes she could marry you too. It's that she cannot imagine a greater man than her Daddy. Her world may still be small, but I have to agree with her that I cannot imagine a better husband or father. She is wise beyond her years.
With 7 years behind us, I look forward to what our future may hold. Of course, I pray that includes many more happy, healthy years raising our family. I mentioned the other night that I found the words of Steve Jobs about having kids ("It's 10,000 times better than anything I've ever done.")really struck a chord. I've always felt that family is the most important thing in life, so that is no revelation. Rather, I think the perspective his statement offers, that someone as accomplished as Steve Jobs looks back at life, with the end in sight, and decides that having kids was his greatest achievement is so revealing. Like Jobs, I don't want to look back at life and have any regrets about how I was or wasn't there for our family. Being the workaholic I am, I expect you to keep me in check.
I can't imagine having shared the amazing journey of the last 7 years with anyone else. Fresh in my mind are the memories of our wedding, traveling in Hawaii as newlyweds, finding out we were pregnant with Jameson, watching you sleep with each of our babies on your chest, bringing Truman and Amelia home from the hospital to meet Jameson, laughing at the surprise of Darwin's birth when we realized he was a boy, and our shock when we realized we were pregnant with Eliana. These memories just skim the surface of our years together, but they remind me how blessed we have been. My hopes for our future are simple: health and happiness for our family and time to watch our children grow and build their own families. When you think about it, it's all that really matters, and I'm lucky to share it with you.
Showing posts with label Dedicated to James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dedicated to James. Show all posts
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
So What If It's Not Father's Day
After a long blogging hiatus, I needed something like Father's Day to pull me out of my rut. Sadly, I missed the actual date, but I am still compelled to write my "Father's Day" post. After all, there's no reason we can't celebrate Father's Day any day of the year.
In this household, I am the one that fails to plan for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion. James is far better in this department, and the kids know it. Apparently, Father's Day deserves more hype than I planned. Jameson told me on Saturday (our chosen day to celebrate) that 'Dad gets to sleep late and eat breakfast in bed'. I told him that we were making cards, and he told me, "We have to make more plans than that". Like I said, I usually fall short in special event planning. Jameson was right. Our family owes James more than that, but James was happy to sleep in until 10:30 and eat a cold bacon, egg, & cheese biscuit in bed. The beauty of men is that they are simple creatures.
Well, I might have missed the actual day, but that does not make James's role in our family any less special any other day. Every day I come home to happy, healthy children (and maybe a cooked dinner) is another day I am thankful for everything he does for us. I know the children concur.
They each have their special bond with their dad, and it's always cute, sometimes even funny, to see it in action. For instance, one of Amelia's favorite rituals is to ask to hold his finger whenever we're in the car. Yes, it sounds ridiculous, and it is, but it's still kind of cute. I am not sure how this strange request ever came up, but I am sure one day she will laugh when I tell her that story.
Jameson's favorite pastime with Dad is definitely video games, specifically Mario Galaxy (or the more recently released Mario Galaxy 2). Strangely, Jameson doesn't even care to play so much as he does to WATCH James play. I'm not sure why or how it works, but Jameson loves to have some video game time with dad.
Truman's favorite time with Dad is just about any one-on-one time he can get. Truman is so good at independent play and is so low-maintenance (usually) that it's easy to just let him do his thing. He's happy to play on his own, but he loves it when James roughhouses with him. He will squeal in delight and his legs buckle when he's laughing hard, startled, or excited. Truman loves to curl up on the couch with Dad, his cup of milk, and a good cartoon.
Darwin is the latest addition to this rowdy bunch. He's no longer happy to sit back and watch all the fun, so he is demanding to get down and do what the other kids are doing. Like all those before him, Darwin is a big fan of Dad. I know James was happy to finally have one of our kids say "da da" before "ma ma".
Okay, so I'm a bit late with my "Father's Day" post, but is there ever really a bad time to say thanks, James, for being without question the best dad and husband possible? I don't think so.
In this household, I am the one that fails to plan for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion. James is far better in this department, and the kids know it. Apparently, Father's Day deserves more hype than I planned. Jameson told me on Saturday (our chosen day to celebrate) that 'Dad gets to sleep late and eat breakfast in bed'. I told him that we were making cards, and he told me, "We have to make more plans than that". Like I said, I usually fall short in special event planning. Jameson was right. Our family owes James more than that, but James was happy to sleep in until 10:30 and eat a cold bacon, egg, & cheese biscuit in bed. The beauty of men is that they are simple creatures.
Well, I might have missed the actual day, but that does not make James's role in our family any less special any other day. Every day I come home to happy, healthy children (and maybe a cooked dinner) is another day I am thankful for everything he does for us. I know the children concur.
They each have their special bond with their dad, and it's always cute, sometimes even funny, to see it in action. For instance, one of Amelia's favorite rituals is to ask to hold his finger whenever we're in the car. Yes, it sounds ridiculous, and it is, but it's still kind of cute. I am not sure how this strange request ever came up, but I am sure one day she will laugh when I tell her that story.
Jameson's favorite pastime with Dad is definitely video games, specifically Mario Galaxy (or the more recently released Mario Galaxy 2). Strangely, Jameson doesn't even care to play so much as he does to WATCH James play. I'm not sure why or how it works, but Jameson loves to have some video game time with dad.
Truman's favorite time with Dad is just about any one-on-one time he can get. Truman is so good at independent play and is so low-maintenance (usually) that it's easy to just let him do his thing. He's happy to play on his own, but he loves it when James roughhouses with him. He will squeal in delight and his legs buckle when he's laughing hard, startled, or excited. Truman loves to curl up on the couch with Dad, his cup of milk, and a good cartoon.
Darwin is the latest addition to this rowdy bunch. He's no longer happy to sit back and watch all the fun, so he is demanding to get down and do what the other kids are doing. Like all those before him, Darwin is a big fan of Dad. I know James was happy to finally have one of our kids say "da da" before "ma ma".
Okay, so I'm a bit late with my "Father's Day" post, but is there ever really a bad time to say thanks, James, for being without question the best dad and husband possible? I don't think so.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
As James's first Father's Day as a stay-at-home dad, I must admit that this Father's Day will stick in my memory as a pivotal point in our family's history. Thinking back to several months ago when we made the decision to have James stay at home with kids, I was a bit uneasy that maybe we had made a decision that he would later feel he had been pressured into making. We agreed we would keep an open mind and we would re-evaluate our decision if we needed to in six months. We knew we were making a big decision for our family, and we hoped it was the right one.
Well into James's first month at home with the kids, I cannot imagine doing a better job myself or our kids being any luckier than to get to stay home with their dad. Sadly, I have been working longer hours in June due to our system implementation, so my evenings with the kids have been short. On the other hand, I get a great sense of relief in knowing that they are with their dad. James is also kind enough to document their days at home with plenty of pictures and blog posts.
Any honest parent knows that both fathers and mothers play such an important role in child development. This year, James has done more than his half of the work, and I know our children are better for it. He is a patient teacher and disciplinarian. He knows how to engage and distract them. He is confident, loving, and nurturing. I could go on, but I already know that I am blessed. More importantly, my children could not have a better father.
Happy Father's Day, James, and to any of you fathers out there making a difference in your kids' lives.
Well into James's first month at home with the kids, I cannot imagine doing a better job myself or our kids being any luckier than to get to stay home with their dad. Sadly, I have been working longer hours in June due to our system implementation, so my evenings with the kids have been short. On the other hand, I get a great sense of relief in knowing that they are with their dad. James is also kind enough to document their days at home with plenty of pictures and blog posts.
Any honest parent knows that both fathers and mothers play such an important role in child development. This year, James has done more than his half of the work, and I know our children are better for it. He is a patient teacher and disciplinarian. He knows how to engage and distract them. He is confident, loving, and nurturing. I could go on, but I already know that I am blessed. More importantly, my children could not have a better father.
Happy Father's Day, James, and to any of you fathers out there making a difference in your kids' lives.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
With This Ring
Four years ago, I made a promise. It went something like this.
In the name of God, I, Julie, take you, James, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
The last sentence here really strikes me. THIS IS MY SOLEMN VOW. Sometimes I wonder if people really think about what they're doing when they commit to spending the rest of their lives with someone. The idea that about half of all couples married in the U.S., at some point, decide to call it quits is, in fact, solemn.
Someone I know (who shall remain nameless) finalized her divorce yesterday. She was married for 13 years in a loveless, abusive, unhappy marriage, and finally decided to give him that divorce he wanted. Two other friends (who will also remain nameless), who sadly have young children, are facing the possibility of divorce - one largely due to financial disputes, the other due largely to bad decision-making. I know marriage is tough, but isn't it worth fighting for? Sometimes, as in the first case I mention here, divorce seems like the only option. Often, I think people just give up because it gets too hard.
Out of curiousity, I went looking for some divorce statistics. Here is what I found - Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 1996 . Just read the first page.
Considering the sad state of marriage in our country, I decided that we're doing our part. I think one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is provide them with a stable, loving home where they have parents who, not only love them, but love each other. Well, we're not perfect, but we're doing our best to bring out the best in one another.
Today, James and I celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary, and I continue to be thankful and feel truly blessed that I get to spend my life with such an amazing person. We have our good days and our bad ones, but the good days make it easy to forget the bad. Parenthood really adds a new dynamic to marriage, and I love to be reminded of all the reasons I chose James - like when I watch him playing with our children.
Brace yourself, James, because I'm about to do something you say (when you're mad) I never do: give you a lot of credit. You are a wonderful, and extremely capable father and husband. I don't know many dads that take all 3 of their kids under the age of 3 out shopping by themselves or volunteer to watch them so their wives can get some time away from the house. I love that Jameson told you that "You took good care of me and babies, Dad." because he's absolutely right. In many ways, you are far more capable than I am as a parent.
I cannot think of a better way to spend my life and raise a family than with such a capable partner. Somehow you always know when I need you to jump in and rescue me from myself. I think our kids know it too. Last night was a perfect example. After a late-night, making my much-delayed iPhoto calendar, I was in no state of mind to stay up all night with Jameson. You sent me to bed and somehow still managed to comfort him all night. Even better, you stayed home with him so I could get some work done. Your children are as lucky to have you as I am.
No matter what the statistics say, I plan to keep my promise. This is my solemn vow.
Happy Anniversary!(btw - don't tell me I never give you any credit.)
In the name of God, I, Julie, take you, James, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
The last sentence here really strikes me. THIS IS MY SOLEMN VOW. Sometimes I wonder if people really think about what they're doing when they commit to spending the rest of their lives with someone. The idea that about half of all couples married in the U.S., at some point, decide to call it quits is, in fact, solemn.
Someone I know (who shall remain nameless) finalized her divorce yesterday. She was married for 13 years in a loveless, abusive, unhappy marriage, and finally decided to give him that divorce he wanted. Two other friends (who will also remain nameless), who sadly have young children, are facing the possibility of divorce - one largely due to financial disputes, the other due largely to bad decision-making. I know marriage is tough, but isn't it worth fighting for? Sometimes, as in the first case I mention here, divorce seems like the only option. Often, I think people just give up because it gets too hard.
Out of curiousity, I went looking for some divorce statistics. Here is what I found - Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 1996 . Just read the first page.
Considering the sad state of marriage in our country, I decided that we're doing our part. I think one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is provide them with a stable, loving home where they have parents who, not only love them, but love each other. Well, we're not perfect, but we're doing our best to bring out the best in one another.
Today, James and I celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary, and I continue to be thankful and feel truly blessed that I get to spend my life with such an amazing person. We have our good days and our bad ones, but the good days make it easy to forget the bad. Parenthood really adds a new dynamic to marriage, and I love to be reminded of all the reasons I chose James - like when I watch him playing with our children.
Brace yourself, James, because I'm about to do something you say (when you're mad) I never do: give you a lot of credit. You are a wonderful, and extremely capable father and husband. I don't know many dads that take all 3 of their kids under the age of 3 out shopping by themselves or volunteer to watch them so their wives can get some time away from the house. I love that Jameson told you that "You took good care of me and babies, Dad." because he's absolutely right. In many ways, you are far more capable than I am as a parent.
I cannot think of a better way to spend my life and raise a family than with such a capable partner. Somehow you always know when I need you to jump in and rescue me from myself. I think our kids know it too. Last night was a perfect example. After a late-night, making my much-delayed iPhoto calendar, I was in no state of mind to stay up all night with Jameson. You sent me to bed and somehow still managed to comfort him all night. Even better, you stayed home with him so I could get some work done. Your children are as lucky to have you as I am.
No matter what the statistics say, I plan to keep my promise. This is my solemn vow.
Happy Anniversary!(btw - don't tell me I never give you any credit.)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
I'm Hiding
James just left for New York, and he left me with 2 fussy babies. They are all normally asleep at this time in the morning, but today they decided to wake up and cry. I have been rocking and trying to calm them for 45 minutes or so. I just gave up, and I came out here to get away from the crying.
Bedtime is the one time of the day that Truman really struggles unless he's sleeping with me. He's in his swing, and calling for me. It's hard not to pick him up, but it's also tiresome to always give in and let him have his way. I'm giving him some time to try to fall asleep on his own, but in 10 more minutes I'll probably just give up. Should I feel sorry for James when he comes home telling me how tired his is and that he needs a nap? This is the sob story he told me after his last "business" trip. You can imagine that I didn't really have much sympathy for how tired he was after he got to sleep in a quiet hotel room.
I hope you have fun out there, but come home well-rested.
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