To Hadley: A Letter about your Dad

Dear Hadley,

I want to tell you a little bit about your Dad. You are the luckiest to call him yours!

Last night he heard you babbling and whining in your crib 30 minutes after you should have been asleep, so he went upstairs to check on you. A minute later he had you scooped up his arms to bring you downstairs to spend more time with us. When I saw you two round the corner staring at each other with two big identical grins, I started to tear up. I have never seen your dad look at anybody the way he looks at you.

Your dad always wanted you, Hadley. Before I got pregnant with you, I’d listened to him daydream for years about being a dad. That’s one of the qualities that I’ve always loved about him. Now that we have you, his daydreams are turning into our every day reality. He has never smiled, laughed, or goofed off so much in his entire life! You two bring out the very best in each other.

I know one day you’re going to be so proud of your dad. He fights for his country and he fights for his family (ask him about getting home to see your birth). He loves Jesus and loves reading His word. He studies the bible every morning and talks to God every night while leaning over your crib as you sleep.

Your dad makes me really happy, Hadley Boo. He knows that you’re going to watch his and my relationship and set expectations for your own future relationships based on what you see.

Your dad’s job is very honorable, but it may cause your surroundings to change sometimes. I pray that you grow to understand that even when your dad might be away that you are still his number one.

You and your dad have the same favorite time of the day – bathtime! He loves going through a bottle of Johnsons per week just filling up your tub with a mountain of bubbles. You splash and laugh while your dad forms bubble crowns on your head and plays peek-a-boo with you. You two are something else.

There’s no one that can make you giggle or make your eyes light up like your dad does.

He is patient, affectionate, hard-working, sensible, witty, kind, and intelligent. You’re always going to be able to count on him. He’s a gem.

I love you Had,
Mom

To Jamie – Happy 1st Fathers Day! You’re incredible and I’m grateful to be doing this raising a kid thing right along beside you. Thank you for providing for our family and loving us so well.