This is my wonderful husband David. I love this picture because it radiates who he is in all aspects. No matter what is going on in the world around him or even within the walls of our family, he is always smiling. He is a wonderful husband, partner, friend, and father. I am truly blessed and honored to be called his wife. I am writing this post because this gorgeous, smiling, lovable guy is approaching his 35th birthday. Birthdays are big at the Dean House. It was the hand picked day that God decided to bring you into this world. Huge!!! So I thought I would pay tribute to the Husband of the Year in honor of his birthday. That's right, in case you didn't catch that - my husband is Husband of the Year. And in case I ever forget, David reminds me of that. When I sit down for dinner after working late, I'll thank him and hear "Of course, I'm husband of the year." Or when I get home and 5 loads of laundry will be folded and put away, I'll thank him and hear "You bet, I'm husband of the year." Or better yet, when he brings my children into work to visit after a long weekend away from them, again, I'll thank him and hear "Heather - I'm husband of the year." Most of the time I laugh it off or roll my eyes, but down deep I whisper to myself - Your right. Thanks for all you do. WE LOVE YOU !!
Now does everyone realize why I can't seem to pull together supper for David when he arrives home in the evenings??? Suppertime truly is the most stressful time of the day for me - partly because stepping into a kitchen makes we want to break out in hives, and also because it is the time of day when my children require the most attention (as evidenced by the picture above.)
I have been waiting for a picture like this for such a long time. The day is here. For the last two days, Paloma has not stopped smiling and giggling. Why is that a big deal?? Because it has seemed like she has spent the last 13 months of her life crying, screaming, pouting, and frowning. My poor baby has had just a miserable start to life - mainly due to the fact that I don't believe she has really felt good from the day she was born. Dave and I can recall 2 months of her life where she has not been sick. As we are frantically trying to solve the mystery though, one of my biggest prayers has been answered - at least for the last 48 hours. I have always prayed for the health and happiness of my children. I think both are extremely important. As always my prayer has been answered. I am constantly reminded that my God is watching out over me and my kids even though at times it may not appear that way. He has been holding on to Paloma in the palm of His hand and I now believe this is her fresh start. I became extremely frustrated Fri. night and completely through up my hands in desperation. On Sat, it had seemed instead of getting better, my baby girl was again starting to feel worse. On Sun, our family awoke to a whole new girl. She hasn't stopped laughing, giggling, smiling, and acting like she feels great. These have probably been the best two days that I have spent with my daughter since the day she was born.
Here is a quick look back to Feb. 6, 2005 - the day my beautiful baby Mattea was born. It was an excruiatingly long night but all was forgotten the moment she arrived. Wishing you a very happy birthday my sweet girl.
Mattea and I began working on her Valentines this afternoon. I had her personalize each one with a picture and then she was responsible for placing a sticker on it as well. She was so into it and so proud of the job she was doing. I can see such a difference in her level of maturity from just a few short months ago. They turned out beautiful honey!
This last Sunday, Mattea celebrated her 3rd birthday back here in the Midwest amongst family and friends. We held a princess party in celebration of Gigi - God's Little Princess. We all dressed up as princesses, decorated crowns, play 'pin the shoe on Cinderella', and ate lots and lots of cake. A huge thanks to everyone who showed up to help celebrate my little girls special day.
Mattea watching out over Baby Hannah the same way Aunt Kim watches out over Baby Bennett.
