Father's Day...

When Brad and I first met, the chemistry between the two of us just clicked! I don't know how else to explain it, but within 2 weeks of dating (I was 16, he was almost 19) and the night before he left me to go to college, he said, "I'm coming back for you and I'm going to marry you." Literally, like any 16-year-old girl, I laughed out loud and responded with, "Yeah right! You're going to get to college and realize there are tons more fish in the sea!" Well, I didn't want to reveal then how much I hoped he'd prove me wrong. And he did. He sent me a letter almost daily. I have the BOXES to prove it. We spent every dime we made on long distance phone bills. We comment now about how much cheaper life would been had the cell phone industry just been about 10 years ahead of it's time!!! And he made the 3 hour trip to Sioux Falls SD every other weekend to spend time with me. A true love story...

When Brad and I decided to get married, I never thought about the two of us becoming parents nor how we would rate under such circumstances. I never thought about how Brad would transition from his role as a husband to that of a father. However, Logan's arrival was a pleasant surprise. Three years into our marriage, we found out we were expecting a bouncing baby boy. The memories of this time in our life are ones I'll never forget. There is something very tender about watching the man you love fall head over heels with a child. I will NEVER forget our first ultrasound at 20 weeks and how in awe he was watching our child bounce around in my stomach nor the moment Logan entered the world. For some reason, the tears welling up in his eyes as they placed Logan on my stomach is burned into my long-term memory. I don't remember much of the night he was born, but I remember looking at Brad as he scooped up Logan and held him so securely. Logan came out kicking and screaming. Nothing seemed to soothe him (not much has changed!). And very proudly, Brad took him and lulled and soothed him as best he could. For the first time, I knew Brad would be a GREAT father and nothing has changed since.

The same goes for London...She came into the world in a much calmer state of mind, but I watched Brad take her very protectively. I'm not sure if it was a "girl" thing, but he pretty much ditched me to be with her (No offense taken!). They've had a growing love affair with one another since Day One. There is one moment I'll never forget with London. Brad had broken away from the hospital to get something to eat. We were all settled in, London was sleeping in my arms. Brad called me from Subway and said, "Stac, I think she's so cute! She's beautiful!" And each and every day, I see a glimmer in his eyes as she comes running to greet him after work. It's so sexy to see your husband love and protect your daughter.

In honor of Father's Day, I wanted to share a card Logan made for Brad this year. As many of you know, we struggle with Logan daily. He's a very anxious and, hence, sleepless child. Since school is out for summer, Logan's sleeping habits have taken a turn for the worse. One of the nights this week, while he was trying to get to sleep, he decided to write Brad a Father's Day card. This was something he did completely on his own and it's so sweet that I had to share it.



In case the print is hard to read, it says: "Dear Dad, The number one dad in the world" He taped a penny on the page to signify "#1"



The inside says: "I hope you like your gift. I told you we wouldn't have to go golfing (Logan got Brad the new Tiger Woods Golf game for Wii), but Dad, even when I'm mad, I love you with my whole heart. I wanted you to know that. Love Logan and London and Mom.

It completely made me tear up...Mainly because it's something he did all on his own.

So, Happy Father's Day to the BEST husband and Father! I love you with my "hole" heart too!!!